Abstract
Acupuncture and moxibustion are more integrated in the Chinese healthcare system than in the national healthcare systems of other countries. Development of acupuncture and moxibustion in China is making progress in this field. For overseas researchers, this commentary offers perspectives on the current status of acupuncture and moxibustion in China and examines relevant opportunities and challenges in healthcare reforms. There has been a steady increase in the number of undergraduates and postgraduates studying acupuncture and moxibustion in Chinese Medicine (CM) universities in China over the past decade. The legislation of CM physicians that was established in 1999 and the launch of continuing medical education in CM in 2002 have ensured the basic competency of practitioners. The Chinese Government has also shown support for CM development by increasing investment in related fields of research and administration. New challenges have emerged as the healthcare landscape in China has evolved over the past decade. It is important to harness the potential of acupuncture and moxibustion to create a value-driven healthcare system that meets the health needs of a rapidly aging society.
Highlights
The Chinese term zhēn jiū refers to acupuncture and moxibustion, acupuncture is the more widely recognized treatment among the plurality of acupuncture-related treatments that include moxibustion, cupping, bloodletting, and scraping
Acupuncture and moxibustion are based on the theory of channels and collaterals in Chinese Medicine (CM)
Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Chinese Government has supported the development of acupuncture and moxibustion
Summary
The Chinese term zhēn jiū refers to acupuncture (zhēn) and moxibustion (jiū), acupuncture is the more widely recognized treatment among the plurality of acupuncture-related treatments that include moxibustion, cupping, bloodletting, and scraping. Acupuncture and moxibustion are based on the theory of channels and collaterals in Chinese Medicine (CM). Healthcare system related to acupuncture and moxibustion in China The Chinese health prevention and delivery system is based on a three-tier system developed in the 1950s that includes hospitals, health centers, and clinics [3]. Since 1999, the government has promoted the development of Community Health Services Centers as major providers of primary healthcare, which includes the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion. Lim et al Chinese Medicine (2015) 10:12 formal employment, and the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) for rural residents [5] These insurance programs cover specific groups and have different funding and operation regulations; there are varying levels of financing and reimbursement ratios for acupuncture and moxibustion treatments in China [6]
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