Acupuncture was developed as a branch of traditional Chinese medicine on the basis of oriental philosophy which takes a holistic approach to regulating the balance of the human body. (Several different schools of acupuncture exist each with its own principles.) Respect for these principles must be an important priority in any research on this topic. These principles may vary with the types of acupuncture being investigated. To this end traditional knowledge and experience of acupuncture should be duly represented on the investigative team when research is proposed, prepared and conducted.

A good clinical study on acupuncture should be conducted with the understanding and integration of both traditional and/or modem knowledge of medicine. Criteria for diagnosis of both traditional and modem medicine may be used.