Acupuncture Treatment Among Other 'Alternatives'

The public-more interested in results than theory- have been increasingly seeking acupuncture treatment (among other 'alternatives' such as homeopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, osteopathy and herbalism) and this will in time undoubtedly lead to a more serious medical appraisal of this long-established system of medicine.

A more holistic approach to orthodox medicine is also pining strength. In England, the British Holistic Medical Association has recently invited alternative practioners to in lime members and share ideas.

In connection with this, moves towards long-term, 'patient-oriented' research in contrast to short-term 'disease-oriented' investigations will also tend to highlight the dangers and limitations of drug therapy.

From this new atmosphere of openness and willingness to consider alternatives could come a further development of the 'two-legged' approach found in China today.

The strengths of Western medicine — especially in surgery, the fast response to accidents and intensive care - could be matched by the longterm benefits of the approach of the alternative therapies in which acupuncture occupies a major role.