Background: Surveys of acupuncture practitioners worldwide have shown an increase in the use of acupuncture to treat women&rsquo
s health conditions over the last ten years. Published studies have explored the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions such as period pain, fertility, and labor induction. However, it is unclear what role, if any, peer-reviewed research plays in guiding practice. Methods: Acupuncturists with a significant women&rsquo
s health caseload were interviewed online in three small groups to explore factors that contribute to acupuncturists&rsquo
clinical decision made around treatment approaches and research. Results: Eleven practitioners participated in the focus groups. The overarching theme that emerged was one of &lsquo
Not mainstream but a stream.&rsquo
This captured two themes relating to acupuncture as a distinct practice: &lsquo
working with what you&rsquo
ve got&rsquo
as well as &lsquo
finding the right lens&rsquo
illustrating practitioners&rsquo
perception of research needing to be more relevant to clinical practice. Conclusions: Acupuncture practitioners treating women&rsquo
s health conditions reported a disconnect between their clinical practice and the design of clinical trials, predominantly due to what they perceived as a lack of individualization of treatment. Case histories were popular as a learning tool and could be used to support increasing research literacy.