Some people use acupuncture to decrease stress, although there are no research data to support the effectiveness of acupuncture for stress control. If it works for you, it hardly matters that we can't find qi or that skeptics think it's a placebo. However, it is important to remember that acupuncture does not cure diseases like cancer. It should not be expected to slow or reverse growth or spread of cancer. There are 6,500 acupuncture practitioners in the U.S. today.
Many conventional physicians refer patients to well-trained and experienced acupuncturists.
Licensure and regulations regarding the practice of acupuncture vary by state. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia, license or regulate the practice of acupuncture. Many private health insurance plans and HMOs cover acupuncture services. Check with you own insurance plan, and talk with your doctor before seeking acupuncture or any other therapy on your own. Acupuncture is an example of complementary, as opposed to alternative, therapy.