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Mark Cebulski, MILWAUKEE
Lie of the Needle
Your article on the threat of hepatitis B stated that the illness is spread through unprotected sex, sharing of needles or acupuncture [Jan. 26]. This statement is incorrect. It perpetuates a myth and unfairly portrays the legitimate health care profession of acupuncture in a negative light. Acupuncturists in the U.S. have master's degrees and thousands of hours of classroom and clinical training in preventing and treating diseases. A 2001 study in the British Medical Journal found that in 34,407 treatments by 1,848 professional acupuncturists, there were zero instances of transmission of hepatitis or any other disease. Performed by a licensed professional, acupuncture is a safe method of treatment.
Daniel Hsu, NEW YORK CITY
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