Chinese Medicine Gaining Respectability in the West

As more studies on the positive effects of Chinese Medicine are conducted in the West, the media is beginning to take notice and the media has a massive influence on western culture. I think that a major issue for western minds in accepting Chinese Medicine has been cultural barriers, but since globalization is happening at such a rapid pace, the skeptics are starting to have more of an open mind (whether they like it or not) in order to keep up with the all of the change. The fact that Acupuncture has been integrated into many of the top U.S. hospital programs for their complementary medicine programs is proof that it is gaining more credibility in this country. In my own experience of having a chronic illness, western medicine could not provide many answers or solutions for my condition, except drugs that have some serious side effects. As I began to look for another path, I came across so many other people who were also feeling disillusioned by what western medicine had to offer them, and had turned to acupuncture, particularly for chronic conditions, back pain and fertility issues. I think now that Acupuncture is becoming more mainstream, people are drawn to it because it pays attention to the patient's system as a whole, not just focusing on the most overt aspect of the problem and prescribing a generalized solution. Additionally, it works to support the body's natural functions instead of a more attack-like approach of many western drugs- kill and destroy- until there is nothing left, not even the good stuff. I am definitely encouraged to see more support of Chinese medicine and look forward to seeing how an integration of different systems will take shape.