Randomized controlled trial is the first class evidence in evidence-based medicine research. Reasonable control method is a methodology assurance to obtain reliable research results. The close non-acupoint placebo control method is commonly used in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture abroad. Some trails obtained a result that there was no significant difference between placebo acupuncture and acupuncture. We think that the close non-acupoint control method is not an appropriate placebo acupuncture control method according to analysis on dimensional structure

lesion responses

surface characteristics and body surface area of acupoints.