Acupuncture has gained enormous popularity since I set up practice in 2007. At this time there were only a few highly trained and experienced traditional acupuncturists practicing throughout Cumbria. Professional standards were high, with the average acupuncturist training for a minimum of 3 years degree level at respected colleges and universities.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an effective and profound treatment modality that has evolved over 2000 years.
G.P.s, chiropractors, osteopaths and physios, noticing that an 'acupuncture' technique enhanced their treatment of pain relief and injury recovery, began training themselves in this ancient healing art. Their modern fast-track 'dry needling' training is just 30 hours (see video).
This takes us to the heart of the problem. Now, a beauty therapist can train in 'acupuncture' in as little as 6 days. Inevitably, the high street will become saturated with poorly trained 'acupuncturists.'
So how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?
Ask your acupuncturist, are you a member of the British Acupuncture Council?
This situation has arisen because acupuncture is not statutory regulated. This means anyone can practice acupuncture with no minimum training.
So how do you choose an acupuncturist?
Ask them which voluntary regulatory body they are a member of.
extensive training - minimum 3 years degree level
adherence to the BAcC codes of safe practice and professional conduct
compliance with current health legislation
full medical malpractice and public liability cover
mandatory CPD
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the UK's largest regulatory body for practitioners of traditional acupuncture. It guarantees high standards of training, safe practice and professional conduct.
Not all acupuncturists are eligible to join the BAcC. Only those who have trained on a BAAB accredited course. These courses guarantee excellence in training, safe practice and professional conduct.
The image below is taken for the BAcC website (link here) and summarizes the high level of training you can expect from your BAcC member acupuncturist.
As the ratio of highly to minimally trained acupuncturists decreases it is more important than ever to help people understand what they are actually receiving in their 'acupuncture' treatment.
If you are a practitioner with an honest appreciation for traditional acupuncture then I advise you to take the time to invest in your training. Here is a link to the BAAB accredited courses approved by the BAcC.