However, the biggest problem with the current research is that most studies are of a poor quality and are therefore unreliable. For example, only three trials used "sham" acupuncture as a control in studies conducted in the UK. whereas no 'sham' acupuncture was used in the trials in China. Part of the problem is that in the Chinese studies the patients are hand-picked. Patients come to the hospital to receive treatment because they already believe and trust in traditional medicines. These patients are not willing to be put into a control group to receive 'sham' treatment and therefore it is difficult to conduct a proper study.