General practitioner's equipment on a desk, including a stethoscope (far left) and otoscope (ear examination tool, upper centre). Acupuncture needles (boxed, centre) are also seen. Acupuncture is widely seen as an alternative therapy. Its explanatory framework, involving the flow of qi" energy, contradicts evidence-based knowledge of physiology. However, there is evidence that it is effective in treating nausea, vomiting and in pain relief."