Ray L. Casterline, M.D., F.A.C.P.

The recent proliferative growth in the number of brief seminars reputedly offering instruction in the technique of acupuncture should be of concern to each member of the medical profession. For improper application of the modality could relegate what may be an effective therapeutic technique to the category of just another tool of health quackery. Many recent graduates of the three to five day abbreviated courses have been identified as chiropractors, naturopaths or others espousing similar philosophies. Since the statutes of many states prohibit puncture of the skin by such “irregular” practitioners, it is not surprising that many of them are said to use the “essence of acupuncture” by applying finger pressure as part of their treatment programs. Exactly how “finger pressure acupuncture” differs from the …