Client perspectives of complementary and alternative medicine: The case of acupuncture

The ethnographic research conducted for this thesis focuses on why some Florida residents opt for complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies, specifically acupuncture, when conventional biomedical therapies are also available. Some of the variables include dissatisfaction with current biomedical practice, economic status, social and peer pressure, and curiosity. The results are compared with national trends on CAM usage. In this study, it was found that the primary reason that individuals opt for CAM modalities was their negative experience with the practice of biomedicine. Overall, participants who have undergone a course of acupuncture therapy are empowered, relieved, and healthy.