ABSTRACT

This work project intends to make a brief study on the introduction of acupuncture in Spain. The rise of the use and teaching of acupuncture in the1960s and70s is taken as a starting point to go back in time to the avatars of this ancient Chinese art. The research is bearing fruit because acupuncture has been practiced and disseminated throughout the20th century, enduring the obstinacy of Franco’s dictatorial regime, jumping the barrier of the Spanish Civil War(1936-1939), as well as getting around the convulsive years that preceded it. Then, crossing the passage of time until reaching the19th century, when acupuncture was performed and publicized both in the daily news and in health magazines.

In the1960's and70's and into the following century, saw experts and teachers of acupuncture who proclaimed themselves the pioneers in the introduction of acupuncture in Spain. Little investigation has been made of these claims since acupuncture was already practiced by Spanish doctors since the beginning of the19th century. In addition, we have traditionally been led to believe that acupuncture penetrated Spain through France. The affirmation has its foundations but it also arrived to this southern European country through other routes such as The Philippines orThe People's Republic of China.