Acupuncture has been the subject of active scientific research both in regard to its basis and therapeutic effectiveness since the late 20th century, but it remains controversial among medical researchers and clinicians.[3] Research on acupuncture points and meridians is preliminary and has not conclusively demonstrated their existence or properties.[4] Clinical assessment of acupuncture treatments, due to its invasive and easily detected nature, makes it difficult to use proper scientific controls for placebo effects.[3][5][6][7][8]

Evidence supports the use of acupuncture to control some types of nausea[9] and pain[10] but evidence for the treatment of other conditions is equivocal[3] and several review articles discussing the effectiveness of acupuncture have concluded it is possible to explain through the placebo effect.[11][12]