I assume this lady is being treated for her chronic back problem.  I know whenever my back aches, I like to stick red and white needles in my face so that it makes it look like I have weird side burns.  Then I go out in public and the fear in the all the kids eyes that look at me some how soothes my aching back.

Acupuncture brought more relief to people with back pain than standard treatments, whether it was done with a toothpick or a real needle, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a study that raises new questions about how acupuncture works.

They divided patients into several groups. One got seven weeks of standardized acupuncture treatment known to be effective in back pain. Another group got an individually prescribed acupuncture treatment.

A third group was treated using a toothpick in a needle guide tube that did not pierce the skin as regular acupuncture does, but targeting the correct acupuncture “points”.

A fourth group just got standard medical treatment, which included medication and physical therapy.

A fifth group was treated with kitchen knives.  Oddly, this group of patients did not see any improvement in their condition.

(Via Reuters)