Acupuncturist : Training

As most practitioners are self-employed, it is important to maintain contact with professional organisations to benefit from opportunities for training and development.

Colleges, and professional organisations such as the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) , run continuing professional education (CPD) and training seminars which practitioners are encouraged to attend. Practitioners wanting to increase their knowledge may wish to take further training in areas such as:

• specific acupuncture techniques;
• advanced acupuncture theory;
• Chinese herbal medicine;
• other holistic medical therapies.

Acupuncturists may choose to specialise by undertaking specific training in areas such as:

• pain management;
• asthma;
• infertility;
• stroke rehabilitation;
• oncology;
• antenatal care;
• psychiatric care;
• addictions;
• HIV/AIDS.

Some short courses are offered (in English) in countries such as China and Hong Kong. Doctoral study is also available.

Most UK regions have set up support groups for acupuncturists, which can be a way of seeking out professional opinion, networking and keeping abreast of opportunities for further training and development. Supervision is also encouraged.