Not happy about my acupuncture treatment...

[talia]

Hi Twohoots,

I originally decided against getting involved in the pro or against BAcC thing... but changed my mind when I read your post.

Because acupuncture is not regulated in the UK, everyone can practice it. So associations like the BAcC (but other exist) are trying to set some self-regulating procedures to ensure high standards. Of course there are a lot of politics involved and I share some of Indo's concerns. For example I do have the feeling that the BAcC at times is after my money with its high fees. But I totally disagree with Indo when he says that most of its member are Western style acupuncturists that only did a weekend course or stuff like that. I spent my last 3 years working very hard and part of my training involved spending my last year treating patients under super vision which I don't think it is something that can be said about a few weekends long courses. Not only that but I had to do a lot of work on myself and the way I approach and work with patients. That is quite big in the BAcC requirements.

That doesn't mean that it guarantees I am a good practitioner... at the end of the day being a good practitioner involves much more... but still.

You probably read mostly about the BAcC because they are quite good at their marketing...

I am quite against the monopoly of just one association but... when we get threats from the biomedical world on a regular basis I think it is important to be somehow united under a name... despite all its shortcomings.

So... go with your gut feelings I suppose...

 

[SushiPlatter]

...oh...plus it guarantees you that your practitioner is insured....

 

[Legolas Varagov]

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The main problem is BAC are THE ONLY association aiming for 'state' regulation, NOT self or 'Voluntary' regulation.

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If BAC becomes the regulatory body they will be charging around £2000 per year to register, plus you MUST attend only there regulated courses to pass, £££££££££££'s

does anyone actually realise that the people making this decision are actually chiropractors, physio's, etc which will serve to protect there jobs by limiting the amount of people that have access to this training.

The world is not that stupid! the negative effects of bad practitioners is extremely minimal, compared to western medicine its miniscul. If you visit someone who you do not like you find another that is more suitable.
As with all things, ask for proof of insurance, training or a recommendation. This is the only way to ensure safety



I think you misunderstood me, i meant that as a GP they are required to attend a 2-3 day course in point location in order to practice what is known as 'Medical Acupuncture'. As for the other courses they are more taught to western 'needling ' techniques as apposed to stronger chinese styles, i beleive the TCM to be quite extensive, as it should be.



I think this hits the nail on the head!

Although if i had set up a body called
THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE
Then there would be confusion eh?

is it worth starting a new thread to discuss what people think about the regulations?

indo

 

[mshatswell]

From my session last week, I cant really report any real physical sensations from the needles while they were inserted. I could physically feel the needle in my forehead throughout the session, but I dont think that is quite the same. I did, however, feel such a sense of deep calm and inner stillness, all the time the needles were inserted. Bearing in mind I am a reiki practitioner and trainee reflexologist, I am au fait with meditation techniques and this was something else. Was that a form of deqi?