John’s wort doesn’t treat depression, and ginkgo doesn’t improve memory, and saw palmetto doesn’t shrink prostates, then why do so many people believe they do? And if the human nervous system isn’t related to rivers in China, and all diseases aren’t based on misaligned spines, and highly diluted medicines don’t contain any active ingredients, then why do acupuncturists, chiropractors, and homeopaths have such a devoted following? The answers can be found during a testy exchange between Mehmet Oz and Steven Novella. In April 2011, Oz discussed acupuncture on The Dr. Oz Show. Researchers have spent a lot of time and money studying acupuncture in people who claim it works. First, they compared outcomes when needles were inserted into correct or incorrect acupuncture points. No difference. Then, they used both standard and retractable needles; patients felt the sting of the needle but didn’t know whether it had entered the skin. Again, no difference. Despite these studies, Mehmet Oz continues to promote acupuncture.
