Several limitations affect the current body of research on acupuncture:
- Placebo Effect: The placebo effect can be strong in acupuncture studies, making it difficult to determine true efficacy. - Heterogeneity: Variations in acupuncture techniques, points, and practitioner skill can influence outcomes. - Small Sample Sizes: Many studies have small sample sizes, limiting the ability to generalize findings. - Publication Bias: Positive results are more likely to be published, skewing the overall perception of acupuncture's effectiveness.
