Acupuncture Practitioner

The situation regarding training and registration differs from country to country and even what part of a country an acupuncturist practices. However the following general guidelines may be useful.

Registered medical practitioners (Doctors) who offer acupuncture are not necessarily trained in Chinese Medicine. While they may be able to use acupuncture to treat minor problems such as channel pain.

Take your time in choosing your healthcare practitioner.  

Select a practitioner:
-through personal recommendation 
-who is a member of good standing of a professional body
-you can communicate with easily.

Fully registered practitioners of acupuncture have undertaken recognized and extensive training (3years full time, or more) in the practice of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. In contrast, many "Western Style" Acupuncturists - such as some Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and family doctors - may have only trained for a minimum period of time ( e.g. a weekend or two) and therefore use a more limited range of acupuncture techniques and do not practice acupuncture as a traditional holistic therapy. To diagnose and treat in terms of the principles and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine requires additional extensive training.

In order to qualify they must also reach curricular standards in Western anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Therefore, while they may not treat a patient from a Western Medical point of view nevertheless they will have an understanding of that system of medicine. Such practitioners must adhere to a professional code of conduct and comprehensive ethical standards.

It is always advisable to check the register of the professional body of the state or country concerned to warrant the professional status of the practitioner.

The province of Alberta, Canada requires all practitioners who call themselves 'acupuncturists' to be Registered under the Health Disciplines Act. An Acupuncturist is 'one who has the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat a range of diseases and disorders using the insertion and manipulation of acupun-cture needles and additional related therapies'.

Unfortunately, there is presently no UK legislation covering the practice of acupuncture. This means that anybody, no matter how little training they have, can legally practice acupuncture.

From a patient's perspective, this makes it even more important to choose a practitioner who is fully registered with a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council ( BAcC). Practitioners who are registered are entitled to carry the letters MBAcC behind their name.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is currently working with the government to establish Statutory Self Regulation for all Acupuncturists to ensure high standards for patients.

Currently all BAcC members:

	Have completed a minimum traditional Acupuncture training of three years full-time or the part time equivalent. A Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Acupuncture takes a further year. This also includes training in Western medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture.
	Are covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public Liability insurance
	Are bound by strict Codes of Practice, Ethics and Disciplinary Procedures
	Are registered in Canada by the Provincial Government (check for a Registration number and certificate)
	Use disposable single use acupuncture needles

All this is to ensure the Health and Safety of the public. One way in which these standards have been recognised is that ONLY patients of BAcC members are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.

Thought Field Therapy

There are a wide variety of off-shoots of Dr Callaghan's TFT. Furthermore, there are a growing number of people who falsely claim to be trained in Callaghan Techniques Thought Field Therapy (CTTFT). It is important to check that your practitioner is a member of the only Professional Association for TFT ie. The Association for Thought Field Therapy.

(c)  N Blacklock D.Ac 2002