Is there any scientific proof that indicate acupuncture works?
In recent medical practice, the doctor’s personal preference or belief has played a diminishing role in selecting the medical procedure for their patient. Instead, much more emphasis has been placed on evidence from rigorous research. This is called evidence-based medicine (EBM). This trend has also influenced the practice of acupuncture and over the last decade, acupuncture has been put through serious testing according to western scientific research standards. In 1997, the US National Institute of Health conducted a large conference where panels of expert scientists discussed the efficacy and safety of acupuncture based on current evidence. Following the meeting, NIH issued a report entitled the “NIH Consensus Statement of Acupuncture”, which acknowledged the effectiveness of acupuncture in a variety of health conditions. Furthermore, they recommended US insurance companies cover acupuncture for treatment of some recommended conditions. Dr. Tanaka’s research published in the Internat
