In our May 2012 issue, we spoke to professionals in the dance and medical world about the effectiveness of acupuncture. Opinions varied, though all agreed the practice was harmless, even if not significantly beneficial. However, the latest study on acupuncture indicates the ancient Chinese remedy, intended to improve circulation by unblocking qi (or energy), may produce real, measurable results.

During the test, subjects receiving acupuncture experienced relief from chronic pain in the neck, back and shoulders, as well as decreased pain from headaches or osteoarthritis. Their results were much more significant than those receiving “fake” acupuncture through placebo needles and sometimes even more than those receiving more traditional pain treatments.