The introduction of "acupuncture" into primary health care at community level would require the training of a considerable number of personnel over a short period, if it is to have a demonstrable effect. This would probably strain the teaching and supervision resources of the country concerned.

It would seem wiser, in such cases, to train such personnel in acupressure (zhi-ya) rather than in acupuncture itself. Training in acupressure would make no great demands, could be incorporated into the general training of primary health care personnel, and would carry no risk to the patient. The use of acupressure in primary health care would have to be evaluated after a suitable trial period. Some personnel who show particular aptitude might be chosen for basic training in acupuncture, a training programme being arranged according to the applications envisaged.