Stephen Barrett

In the following viewpoint, Stephen Barrett claims that acupuncture has not been proven to work, despite the claims of advocates of traditional Chinese medicine. According to Barrett, studies conclude that acupuncture does not relieve pain better than placebos do. He contends that rather than support the use of acupuncture, the National Institutes of Health should point out the treatment’s drawbacks. Barrett is vice president of the National Council Against Health Fraud, a scientific adviser to the American Council on Science and Health, and the author of forty-nine books, including The Health Robbers: A Close Look at Quackery in America.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Barrett, how is acupuncture used in Chinese surgery?
2. What is the “fake needle” test, as described by the author?
3. What problem does Barrett...