Understanding Acupuncture offers a fully developed analysis of the practice of acupuncture and its theoretical bases. With clarity and insight, the book addresses: What is acupuncture, in all its diverse forms of practice? What are the key concepts, which underpin current practice? Exactly which historical and cultural factors have shaped the present and past development of acupuncture? What is the reliable evidence on acupuncture, and what scientific studies have yet to be done? When is acupuncture a realistic form of treatment? Built on a thorough review of historical and scientific material, Understanding Acupuncture offers analysis, examples, cases and issues for discussion, forming a unique bridge between science and tradition.Suitable for both the acupuncture student and practitioner and also the medical reader Provides the acupuncture student with the historical and theoretical basis of their profession Includes what is reliably known about acupuncture Describes the breadth of practice approaches in the profession Provides the medical reader with enough information to know when to choose acupuncture as a referral option and what to tell their patients about it