Earlier this month, ITV visited to interview me about acupuncture training, following up on a news story highlighting a growing concern in the field: the rise of short acupuncture courses.
I’m deeply passionate about raising awareness of the importance of choosing a practitioner with comprehensive training.
Acupuncture is not currently statutory regulated
Acupuncture is not currently statutorily regulated in the UK, therefore...
Anyone can call themselves an acupuncturist
Anyone can establish an acupuncture college
Any organisation can claim to be regulatory association
This highlights the importance of choosing an acupuncturist who has undergone rigorous, dedicated training specifically in acupuncture.
I completed a three-year full time degree in acupuncture in 2012, I underwent thousands of hours of rigorous theoretical and practical study. This depth of training not only prepared me to safely treat a wide range of conditions, It also gave me the knowledge to recognise when a referral to another healthcare professional is necessary.
The Importance of Thorough Training
The World Health Organisation recommends that acupuncture practitioners complete a minimum of 3,600 hours of training. This ensures that practitioners are equipped to deliver safe and effective treatments while recognising when acupuncture may not be appropriate.
Understanding the Risks
Short courses, which can sometimes involve fewer than 100 hours of training (less than 3 percent of the WHO recommendations), do not provide the same depth of knowledge or practical experience as degree-level training. Shorter courses, especially when taken by those without any prior medical training, are often limited in scope and do not meet the WHO-recommended training standards.
Finding an acupuncturist
If you are looking for a licensed acupuncturist
who has completed a degree in traditional acupuncture, I recommend visiting the British acupuncture council to locate your practitioner. All members have trained full time for a minimum of 3 years in acupuncture at a BAAB accredited college.
British acupuncture members are accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). The NHS recommend choosing an acupuncturist from the PSA website. The PSA is an independent body that reports to the UK parliament. The PSA protects the public by overseeing the regulation and registration of healthcare professionals.
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture is a powerful therapeutic tool that can provide significant benefits when practised by a properly trained professional. Choosing a practitioner with comprehensive training ensures not only your safety but also the effectiveness of your treatment.
To read the news story click here
A petition has been set up to call for regulation of acupuncture to protect the public. You can view and sign the petition here.
Well said! The public and fully qualified acupuncturists must be protected.