AcupunctureFor many centuries, humanity has been in an eternal search for cures and treatments for many chronic conditions. Currently, conventional medicine is mainly performed by doctors and other healthcare professionals, with extensive use of drugs, surgery or radiation treatments to treat diseases. In contrast, although not as popular, complementary and alternative medicine and treatment options are slowly gaining popularity and becoming an adjunct to traditional medicine. Complementary and alternative treatments are identified as a group of medical and healing systems different from traditional ones. This type of approach focuses on individualized treatment of the patient, treats the body as a whole and promotes self-healing and the search for the spiritual nature of each individual. One of the crucial points that conventional and alternative medicine have in common is the awareness of good nutrition and the promotion of preventive care (White House Commission, 2014). Background of AcupunctureAcupuncture originated in China and has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. This modality is considered the main treatment of traditional Chinese medicine. Its main concept is the belief that the body has hidden channels identified as meridians. These channels allow the flow of energy which is considered a life force throughout the body. The acupuncture modality believes that when this energy becomes obstructed or imbalanced, illnesses and symptoms can accumulate. It is only when this energy is unlocked by stimulating focal points in the meridians that health can be achieved again (Cherry & Jacob, 2010). Each meridian is assigned to an organ that manages the specific... middle of paper... ...elementary and alternative medicine. (2012). Acupuncture: an introduction. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htmNYULangone. (2013). Acupuncture. Alternative names, evidence-based uses. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=155244University of Maryland Medical Center. (2014). Acupuncture. Retrieved July 13, 2014, from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/acupunctureWhite House Committee on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy. (2014). Overview of CAM in the United States: Recent history, current status, and prospects for the future. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.whccamp.hhs.gov/fr2.htmlWilson, A. (n,d). Stimulate healing. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://nursing.advanceweb.com/web-extras/online-extras/stimusing-healing.aspx?CP=3