In the United States, where authoritarian ideologies and systemic inequalities are on the rise, the simple act of providing acupuncture treatments to underserved populations is a profound form of resistance. For acupuncturists, especially those committed to the dual roles of healer and citizen scientist, their work transcends care—it challenges systems that thrive on division, misinformation, and exploitation.
Acupuncturists as Citizen Scientists: Resistance Through Knowledge
Citizen science has always been an act of rebellion against systems that seek to centralize and control knowledge. In an era marked by anti-science rhetoric, especially under administrations like Trump’s, the role of citizen scientists—acupuncturists included—becomes even more critical. These practitioners, who often straddle the worlds of traditional healing and modern evidence-based inquiry, refuse to cede the exploration of health and wellness to institutions dominated by profit-driven motives.
Acupuncturists conducting their own research—whether on the efficacy of treatments for chronic pain, the impact of acupuncture on mental health, or the physiological effects of traditional techniques—are directly defying a culture of suppression and disinformation. They push back against a system that prioritizes pharmaceutical profits and denies the validity of holistic and non-Western medicine. Their work not only moves the profession forward but also asserts that scientific inquiry belongs to everyone, not just those in positions of power.
The Anti-Science Environment: A Tool of Oppression
Fascist systems often employ anti-science rhetoric to control narratives and maintain power. By fostering skepticism of established science and devaluing research that challenges the status quo, they create an environment where critical inquiry is stifled. Acupuncturists who conduct research or embrace evidence-based practices undermine these efforts by demonstrating that inquiry and progress cannot be silenced. In doing so, they uphold the principles of transparency, curiosity, and community empowerment—values antithetical to authoritarianism.
Moreover, this scientific engagement equips acupuncturists to advocate for their patients in a healthcare system that frequently dismisses non-mainstream modalities. Armed with evidence, they challenge the monopolization of healthcare by institutions that prioritize profits over people.
The Role of Capitalism in Worsening Health and Disparity
The U.S. medical system, shaped by capitalism, perpetuates health inequities that are fertile ground for fascist ideologies. Healthcare access is often tied to employment, wealth, or geography, leaving millions without adequate care. The commodification of health ensures that treatments are tailored to profitability rather than public well-being. This profit-driven system worsens health outcomes and deepens societal divides, creating a hierarchy where the wealthy thrive and the poor suffer.
Chronic stress, environmental toxins, inadequate nutrition, and overmedication—factors often exacerbated by capitalism—further erode the health of underserved communities. These disparities are not accidental; they are systemic, designed to uphold the status quo and prevent upward mobility.
Acupuncturists disrupt this cycle by addressing the root causes of imbalance and suffering, often for those excluded from using the traditional healthcare system. Through affordable treatments, they provide a lifeline for patients whose pain and stress are compounded by systemic inequities.
Acupuncture as an Act of Care and Resistance
The principles of East Asian medicine challenge the reductionist, profit-driven approach of the dominant healthcare system. By treating the body as a whole, and addressing the intersections of physical, emotional, and environmental health, acupuncture provides a pathway to healing that capitalism cannot commodify. This approach inherently resists the fragmentation and dehumanization that authoritarian systems rely on.
For acupuncturists, the act of healing is a form of defiance. Treating marginalized populations undermines the narrative that only the wealthy deserve care. Conducting research and questioning the dominant medical paradigm rejects the anti-science culture that fuels fascism. Empowering patients with tools for self-healing fosters resilience and solidarity—two elements critical to resisting authoritarianism.
Historical Parallels: Healing as Liberation
The role of healers in liberation movements is well-documented. From the free healthcare clinics of the Black Panther Party to the acupuncture detox programs pioneered by the Young Lords, community-based care has always been a tool for resistance. These initiatives addressed both immediate needs and systemic failures, demonstrating that health is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Today’s acupuncturists carry this legacy forward. By integrating the roles of healer, researcher, and advocate, they challenge not only fascism but also the capitalist structures that undermine public health. Their work reminds us that care is a radical act, and healing is a form of resistance.
Conclusion: Building a Healthier Future
Fascism thrives on division, disempowerment, and the erosion of critical thought. Acupuncturists—particularly those who embrace the dual role of healer and citizen scientist—actively resist these forces by fostering community, advancing knowledge, and providing care to those most in need. They challenge a healthcare system designed to exclude, offering an alternative rooted in inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.
In the face of authoritarianism, the act of healing becomes revolutionary. Acupuncturists treating the needy and conducting research not only challenge the inequities of capitalism and fascism but also build a vision of healthcare that prioritizes humanity over profit. In doing so, they remind us that resistance begins with care—and that every act of healing is a step toward a more just and equitable society.
Resources
1. The Role of Acupuncture in Social Movements
• The article “The little-known history of acupuncture, racism, and civil rights in America” discusses how acupuncture was introduced to the public and its gradual professionalization, highlighting its intersection with social movements and civil rights.
2. Capitalism’s Impact on Healthcare Inequality
• The study “The Crisis of Capitalism and the Marketisation of Health Care” examines how the commodification of healthcare under capitalism leads to increased demand for healthcare products among those who are essentially healthy, contributing to systemic inequalities.
• The article “Capitalism’s Overreach In Medicine” discusses how economic inequality in the U.S. has led to significant health disparities, with wealthier Americans having a life expectancy that is ten to fifteen years longer than poorer Americans.
3. Rising Fascism and Its Characteristics
• In “Fascism in America: It’s Happening Here, According to Professor’s New Book,” political scientist Anthony DiMaggio discusses the emergence of fascist politics in the U.S. and emphasizes the need for public awareness and resistance to combat its rise.
• The article “Fascism shattered Europe a century ago — and historians hear echoes today in the U.S.” draws parallels between historical fascism in Europe and current anti-democratic movements in the U.S., highlighting the importance of recognizing and resisting authoritarian tendencies.
4. The Medical–Industrial Complex and Its Consequences
• The Wikipedia article on the “Medical–industrial complex” provides an overview of the network of interactions between pharmaceutical corporations, healthcare personnel, and medical conglomerates that supply healthcare-related products and services for profit, often leading to conflicts of interest and ethical concerns.
5. Health Disparities and Structural Inequality
• The Wikipedia article on “Structural inequality” discusses how disparities in healthcare access and quality are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and geography, leading to systematic differences in health outcomes among various social groups.