Medical Acupuncture

Medical Author:

Joseph Sciammarella, MD, FACP, FACEP

Joseph Sciammarella, MD, FACP, FACEP

Dr. Sciammarella graduated from American University of the Caribbean in June, 1985. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Emergency Medicine and has practiced Emergency Medicine for 19 years.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

• Medical Acupuncture Introduction
• History
• Taoist Origins
• Acupuncture Physiology
• Acupuncture Needles
• Side Effects
• Medical Insurance
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors
• Related acupuncture articles:
  Acupuncture - on WebMD
  Acupuncture - on MedicineNet
• Read more on Medical Acupuncture from Healthwise

Medical Acupuncture Introduction

Acupuncture is just one of the elements that make up the discipline often referred to as traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, is a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that include techniques such as massage therapy and acupuncture, along with herbal medicine and various forms of mind-body exercise such as Daijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) and Qigong (Chi Gong).

In many states, licensed acupuncturists are independently licensed health-care practitioners. In some states, physicians who obtain additional training and qualification in acupuncture are allowed to perform acupuncture within the scope of their license to practice medicine.

• The term medical acupuncture is used to denote the practice of acupuncture performed by a licensed physician.



• The state requirements for the practice of acupuncture vary. Be sure that any practitioner you visit has met the requirements for your state.