The first students to study alternative medicine at university level in Australia began their four-year, full-time course at the University of Technology, Sydney, in early 1994. 2. Their course covered, among other therapies, acupuncture. 3. The theory they learnt is based on the traditional Chinese explanation of this ancient healing art: that it can regulate the flow of ‘Qi’ or energy through pathways in the body. 4. This course reflects how far some alternative therapies have come in their struggle for acceptance by the medical establishment.