Acupuncture helps penetrate barriers

Acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, can serve as an effective introduction to TCM therapies in other countries, officials said.

Acupuncture is widely practiced, having reached 103 countries besides China, according to the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies.

Eighteen countries cover acupuncture under their health insurance plans, which indicates wide acceptance of its effectiveness, said Li Zhenji, vice-chairman of the federation, an international nongovernmental organization committed to TCM promotion worldwide.