The scientific advancement and credibility of acupuncture in the US are heavily dependent on federal support, primarily through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which classifies it as a complementary and integrative health approach. Research funding, though a small percentage of the overall biomedical budget (ranging between $6 and $11 million annually in recent years), is critical for validating clinical applications and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of action.

NIH-supported projects span a wide therapeutic range, including trials focused on non-pharmacological pain relief, strategies for reducing opioid dependency, and protocols for cancer care support (e.g., nausea and fatigue). Researchers employ rigorous methodologies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and advanced neuroimaging techniques (like fMRI), to provide objective evidence of efficacy. Major academic institutions often partner with the NIH to conduct these studies, aiming to address the challenges of designing appropriate controls (like sham needling) and standardizing treatment protocols. The continuous, although modest, federal investment underscores a national commitment to exploring and validating the potential of this modality within the modern healthcare structure, as evidenced in reviews of public health research, such as the US Acupuncture Professional Insights.