The History of Acupuncture in America in the 1970s

The History of Acupuncture in America: How It Became a Popular Healing Practice

Acupuncture: An Ancient Healing Modality

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that dates back 3,000 or more years. Rooted in Eastern culture, especially China, acupuncture has been used for centuries to promote healing and wellness.

While China and the East have long embraced acupuncture, its history in America is more recent—but no less fascinating.

How Acupuncture Arrived in the United States

The start of acupuncture in the US, as told by many, dates back to the 1970’s and the Nixon era in particular. It is documented that in 1972 President Nixon’s Secretary of State, Henry A. Kissinger, traveled to China. A journalist for the New York Times, James Reston, accompanied him. While in China, James Reston fell ill and ended up in a Chinese hospital requiring an emergency appendectomy.

Acupuncture Gains Media Attention in 1972

• Chinese doctors used acupuncture to help relieve Reston’s post-surgery pain.
• Intrigued and impressed by its effectiveness, Reston wrote about his experience in the New York Times.
• This exposed millions of Americans to acupuncture for the first time.

Many believe this moment was the turning point for acupuncture in the U.S., but its roots had started much earlier.

The Early Interest in Acupuncture (1900s-1950s)

Americans began showing interest in acupuncture in the early 1900s, but with a Western twist.

• Focus on Nerves, Not Energy – Early practitioners experimented with acupuncture by tapping needles into nerves rather than the traditional idea of energy that the practice of acupuncture is centered around. The Traditional Chinese Medicinal beliefs of acupuncture conflicted with those of the American belief system. The west focused more on trigger points that were used to stop pain. Although the popularity of acupuncture in the US was not widespread at this point, its roots had begun to grow in the early 20th century.
• Electrified Needles – Early practices included leaving needles inserted for up to a week.
• Ear Acupuncture – A lot of emphasis developed on using acupuncture on the ear.

It was not until the 1950’s that acupuncture research organizations were formed and the techniques started to be utilized in hospitals. From there, acupuncture in America grew in scope and depth.

Acupuncture’s Legalization & Recognition in the U.S.

The 1972 New York Times article was a key catalyst in acupuncture’s growth, but several milestones solidified its acceptance in the U.S.:

• 1972 – The first legal acupuncture center was established in the U.S.
• 1973 – The IRS recognized acupuncture as a medical expense, making treatments tax-deductible.
• 1992 – The U.S. Congress created the Office of Alternative Medicine, supporting research into acupuncture.
• 1997 – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for certain conditions.
• 1999 – The NIH established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, further legitimizing acupuncture.

Acupuncture: A Billion-Dollar Industry in the U.S.

Acupuncture continued to grow in popularity and acceptance, becoming the leading alternative medicine in the U.S.

By 2023, the NIH reported that:

• More than 38 million American adults were receiving complementary medicine treatments, including acupuncture.
• The complementary medicine industry (which includes acupuncture) became a multibillion-dollar market.

Acupuncture Today: Helping Millions of Americans

Although acupuncture started small in the US, it has grown to become the norm in helping millions of Americans with untold number of ailments and maladies.

With ongoing scientific research, growing patient demand, and recognition from medical institutions, acupuncture has secured its place as a trusted healing therapy in the U.S. healthcare system.