d from disharmonies in the natural forces within the individual. These disturbances if not corrected, would lead to a disease affecting either the organ associated with the meridian in which blockage of the chi occurred along the pathway (Birch 27). Acupuncture was intended to correct blockages, excesses, or imbalances in the flow of the vital life force. There are more than 365 points located on the meridians for treatment by needle therapy, and ancient acupuncture specified exacting procedures for needle insertion and manipulation of treatment (Felt 35). Acupuncture has been widely used in other countries as well. In the USA, until the 1970's, acupuncture was largely used in the oriental parts of major American cities. Acupuncture is not that widely used in the USA, however, it is beginning to be studied more. Large quantities of American's have begun to study acupuncture and schools of acupuncture have been established in various parts of the country. Many states have recognized the medical value of acupuncture. Since 1981, the unifying force in American acupuncture has been the American Association for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM), which serves as a forum for the profession and an advocate for new thought and directions. In 1982, the National Accreditation Commission for schools and colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine was set up to monitor the performance of the acupuncture establishments in the USA. Acupuncture is steadily growing in the USA (McGowan 50). There are currently about 4,000 practitioners at work and at least 300 new ones are accredited each year. Acupuncture in Europe is also widely known. The earliest references to acupuncture in Europe were around the seventeenth century. In Britain there have been similar occasional uses of acupuncture recorded from the early nineteenth century, but they did not lead to any significantly sustained interest. In Britain, serious study of acupunctur...