The effects of acupuncture or electro-acupuncture on the objective and subjective measures of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were evaluated in a Cochrane review. Comparative controlled studies, such as RCTs and CCTs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, were eligible. Trials published in languages other than French and English were not analysed. Abstracts were excluded unless further data could be obtained from the authors. Two independent reviewers identified potential articles from the literature search and extracted data using predefined extraction forms. Consensus was reached on all the extracted data. Quality was assessed by two reviewers using a five-point validated tool that measured the quality of randomisation, double-blinding and description of withdrawals. Two studies involving a total of 84 people were included. One study used acupuncture while the other used electro-acupuncture. In the acupuncture study, no statistically significant difference was found between groups for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, VAS for patient’s global assessment, number of swollen joints and tender joints, general health questionnaire, modified disease activity scale or for the decrease in analgesic intake. Although not statistically significant, pain in the treatment group improved by four points on a 0–100 mm VAS vs. no improvement in the placebo group. In the second study, using electro-acupuncture, a significant decrease in knee pain was reported in the experimental group, 24 h post treatment, when compared to the placebo group. A significant decrease was found also at 4 months post treatment.