Current trends and projections for potential acupuncture needs globally and in China: evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Global and Chinese needs for acupuncture have risen markedly since 1990 and are projected to continue increasing through 2045. This challenges the traditional perception that acupuncture serves only a small portion of the population. Thus, this study emphasizes the urgent need to integrate acupuncture into modern primary healthcare systems to meet the increasing health needs of an aging and growing populations.