Issues need to be addressed for acupuncture to be appropriately incorporated into modern health care

The incorporation of acupuncture into today's health care delivery system can be made possible by a better understanding among providers of the language and practices of both the Eastern and Western health care communities. Acupuncture aims at a holistic, energy-based model to the patients instead of a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment approach.



An important factor for the integration of acupuncture into the modern health care system is the preparing and credentialing of acupuncture practitioners by the appropriate State organizations. This is imperative to allow the public and other health practitioners to recognize skilled acupuncturists. The acupuncture educational bodies have made substantial achievement in this area and is promoted to follow this course. Educational criteria have been established for teaching of physician and non-physician acupuncture practitioners. Many acupuncture educational programs are accredited by an organization that is acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education. A federal credentialing agency is there for non-physician acupuncturists and offers exams for qualification of acupuncture practice. A nationally recognized exam for physician acupuncturists has been established.

Most of States provide licensure or registration for acupuncture practitioners. Since some acupuncture practitioners have limited English skill, credentialing and licensing examinations should be offered in languages other than English where necessary. There is deviation in the titles that are conferred through these processes, and the prerequisites to obtain licensure differ substantially. The range of practice allowed under these State requirements also varies. While States have the individual prerogative to establish standards for licensing professions, consistency in these fields will offer greater confidence in the qualifications of acupuncturists. For instance, not all States recognize the same credentialing examination, therefore making reciprocity complicated.



The occurrence of adverse events in acupuncture practice has been documented to be extremely low. However, such events have occurred on rare occasions, some of which are life-threatening (e.g., pneumothorax). As a result, appropriate safeguards for the protection of patients need to be in place. Consumers should be fully informed of their treatment options, expected prognosis, relative risk, and safety practices to minimize these risks before their receipt of acupuncture. This information have to be provided in a way that is linguistically and culturally appropriate to the consumers. Use of acupuncture needles should always be consistent with FDA regulations, including use of sterile, single-use needles. It is noted that these are already being practiced by many acupuncture practitioners; however, these practices should be standardized.



It has been reported that more than 1 million Americans currently accept acupuncture procedure every year. Continued access to well trained acupuncture practitioners for appropriate conditions should be guarantied. Because many individuals seek health care treatment from both acupuncturists and physicians, communication between these professionals need to be strengthened and improved. If a patient is under the care of an acupuncturist and a physician, both practitioners should be informed. Both patients and providers should be responsible for facilitating this communication.



Evidence suggests that some patients have inadequate access to acupuncture services because of inability to pay. Insurance companies can decrease financial hurdles to access conditional on their willingness to provide coverage for appropriate acupuncture practices. More and more insurance companies are either considering this possibility or now provide coverage for acupuncture services. Where there are State health insurance plans, and for populations served by Medicare or Medicaid, expansion of coverage to include appropriate acupuncture services would also help remove financial barriers to access.

The website of Britannia Acupuncture Clinic will provide you with more information about acupuncture practice.