Acupuncture became legal within the state of IL in 1996... and it has taken nearly 50 years to gain a professional foothold within a medical industry dominated by pharmaceuticals. Within two decades the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) industry has evolved from a potentially felonious activity unto the present day; here at the tail end of 2011 you will find TCM practice within every major city, recognized by insurance and state law, regulated, licensed, and trusted by a growing patient population. In that time, and with the continuing development of integrative therapies, our medical industry has realized the great potential for self-care and has openly accepted the effectiveness of TCM, yoga, meditation and misunderstanding.
Yes.... MISUNDERSTANDING.
Alternative therapies are a buzzword, sought out by a multi-billion dollar consumer base, and understood by a sad small number of well-read citizens.
Yes, information is available online. No, the general populace do not know how the human body functions. We are not a country that looks deeply. Perhaps a quick glance to find out buzzwords on the latest fad... but how many folks have taken the time to explore an understanding of the mysterious "new" methods for healthy living? What's this yogi all about, like, anyway? Why do we push people to take up exercise, eat right, etc etc etc... but they leave without an understanding of why? Do they have the right... or... do they have the responsibility?
We have the information. Most of it is available in handy infographics lost in the vastness of an electronic wasteland. I hope to connect some of that information through my website and blog, so stay tuned.
But wait there's more!
MISUNDERSTANDING. Shared with ignorance, bias, and assumption.
Physical Therapists are a respected industry, alongside chiropractors and MD's and psychiatrists. If you have ever had physical therapy, it is likely that you received some benefit. Good. Great. But what if they told you that after a weekend course, they are now going to stick needles in you?
There is a battle being fought over this specific practice right now, nationwide, between a traditional medicine that has survived for 2000 years and a biomedical industry that wants to grab every available dollar. Due to a misunderstanding of the language, theory, and application of TCM (specifically acupuncture) we are now seeing a trend in medical offices towards adoption of the needling...
They ignore thousands of years of theory, ethical considerations, and development of protocols. They take the part that is most profitable.
A licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is responsible for nearly 2000 hours of training; the industry is led by brilliant minds that have a hugely varied background. The important common characteristic is that they have the capacity to develop a whole new understanding of the world, how it works, and how it feels. It is not uncommon to find TCM practitioners with a doctorate in oriental medicine. It is a vastly intricate and delicate medical approach that requires artistry, practice, and a deep understanding of patterns found within the human body.
If you hand a Physical Therapist several packets of needles, a few hours of training, and a strong political influence, you are promoting ignorance. We might as well give a child a butcher knife and tell it to carve steak.
Please support the Coalition for Safe Acupuncture Practice (CSAP)
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