Western scientists and doctors of that time claimed that although the Chinese supposedly had no knowledge of anatomy, their system did work. It was difficult for many to accept that idea that perhaps there was something they could not explain scientifically that could be of actual, effective medical use. There is a tendency to believe in the effectiveness of the treatment, but not in the explanation that the Chinese give for why it works. There is still a desire among Western doctors, and now many Eastern practitioners who have been influenced by Western skepticism, to understand and prove the efficaciousness of acupuncture scientifically. One study that attempts to pinpoint how this practice works scientifically was done by C. Chan Gunn, after whom the popular Gunn approach to the treatment of chronic pain is named.
Scientific jargon is used extensively to prove the validity of the practice to a Western audience.
The explanation that is given for why acupuncture works for treating pain is that it affects the muscles that are causing the pain. There is no mention of Chi, energy, or Taoist balance anywhere in his explanation. Conclusion Acupuncture, although an integral part of the history traditional Chinese medicine, has been the object of skepticism throughout recent history. The idea of putting needles in one's body, which could potentially be very painful, especially if they are the thicker Chinese needles, is not one that is easily accepted by people who have not been acculturated to understand its function in the manipulation of Chi. However, there are people who are willing to give it a try, but even these people must scientifically prove its effectiveness before it will be widely accepted.