As the government gears up for a comprehensive healthcare reform, there are signs the new administration may have a favorable view regarding the role of alternative medicine in the larger healthcare system.
AcupunctureToday.com reports that during a recent presidential town hall meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, President Obama was asked about his views regarding the place of alternative therapies in the planned reforms.
Stressing that we should “do what works” as long as it is safe, Obama said,” I think it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments,” quoted by the website.
He added that many practitioners agree alternative treatments may be at least as effective as more intrusive health resources.
Several recent studies have provided more scientific evidence in favor of acupunctures health benefits.
For example, it has been shown to provide relief from extreme dry mouth in patients receiving chemotherapy and significantly reduce nausea symptoms associated with anesthesia.
Meanwhile, reports have said medical tai chi, another Chinese medicine technique, is gaining popularity in the U.S. and helps to boost immunity and energy levels.