Biophysical modalities affecting the acupuncture points, the channels/meridians, tissues, extra cellular fluids, nerves, and the organs have always been varied. These in part have included the use of needles but are never limited to them. This group of modalities consists of treatments such as those listed in Table 1.

Over the ages, Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine has continued to evolve with the growing realization of the encompassing truths to its philosophical roots. Proof of this evolving nature is the appearance of a synergistically merged set of non-needle Acupuncture called Ba Gua Fa (use of both fascial frictioning and suction cupping) used during the last eight years of my clinical experience comprising some 10,000 treatments.

Western allopathic medicine was first introduced into China after the Revolution of 1911 ended the rule of the Qing Dynasty. At first the Chinese government denounced TCM until they realized that their people's health care needs could not be met with allopathic medications due to the costs. In 1950, Chairman Mao Zedong adopted an important policy to unite doctors of both western and TCM in school settings. Since that time much work has been done in China and around the world in research and attempting to sort out the ancient legacy.