Is Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Regulated?

Yes! As you have no doubt realized, the practice of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine involves a lot more than just the insertion of acupuncture needles. Licensed Acupuncturists must complete at least 2,625 hours (about 4 years of full-time study) followed by successful completion of board examinations.  

Just like your M.D., your Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine practitioner must adhere to rules that ensure that his or her licensing and training is up-to-date. 

Some fast facts about regulation:

1. Most states require national board certification for TCM practitioners. Ironically, most states allow conventional medical doctors and chiropractors to practice acupuncture with little or no formal training.
2. Practitioners must complete at least three years full-time schooling before they can become eligible for the national board certification. 
3. According to the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine , all but a few states have regulations in place concerning the practice of acupuncture. This usually includes licensing requirements for non-MD practitioners and specifications on scope of practice for MDs and other health professionals.
4. Most of these states require national board certification as a prerequisite for state certification or licensure.

Type of Certification Requirements 

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) provides national board certification for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine practitioners practicing in Minnesota.

The  Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit Master's-level programs in the acupuncture and oriental medicine profession. Currently, ACAOM has over 65 schools and colleges with accredited or candidacy status with the Commission.