ABSTRACT
There are a variety of ways in which acupuncture can be taught and practised. Broadly speaking, a practitioner of traditional acupuncture will make an individual diagnosis by interpreting the patient’s symptoms and signs according to Chinese theory and assessment of yin-yang energy status, and will then apply needles to specific ‘points’ to rebalance energy, or ‘Qi’. However, they may often also incorporate elements of orthodox medical diagnosis, which constitute the curriculum of many TCM acupuncture courses. Adjunctive therapies, including moxibustion (burning of herbs), massage, prescription for Chinese herbs, and advice on lifestyle and diet, are commonly also given. A practitioner of ‘Western-style’ acupuncture will take a conventional medical history and perform an examination. Acupuncture will be regarded as one of a number of therapeutic options and rather than moving the ‘life force’ or Qi, brief needling, (perhaps with fewer needles) is intended to stimulate nerve endings, and stimulate the release of endogenous opioids and other neurotransmitters. Within agreed parameters, a certain amount of diversity in acupuncture training establishments is healthy in
catering for the individual needs of students and the different approaches and expertise among the teaching staff.
