Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine focused on balancing yin and yang.
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that focuses on creating a healthy flow of energy and balancing the yin and yang in the body. It is believed that when balance is lacking, that is when a person gets sick. Acupuncturists insert needles in specific regions of the body to restore equilibrium to the body's energy flow. To practice in the state of California, acupuncturists must be licensed with California's Acupuncture Board and meet educational and examination requirements.
Education
Before taking the qualification exam and becoming licensed as an acupuncturist, students must fulfill educational requirements outlined by the California Acupuncture Board. The board has approved 35 schools in the United States that offer courses and experiential practicums in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Classes should cover curriculum areas such as Physiology, Psychology, Anatomy, Chemistry, History of Oriental Medicine and Pharmacology. (For a list of approved schools, go to the link in the Resources Section below).
If a student has taken a program outside the United States, it must fit the curriculum model approved by the board, and degree documentation translated in English must be submitted to the board for approval. The Acupuncture Board has also provided for another option in gaining educational requirements for those students who do not have the means of completing a full-time college program. Students may complete a tutorial program, approved by the board, where they are mentored by a veteran acupuncturist and the focus in on extensive hands-on learning.
Paperwork
Candidates must apply to take the qualification exam at least 120 days before the test date, and they must send in a $75 submission fee. Original copies of diplomas and transcripts from all relevant educational programs and schools must also be sent into the board. Additional credentials that must be submitted are photocopies of CPR and Clean Needle Technique Certifications.
Examination
The qualification exam is usually offered twice a year and applicants have the option of taking the exam in either English, Mandarin or Korean or requesting special accommodations if they have a disability. The examination fee itself is $550. The exam involves questions on experiential components such as patient assessments, acupuncture techniques and prescribing herbal medicines. It also includes knowledge of regulations involved in public health and safety. Once a candidate passes the qualification examination he is approved for licensing. In February 2010, 73 percent of candidates passed the exam their first time around.
If an acupuncturist is licensed outside California, she must take and pass the California exam in order to practice in the state.
Practices
According to the Acupuncture Board, an acupuncturist may perform the following practices once licensed: "Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health."
Tags: Acupuncture Board, Chinese medicine, qualification exam, Acupuncture branch, Acupuncture branch traditional