Cultural competency in professional practice and organizational contexts

Cultural Competency

Practiced for over 2,500 years in China, where it originated, acupuncture is an important part of the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture was first introduced in Europe about 200 years ago by Jesuit priests who served as Catholic missionaries in the East. Most of its modem popularity in America and Europe followed the normalization of relations between the West and the Peoples Republic of China (Pfeifer, 1988). At first, acupuncture caused quite a stir among culturally-biased skeptics in the Western medical community, but over time it has come to be recognized as a legitimate medical technique that should be integrated into standard medical practice for a number of conditions.

According to traditional Chinese Medicine, health is achieved through the harmonious balance between the opposing forces of yin (spirit) and yang (blood) (Acupuncture, Medicomm). The attraction between them creates an energy known as qi (pronounced chee) and health is dependent on its proper flow. Imbalances in this natural flow of energy are thought to result in disease. Acupuncture aims to restore health by improving the flow of qi which is thought to flow through the body via fourteen primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi, or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at specific points along the channels called acupoints. Thousands of acupoints along the meridians are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems.

Western science has neither proven nor accepted the notion of qi (Acupuncture, Medicomm). Nor do Western medical doctors and those with a Christian world-view accept any of the metaphysical Chinese religious assumptions that lie at the very heart of acupuncture theory. Even so, the medical community is paying attention to evidence indicating that acupuncture leads to real physiologic changes in the body. Studies have shown inserting needles into the skin stimulates nerves in the underlying muscles. This stimulation is believed to send impulses up the spinal cord to a part of the brain known as the limbic system, as well as to the midbrain and the pituitary gland. The signaling leads to the release of endorphins and monoamines, chemicals that block pain signals in the spinal chord and brain. Other research suggests that acupuncture alters blood flow in the brain and may prompt the release of certain brain hormones, such as serotonin, which transmit nerve impulses (The fine points of acupuncture, Health Pages).

As proof of use as an effective medical treatment, two United States government agencies and The World Health Organization have given their nod of approval to acupuncture (The fine points of acupuncture, Health Pages). In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration took the needles used in acupuncture off its "experimental" instruments list. And, in 1997, the National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement concludes that acupuncture:

Clearly works to treat a number of conditions, including nausea from chemotherapy, surgery and pregnancy, and pain after surgery (including dental surgery).

May also be an effective adjunct therapy for a number of other conditions, including stroke rehabilitation, relieving addictions, headaches, menstrual cramps, a variety of muscle pains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, low back pain, osteoarthritis, and asthma.

Has substantially lower incidence of adverse side effects than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.

Should be integrated into standard medical practice and be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies.

The World Health Organization has issued a provisional list of forty-one diseases amenable to acupuncture treatment (The fine points of acupuncture, Health Pages). These include respiratory ailments, pain and chronic pain conditions, PMS and other gynecological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and many other health problems.