FACT: “Oriental” Is A Racist Word. Rugs are not racist, but you might be upholding a system that is. Join us in banning the word “oriental” for acupuncture and herbal medicine due to its racist implications on the people it is used to label and because of its harmful implications on our society. Sign the petition if you’re an acupuncturist, a patient, someone who hates racism and injustice.