J Emerg Nurs. 1998 Dec; 24(6): 514-7.

A primer on acupuncture.

Cadwell V.

Hoag Memorial Hospital, Emergency Care Unit, Newport Beach, Calif., USA.

Because of its effectiveness in providing relief for a wide variety of disorders and symptoms, acupuncture treatment is becoming widely accepted as an alternative therapy. Indeed, 40% of Americans are reported to have sought some type of nonconventional therapy in the previous year. Although the theory and beliefs about the acupuncture process are complex and may require a different way of thinking about health and harmony, it is important that health care professionals increase their knowledge about such therapies so we can continue to provide support and information to our patients.