For thousands of years, acupuncture has been a part of Eastern medicine, but for several decades, it has also been the subject of scientific research and clinical practice in Western medicine. Today, acupuncture is a recognized therapeutic method recommended by numerous medical organizations and utilized in hospitals and clinics worldwide.
Acupuncture in hospitals and clinics
- In many Western European countries (including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom), acupuncture is reimbursed and used in the treatment of chronic pain, migraines, and neurological disorders.
- In the United States, it is utilized in major medical centers as part of what is known as integrative medicine – for instance, in postoperative pain management, supportive oncology, and neurological rehabilitation.
- In Asia (China, Japan, Korea), it is an integral part of the healthcare system and is applied in both private practices and large clinical hospitals.
What does science confirm?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has long recognized acupuncture as a method that finds application in the treatment of many diseases and ailments. Numerous clinical trials confirm its effectiveness in managing chronic pain, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, and mood disorders, among others.
Why does this matter to patients?
The fact that acupuncture is practiced in prestigious hospitals and clinics worldwide demonstrates its safety and therapeutic value. It is not an alternative method detached from medicine, but a complementary one that can effectively support pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation.