[grzm]

Do you have specific criticisms of the NYTimes piece? Reasons to think these particular claims are false? If you do, please do share, as it would be a substantial contribution to the conversation. Throwing aspersions or drive-by allusions of doubt is a primary reason why we're in the current situation where we can't seem to find agreement on so many things that should be facts.

[JoeAltmaier]

In addition to being the worlds largest market for acupuncture, herbology, aphrodisiacs and a whole constellation of farce around 'chi'?

Here's some insight: http://io9.gizmodo.com/academic-fraud-in-china-is-getting-ou...

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-67...

http://www.scidev.net/global/networks/editorials/china-must-...

[grzm]

Your links provide more support than you comments regarding folklore. Other cultures are no stranger to superstitions, quack remedies, and non-scientific religious practices.

China has also progressed quite handily economically and technologically, areas that don't admit to too much reliance on things that don't work. Cautious skepticism isn't the same as out-of-hand dismissal.

[JoeAltmaier]

'Problematic' isn't quite the same as dismissal. But I get your point. Will tone it down!