Although Acupuncture can be dated back to the Stone Age in China, it is relatively recently that it has become popular here in the United States. In 1916, Sir William Osler, M.D. wrote an article recommending acupuncture for treatment for lumbago in the "Principles and Practice of Medicine" and Franklin Bache, M.D. a great grandson of Benjamin Franklin, wrote an article, "Case illustrative of Remedial Effects of Acupuncture" showing the benefits of the art. However, despite the occasional article, Acupuncture remained rare until 1971 when James Reston, a reporter for the New York Times accompanied President Nixon on a trip to China where they witnessed an appendectomy (removal of the appendix) using Acupuncture Anesthesia. Since then, there has been a massive movement towards the use and exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a viable, safe and effective form of healing. Now we are seeing everyone from movie stars to high profile basketball players tout the benefits of acupuncture and of a more holistic approach to health.