Western medical acupuncture it is an adaptation of Chinese acupuncture using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, and the principles of evidence based medicine. While Western medical acupuncture has evolved from Chinese acupuncture, its practitioners no longer adhere to concepts such as Yin/Yang and circulation of qi, and regard acupuncture as part of conventional medicine rather than a complete "alternative medical system". It acts mainly by stimulating the nervous system, and its known modes of action include stimulation of local nerve reflexes, neuromodulation, and other central nervous system effects, such as altered levels of brain chemicals associated with pain and inflammation.
Western medical acupuncture is principally used by conventional healthcare practitioners including physiotherapists, most commonly in primary care. It is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal pain, including myofascial trigger point pain. It is also effective for postoperative pain and nausea. Many physiotherapists undertake postgraduate education in this treatment tool through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada, or other recognised training institutions.
