The more elaborate one, in this study that compares sugar pills vs sham acupuncture for chronic pain:
Performing acupuncture is more elaborate than prescribing medicine. Other rituals that may make patients feel better include’white coats, and stethoscopes that you don’t necessarily use, pictures on the wall, the way you reassure a patient, and the secretaries that sign you in.’ Careful manipulation of such rituals could make all types of treatment more effective.
