Of course, most of us realize that these statements are not true. If there really was such a pill, most of us would be taking it, and success stories would be all over mainstream news instead of only mentioned on Infomercials.

A: This is a complicated issue. Ideally, we could use scientific research to make this possible. This has been done to some extent. However, there are still problems with research and its acceptance.

Not Testing Authentic Chinese Medicine

Studies often diverge from authentic Chinese medicine methodology. Investigators rarely make use of pattern discrimination, which is fundamental to Chinese medicine. Also, studies have yet to acknowledge another reality of CM - its plurality. There are many ways to practice it, and many many herb formulas, herb combinations, acupuncture point combinations, and needling techniques.

See What You Want To See

Plus, studies of people reading and using studies have proven that when we disagree with a study's conclusions, we are much more critical of its methodology and validity than when results agree with our beliefs. That is a breakdown in scientific method. In scientific method, we let study outcomes revise our beliefs - not other way around.

The Good Research That's Out There

If you want to see good acupuncture research, and great commentary by an MD who devotes his medical practice fully to acupuncture, and who studies authentic CM, go to Acubriefs.com.

I did a short review of best acupuncture studies since 1997 National Institutes of Health statement.

Effectiveness and Proof are Secondary

An interesting twist: Historian and anthropologist Paul Unschuld's suggests that acceptance of any medicine has more to do with how it fits or doesn't fit with social zeitgeist (spirit of times). People must understand a medicine in a way that fits with their beliefs and values first. Scientific evidence, and personal experience of effectiveness are secondary.

Acceptance by Western Medicine

But as for acceptance by western docs- it depends on doc. I doubt AMA is going to be accepting Chinese medicine as a separate and equally valid medical system. But some individual docs might.

Who Speaks For Western Medicine?

According to Modern Healthcare Magazine, "Not counting medical students and residents, who are lured by deep discounts in annual dues, AMA members account for only about 29 per cent of 726,000 practicing doctors in America."