Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and pain conditions Over the years there has been substantial debate about whether acupuncture really works for chronic pain. Research from an international team of experts adds to the evidence that it does provide real relief from common forms of pain. Despite wide use in clinical practice, acupuncture remains a controversial treatment for chronic pain. Referral for a course of acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for a patient with chronic pain. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment of chronic pain, within the context of the methodological quality of the studies. Complementary medicine databases, bibliographies and articles were searched. Our objective was to determine the effect size of acupuncture for chronic pain conditions. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials randomized trial. We included randomized trials of acupuncture needling versus either sham acupuncture or no acupuncture control. We conclude that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain, with treatment effects persisting over time.