Episode
Is It Time We Stop Publishing Acupuncture Research from China?
- Published
- Apr 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 623
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Summary
Acupuncture research from China shows an implausibly high rate of positive results, driven by systemic bias, poor methodology, and powerful cultural and political incentives that shield the practice from critical scrutiny. Rather than banning such studies outright, the article argues for stricter research standards and greater skepticism to prevent distorted evidence from shaping global health policy. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/is-it-time-we-stop-publishing-acupuncture-research-from-china/ About the Author: Nick Tiller is an exercise scientist and writer covering health, performance, and wellness misinformation. He's the author of The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science (Taylor & Francis, 2020) and The Health and Wellness Lie (Bloomsbury/Hopkins Press, 2026). He's been a Skeptical Inquirer columnist since 2021 and is an elected Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. www.nbtiller.com Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/