The art of acupuncture … why choose a traditional acupuncturist for your treatment?
The dictionary definition of acupuncture describes it as a treatment for pain and illness using the insertion of fine needles at special areas on the body. Sounds simple enough, and as a long-established form of healthcare, you may be forgiven for assuming that acupuncture will have the same effect whoever delivers your treatment. However, this is not necessarily the case. Several different acupuncture styles exist, from the more contemporary approaches developed in the West, through to those firmly rooted in ancient traditions from East Asia which date back around 3000 years. A traditional acupuncturist informs their practice using knowledge and understanding based on ancient principles, but with their feet also rooted in the present using clinical experience and evidence-based practice.
It may also come as a surprise to know that acupuncture is not a regulated profession here in the UK. Whilst you may have been under the impression that all acupuncturists are qualified to the same standard before being allowed to practice, this is not the case at all. Although it is a legal requirement to have a licence to practice from a local authority, this is primarily to ensure that the practitioner is operating from a clean and hygiene premise. However, it is not a requirement to hold a qualification in acupuncture to obtain such a licence. This means that your acupuncturist may potentially only have attended a short course before starting out in business … which may come as a bit of a shock to some! So how can you be assured that your acupuncture practitioner has a high level of qualification before you decide on who carries out your treatment?
Firstly, what makes for a successful acupuncture treatment depends on several factors, not just accurate needle technique and selection of points. Surprisingly, learning safe needling skills is the ‘easy bit’ and something all acupuncturists, whatever their style of study, should have in common. This aspect of acupuncture may take a relatively short period of time to master. This assurance of safe needling practice does of course depend on the assumption that the acupuncturist has been taught by experienced professionals.
In common with all styles of acupuncture, selecting points according to their function (for instance, those useful for pain) is all part of the job. Many contemporary styles use this approach, alongside ‘trigger points’ (painful points) usually close to the area causing pain. A highly qualified traditional acupuncturist can use all of these points of course, but the treatment is so much broader than this, and more difficult to practice as a result.
What sets apart a traditional acupuncture treatment is an emphasis on the importance of individual diagnosis, considering all of a person’s signs and symptoms. From this a treatment principle is developed, and a combination of points selected. These variables are where the real art lies, and something which is at the heart of traditional acupuncture. Using these foundations, a skilful practitioner will be able to put together a balanced and harmonious set of points, unique to each person. Acquiring the knowledge to make accurate diagnoses and formulate treatment strategies takes many months, even several years, to develop. Indeed, many traditional acupuncturists dedicate themselves to a lifelong study as there is always more to learn!
A highly qualified practitioner will have at least 3 years full time academic study of traditional acupuncture behind them, acquiring a BSc degree or equivalent in the subject. A practitioner qualified to this level in acupuncture will have studied anatomy, physiology, and biomedicine modules for their degree. Additionally, approximately 400 hours of clinical education is part of the curriculum. Most of these hours are spent in the teaching clinic, learning acupuncture skills, observing other practitioners, and treating patients under supervision. The curriculum also has a large emphasis on the principles and understanding of Chinese medicine. Moreover, evidence-based research modules form part of the course, usually involving submitting a piece of research as part of the qualification. Indeed, many traditional acupuncture practitioners go on to develop their research into MSc projects, with some studying to PhD level and above.
A highly qualified acupuncture practitioner therefore has a full skill set at their disposal, using knowledge from both a contemporary and traditional perspective. This means that not only do they have a detailed understanding of the functions of each point in isolation, but they also know how to put together a collection of points for optimum effect.
Finally, before choosing an acupuncturist to provide your care it is therefore recommended that you check what qualifications your practitioner holds. Using a British Acupuncture Council member for your treatment does always guarantee that your practitioner is highly qualified, licenced and fully up to date with treatment guidelines and safe practice. However, if selecting other acupuncturists, or if in doubt, ask what course they have taken, and duration of study. Find out which professional organisation to which they may be affiliated and check what qualification requirements are required to join that organisation. You can also check with the local authority in the district where the practitioner is based to ensure they have a licence.
