In this interview with Dr. Ginger Campbell, M.D. of the Books and Ideas blog, Germany’s first Certified Rolfer, Dr. Robert Schleip, PhD discusses the role of science in the world of complementary medicine. Topics include a German study on the efficacy of acupuncture, the dynamics of fascia in injury and healing, and the ways in which his scientific research has changed his understanding of Rolfing and other complementary therapies.

Update: The study Dr. Schleip references can be read in its entirety here. The German Acupuncture Trials pitted standard medical protocol, real acupuncture, and fake acupuncture against each other in the treatment of low-back pain. Standard medical protocol scored about a 27.4% success rate. Real acupuncture scored 47.6%. Fake acupuncture?

44.2%.