A Situational overview of acupuncture services in Bhutan

Abstract

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gained global recognition as an effective therapeutic health intervention. It is now practised in over 100 countries worldwide. The modality has evolved significantly from its ancient origins with stone needles to contemporary practice using sterile, disposable stainless-steel needles of varying specifications. In Bhutan, acupuncture was formally integrated into national healthcare services in 2014 through the National Traditional Medicine Hospital in Thimphu, initially delivered by Drungtshos (traditional medicine physicians) trained in Mongolia. While demonstrating significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for pain management and neurological disorders with minimal side effects, acupuncture service accessibility remains limited to the National Traditional Medicine Hospital, depriving acupuncture services outside of the capital city. Despite its recent introduction, patients’ demand for acupuncture has grown steadily, and is attributed to increasing public awareness and successful health education initiatives. With Bhutanese practitioners now receiving advanced training both domestically and internationally, there is a significant potential to expand acupuncture services to regional and district hospitals. This planned decentralisation aligns with Bhutan’s commitment to holistic healthcare and promises to enhance treatment accessibility nationwide, positioning acupuncture as an increasingly important component of the country's integrative medical system.