Needles penetrating the skin at these points release the Qi and balance the body's energy flow. Acupuncturists use needles to balance the body's Qi. The growing popularity of acupuncture has forced officials to regulate the industry. The FDA removed acupuncture needles from the category of experimental medical devices and now regulates them. Each state has requirements for becoming a licensed acupuncturist, and a national board certifies them.
Most states require that acupuncturists become certified .
This trend of government regulation may legitimize the practice in the eyes of some skeptics. Whether convinced by testimonials or assured by government standards, more Americans are choosing acupuncture instead of drugs . Paul Slovic, a University of Oregon psychology professor specializing in risk decisions, says that many people reject the medications and often-ineffective therapies offered by the medical community. While Eliot acknowledges the theory of energy flow, he had a difficult time accepting the treatment without scientific proof. The whole crux of our training is on a scientific basis.