Today, countries in Asia, such as China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea, along with Western European countries and America are constantly studying, researching and developing Acupuncture and other traditional Oriental treatment techniques.  In this modern world acupuncture has become very popular in the United States, europe and Brazil.  People are motivated by a desire to approach healing with eastern traditions that have a holistic philosophy.

It has a place with individuals who, for diverse reasons, cannot use pharmaceuticals and will go to great lengths to avoid surgery.  The essential difference between Western medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine is that the former aims to treat the symptoms of a disease, while the latter aims to diagnose the patterns of a disorder and treat it by bringing the body into homeostasis (balance).  The use of new technology, based on the energy flow (qi) which runs through the acupuncture channels, is now being used by both modern chiropractic and medical practitioners.

Alternative medicine is becoming popular among patients and doctors. Doctors are recognizing the effectiveness of traditional medicine with their patients. Some chiropractors and medial doctors are incorporating acupuncture in their practice.   Dr. Snyder became certified in December 1988, and nearly half of his practice has to do with acupuncture.  A licensed Acupuncturist, who is not a medical or chiropractic doctor, must complete rigorous education requirements, which differ from state to state. However it generally takes 3-4 years of extensive study, as well as, a 1 year internship.
Over 30,000 Chinese medicine doctors graduate annually from 50 institutes throughout Asia.   In America there are about 8000 Acupuncturists.