Since 2002, Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Day has been observed each year on October 24.
The purpose behind its initial commemoration 20 years ago was to raise public awareness of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
According to a survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, approximately 36% of adults in the U.S. use some form of alternative medicine. In a separate study done by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), approximately one in ten adults surveyed had been treated with acupuncture at least once and an estimated 48% of those individuals reported that they were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with their treatment.
These studies show that alternative medicine practices are becoming more common in healthcare. Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Day is a way to educate the public about what acupuncture and herbal medicine are and how they can be used to treat pain, addiction, and many other ailments. Putting accurate and reliable information in the hands of consumers empowers them to make a more informed decision about their treatment options.