It would be only fair to say that when I mention Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), philosophy and oriental medicine, acupuncture is only a very small part of what Traditional Chinese Medicine can do to help a person maintain and regain their good health. Chinese medicine itself incorporates a combination of the mind, the body and the spirit in the healing techniques. Oriental medicine uses various techniques which may include but is not limited to areas such as Chinese herbal remedies, tui-na, (a form of massage and body manipulation), electro-stimulation, infrared therapies, laser therapy, diet, nutrition, exercise, breathing and relaxation techniques, etc.

Acupuncture by itself is taught and practiced all over the world in many countries and each country uses their own individual style and technique. Germany has its own style and technique as does Japan, Korea, Australia, France, Russia and Italy. Besides these countries already mentioned, there are still many others that use their own acupuncture techniques. But it should be said that most of these different and varied styles of acupuncture were derived from the Traditional Chinese Medicine health care system and then modified to some degree.

Acupuncture as a sole treatment method became very popular, especially during the early 1970's when then President Nixon opened the doors to China. Many of his representatives were in awe when they toured different Chinese hospitals and observed first hand the wondrous results of acupuncture and oriental medicine techniques. By the middle and late 1970's, acupuncture was being taught in oriental medicine universities in the United States and about the same time, different healing professions began teaching brief instruction courses on the subject.

There were numerous chiropractic colleges introducing acupuncture as a treatment mode. Also, the American Medical Association began offering brief courses around the country to allow the MD’s to participate in this new found alternative treatment modality.

In addition to the thirty or more oriental medical universities and/or acupuncture colleges offering acupuncture training, there are many very good training courses now available around the country, should one want to take a brief course to understand acupuncture and its use. Besides the chiropractic and American Medical Association courses there are also homeopathic and naturopathic colleges teaching acupuncture and oriental medicine. So, it would appear anyone would have a choice as to where to go and study the subject….