Does acupuncture work?

In this early Stuff You Should Know episode from 2011, Josh and Chuck dive into the ancient practice of acupuncture, exploring both Eastern and Western explanations for how sticking tiny needles into specific body points might actually heal you. They discuss the 2,500-year history of this Chinese medical tradition, from its philosophical roots in balancing yin and yang energy through meridian pathways, to modern scientific studies showing its effectiveness for everything from lazy eye to chemotherapy-induced nausea. The hosts also cover different types of acupuncture practiced around the world and examine the ongoing debate about whether it's legitimate medicine or just an elaborate placebo effect.