J Rheumatol. 1978 Summer; 5(2): 121-4.

A controlled trial of the theory of acupuncture in musculoskeletal pain.

Godfrey CM, Morgan P.

We carried out a randomized trail compraing acupuncture done is theoretically correct [appropriate] and incorrect [inappropirate] locations for chronic musculoskeletal pains in various sites. Throughout the trial, neither the patient, nor the assessor, nor the acupuncturist, knew if the site of the acupuncture was appropriate to the patient's symptoms according to acupuncture theory. Although 60% had reduced pain after three treatments, there was no significant difference between the treatments. Our findings, while not disproving the value of acupuncture, do not support the theory that certain specific points must be needled to relieve specific areas of pain.