The most famous treatment in TCM is probably acupuncture. It’s a treatment which has gained increasing popularity in western countries. Acupuncture is thought to be primarily for aches and pains or to alleviate the problems from an injury, however, it has a much broader medicinal application. Today, acupuncture is being used in clinical trials for a wide range of moderate ailments to life-threatening conditions. These include arthritis, chronic back pain, sciatica, HIV/AIDS, gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine and metabolic disorders, hepatic and biliary disorders, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, genitourinary disorders, pulmonary disorders, many others. The technique involves using various sized needles which the acupuncturist (physician) inserts into points along meridians in the body. These meridians are energy points and designed to stimulate the Qi, or the person’s life-force and the healing process. The ‘needling’ can be done dry or using electricity (electrical stimulation).
“Acupuncture has established a reputation among the public for being a safe and effective treatment for a range of conditions. It relies greatly on its reputation for its widespread acceptance and growth as a valuable treatment technique” (White, 2007, p.9).
Exceptions are that in next five years most of US hospitals will implement the usage of acupuncture in their facilities. This will improve total patient care, and it will significantly reduce many of the opium (pain medicine) side effects on patients.
