IN THIS country, we still think of acupuncture as an alternative therapy. Yet in China this ancient form of medicine is more or less as old as man's first ailments.

Researchers in York who have studied the safety of acupuncture today found themselves the focus of international medical attention.

The Acomb-based Foundation For Traditional Chinese Medicine hopes the results will see acupuncture provided on the NHS.

Heaven knows, the NHS could use all the help it can get.

And if acupuncture has worked for so many people for so many years, it makes sense to investigate its possible wider use in Britain.

Updated: 14:04 Friday, August 31, 2001