Though styles in acupuncture: an epistemologic analysis

The use of acupuncture on the west rose to the point of being the most practiced method among the complementary therapies. Along with this westernization, a new language appeared. This new way of looking at it changed the way the technique is thought through and also changed the patient approach, leading to two Thought Styles: Traditional and Scientific. This study has as its purpose to identify the characteristic elements of each Thought Style on the professionals specialized in acupuncture. The research methodology consisted in aqualitative approach, through Fleck’s (1986) categories applied in a analysis of acupuncture books and interviews. The Fleck’s epistemology showed the importance of the historical context when it comes to a better understanding of both Thought Styles. Nevertheless, the most important point lays on its perception that the majority of acupuncturists act without precise limits or fix models, they alter between both styles.