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Learn Acupuncture - About the Profession
Since the early 1970’s, acupuncture in the United States has been growing in popularity. In 2002, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported approximately 8.2 million US adults had ever used acupuncture and approximately 2.1 million US adults had used acupuncture within the last year. More recently, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine reported that 60% of US adults would readily consider acupuncture as a potential treatment option. With over 16,500 licensed acupuncturists in the United States (http://www.acupuncturetoday.com) and approximately 15% of hospitals now offering complementary and alternative medical therapies (American Hospital Association), a growing body of professionals is rising to meet this demand.
Acupuncturists in the United States are drawn together under a few different umbrellas. The national professional association unites practitioners across the country in order to advance the profession, educate the public, and develop and maintain standards of ethics and competence. Individual state acupuncture associations connect practitioners at a local level in order to provide support and advocacy unique to the laws and regulations of each state. Alumni associations provide practitioners with professional networking opportunities and post-graduate support.
Additional regulatory agencies govern both the practical and educational standards for acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the US. Oriental medical education is regulated at the national level and the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is regulated at the state level.
Professional and State Associations
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental (AAAOM)
http://www.aaaomonline.org
Mission: to promote excellence and integrity in the professional practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, in order to enhance public health and well-being.
State Acupuncture Associations
Individual websites collected at:
http://www.aaaomonline.org/45050.asp
Mission: Varies depending on association.
Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (TAAOM)
http://www.taaom.org/
The Texas Acupuncture Association (TAA) was founded in 1992 before the practice of acupuncture was legal in the State of Texas. It was through their efforts that acupuncture became legal and professionally licensed in Texas. In 2001 TAA changed its name to the Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (TAAOM) in order to better represent all facets of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA)
http://www.aobta.org/
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA®) is a non-profit, professional membership organization representing instructors, practitioners, schools and programs, and students of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT).
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/
Purpose: to promote the integration of concepts from traditional and modern forms of acupuncture with Western medical training and thereby synthesize a more comprehensive approach to health care.
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)
http://www.ahpa.org/
Mission: to serve its members by promoting the responsible commerce of products which contain herbs and which are used to enhance health and quality of life.
Learn Acupuncture at our Acupuncture College: contact .