What qualifications does an acupuncturist need?
Under current regulation, unfortunately anyone can set up as an acupuncturist without any training at all, or having completed just a short weekend course.
Various governing bodies exist to regulate acupuncturists, and membership depends on the standards laid down by that governing body.
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is the only body in the UK whose membership has undergone extensive training in Traditional Chinese medicine and the relevant conventional Western science studies. Members are bound by a strict Code of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Members may use the letters MBAcC after their name, along with their acupuncture qualification, such as LicAc (Licentiate of Acupuncture).
To ensure your acupuncturist is professionally trained, look for the letters MBAcC after their name.