Autogenic relaxation techniques may augment the analgesic effect of acupuncture treatment according to a new report. In a randomised controlled trial, the use of autogenic relaxation during acupuncture treatment for pain was investigated. Twenty seven patients attending an out-patient acupuncture clinic, all suffering from chronic pain of various origins, were asked to listen to a tape either of music or of autogenic relaxation suggestions during acupuncture treatment. Measurements pre and post treatment were taken of perceived pain, and comparisons between the two tapes used and a no tape group was made. The results revealed a trend towards benefit from the use of an autogenic relaxation tape during acupuncture treatment, and although the study group was too small for this to be significant , the results have prompted further research into the integration of relaxation techniques with acupuncture.