Today India recognizes acupuncture therapy as a comprehensive medical form within its healthcare system. This 2019 declaration was made following more than two years of deliberations. An order issued by the Department of Health Research stated: “Acupuncture, which is already recognized to be practiced as a mode of therapy, can be accepted as an independent system of healthcare for the indications for which there is evidence and expertise exists for teaching, training and certification.”
The government has created a nine-member “Apex Committee on Acupuncture” to promote and regulate acupuncture as a system of healthcare therapy. The ministry of health and family welfare said that this expert committee should include experts who are academically active in acupuncture.
In addition, experts from allopathy and other modalities need to be included to draw proper boundaries for evidence-based practices and the best interests of patients.
Team Visits China
Dr Inderjit Singh Dhingra, a renowned acupuncturist in the country, tweeted that this was the “biggest milestone achieved in the history of acupuncture in India.” Dr Dhingra visited China in 2018 leading a team of ten acupuncturists to learn Chinese techniques therapy. At the time he stated: “We wish to have more friendship between India and China for development of acupuncture.”
Dr Dhingra said that acupuncture can treat over 300 diseases and physical ailments, and it is so popular in China. “It has been a traditional way of treatment and we want to make it popular in India too. The Indian government’s decision to recognize it as a healthcare therapy is a welcome step in this direction,” he added.
He further stated that now, after formal recognition by the Indian government, colleges and institutes would be set up in the country to train acupuncturists through proper degree and diploma courses.
India Recognizes Acupuncture Therapy
Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and remains one of India’s traditional health care systems. Now acupuncture can work side-by-side with Ayurvedic medicine to help people across India.
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we have many Indian patients who recognize the benefits of acupuncture. We are happy that India will start certifying schools of Chinese medicine and producing more acupuncturists.
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