Traditional Chinese medicine is a discipline that focuses on human pathology, clinical diagnosis, and health prevention. It is characterized by unique methodology and oriental philosophy with thousands of years’ history. The basic concept encouraged by ancient Chinese medicine is micro interaction between nature and humans. Any imbalance caused by energy flow commonly results in illness. To relieve symptoms, classical approaches such as Acupuncture, Cupping, and Tuina/Massage help individuals retain balance between internal (organs) and external elements (nature).

Acupuncture is defined as a technique that uses needles to address health issues. According to NIH, it has been recently viewed as an alternative approach of modern medicine to help patients with chronic and acute symptoms. As a certified clinical practice, acupuncture therapy is rooted in “Qi” and “Yin-Yang”; it is distinguished from modern pathology by the emphasis on energy flow. Unlike modern medicine, the effectiveness of acupuncture is strengthened by herbal medicine rather than chemical products.

The data from NIH indicates around 50% growth in acupuncture users between 2002 and 2012. With the development of scientific research, oriental medicine is gradually transformed into a modern discipline and commonly used among different populations.

Citation: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know