"Dozens of RCTs of auricular acupuncture have been published; many of them have generated positive results. Close scrutiny, however, reveals that most of these studies are methodologically weak. Whenever the totality of the evidence is critically evaluated, as for instance in the case of auricular acupuncture for cocaine dependence, the results are either cautious or totally negative: 'There is currently no evidence that auricular acupuncture is effective …..In summary, auricular acupuncture is based on a bizarre concept that has little or no biological plausibility. The trial evidence is mixed but, on critical assessment, far from convincing. Of course, we should keep an open mind — but let us be careful that in doing so our brains do not fall out." Professor Edzard Ernst, debate published in Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies [FACT] (March 2008)