. The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. , Acupuncture Expert Reference Group, 2019.

Two broad approaches to acupuncture are widely known within the literature: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western biomedical acupuncture (White et al, 2009). The TCM approach is based on the various concepts of the balance of yin and yang, qi theory, five element theory, meridian theory, and traditional diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine (Birch & Kaptchuk, 1999; Lu & Needham, 2002). Traditional acupuncture training utilises a TCM approach but includes study of Western medical science, and biomedical assessment to contribute to the development of a diagnosis and treatment plan.