In 1972, President Nixon’s visit to China brought acupuncture to the U.S.

In 1979 The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the use of acupuncture in the treatment of over 40 different medical problems.
(Read Abstract)

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified acupuncture needles to category of "accepted medical instruments".

In 1997, the National Institute of Health issued a Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, recognizing that acupuncture "may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program."

Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions.

An estimated 15 million Americans try acupuncture each year.