Britain looking to integrate traditional Chinese medicine with NHS

Britain is looking at incorporating traditional Chinese medicines with the National Health Service, but only if there is sufficient scientific evidence. Jeremy Hunt, Britain's secretary of state for health, said his visits to China, the home country of his wife, better acquainted him with Chinese medicine, which involves herbs, acupuncture and massage therapy, the Daily Telegraph reported. David Tredinnick, a Conservative MP, asked Hunt during a session in the House of Commons: "In your travels to the People's Republic of China, what have you learnt about the integration of Western medicines with traditional Chinese medicine?" "What I've learnt is that the most important thing is to follow the scientific evidence and where there is good evidence for the impact of Chinese medicine then we should look at that but where there isn't we shouldn't spend NHS money on it," said Hunt, who is also a Conservative MP. Currently, NHS Choices said the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends -- based on scientific evidence -- acupuncture as a treatment only for lower back pain.