Abstract
Acupuncture has three main roles in western medicine (i) therapeutic, (ii) research, (iii) cultural and political.
(i) Therapeutic: There has been a steady increase in the use of acupuncture in western medicine, both as complementary to orthodox medicine and also on its own.
(ii) Research: Basic research is steadily defining the mechanism of action of acupuncture. Controlled clinical research is slowly substantiating the clinical efficacy of acupuncture.
(iii) Cultural/political: There is a steady increase in the availability of information about, and training in acupuncture by way of books, Journals and training courses. Acupuncture has been a potent stimulus to cultural exchanges and has thus encouraged peaceful collaboration between East and West.
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