Posted 2016/10/24
Li Yongming's new book has reveal deeply the developing course of Chinese acupunture into American life which lasts nearly four decades from the initial legal recognition to its being welcomed by increasing number of Western therapists and physicians. It has gone a long and rough way but briliant and glorious.
Published on Tuesday - World Traditional Medicine Day - "Acupuncture's Journey to America" by Li Yongming is meticulously researched and contains historic files and interviews with key players in its rise in the West.
Throghout history, acupuncture has undertaken fourty years hardship and obstacles both legal and medical.
Untill 1996, the government announced the legality of acupuncture adopted in the health care system for the federal employees.
Li concludes that an article by New York Times columnist James Reston served as the catalyst for acupuncture's acceptance in the United States.
Currently in the United States, the number of licensed acupuncturists is estimated to exceed 20,000.
As Li concludes that acupuncture has together with Kung Fu and Chinese food become the three typical pillars of Chinese culture overseas. It has achieved unexpected welcome.
Even with its growing acceptance, Li encourages the Chinese government to increase efforts in promoting professional training and further research in acupuncture .
Li claims China resembles the United States in the 1970's with a high speed of economic and technological development.
"The Chinese middle-class will revert to adoring traditions and nature, just as Americans did in the 1970's," Li said. "And I hope the book raises the awareness of Chinese to pay close attention to the cultural value of traditional therapy and to revive the ancient healing methods of China."
