I could be wrong, but I thought I read a quote by Novella saying something to the effect that no further studies are justified due to lack of evidence. Yet, there are some positive results reported--as a single example:
http://www.mskcc.org/blog/clinical-trials-analysis-finds-acupuncture-effective-treating-chronic-pain
It depends upon whether you are talking about acupuncture or needling. Acupuncture is an idea about health based on the flow of qi, which pretty thoroughly lacks evidence. There is some evidence that sticking needles into people has a minor effect on some pain (minor, as in "any additional pain relief is less than the minimum which patients look for").
I also wonder if the studies go into any great depth with regards to the practitioners experience. I personally know western physicians who employ acupuncture in their practice after taking some courses on it, yet their knowledge is no where near others who have studied TCM and that whole philosophy for their entire lives.
Studies have included experienced practitioners.
Linda