Researchers have found acupuncture to be modestly more effective than a placebo treatment, where needles are inserted superficially or at a non-traditional site.

The study, which looked at 17,922 participants enrolled in 29 high quality, randomised trials, found that acupuncture’s pain relief benefit was statistically superior to both usual care as well as placebo acupuncture.

The researchers say these findings are likely to give acupuncture recognition as a treatment and encourage clinicians to recommend it as safe and effective.