Letter: Get the point?

Sir: Adrian White (letter, 10 November) is wrong to imply that modern physiological understanding provides a superior basis for the practice of acupuncture than traditional Chinese theory.

Scientific understanding of acupuncture is very limited; while it clearly demonstrates that acupuncture produces physiological effects, at best this knowledge leads to a narrow range of treatments, much more limited than traditional Chinese practice.

As a result, most acupuncturists in general practice are forced to use traditional Chinese methodology.

This is where training in traditional theory becomes important. It takes several years to learn Chinese theory to a level of expertise.

The important question to ask an acupuncturist before beginning treatment is not "are you a conventionally trained doctor", but "how long have you trained as an acupuncturist?"

WAINWRIGHT CHURCHILL

London N10