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Originating from East Asia, acupuncture was transported and translated into the preexisting context of Western medicine in Europe starting in the 17th century. This process included changes in both teaching and practice of acupuncture as a treatment form, in order to successfully incorporate it into the standardized Austrian medical and sociopolitical system. Fiscal and power dimensions were considered in order to guarantee acupuncture´s success - while not fundamentally questioning existing order - and are still regarded when adapting policies regulating acupuncture today. Changes in acupuncture practice, however, also extended to interpretations of the body that is being treated, and thus transform not only acupuncture itself, but also the patient seeking healing.

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Magdalena Eitenberger studied Political Science, Science-Technology-Society and Communication Studies at the University of Vienna and Maastricht University. Scientific research projects include: Patenting in medical research, prenatal diagnostics and power, alternative medicine, and analyses of governmental nutrition campaigns.

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