Practiced for more than 4000 years, acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (1).

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile, single use, disposable needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body’s energy pathways (meridians) to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of energy, or Qi, through the body (2).

Imbalances or disharmony in the flow of Qi is thought to cause illness; Acupuncturists aim to correct the flow of this vital energy to restore the body to balance and maintains the health of this unique system (3).

Acupuncture treatments involve stimulating specific lines, acupuncture points or neural zones on or under the skin’s surface (4).

An acupuncturist may combine acupuncture with additional treatments used by Traditional Chinese Medicine including moxibustion, cupping therapy, Chinese remedial massage (Tui na) and spoon therapy (Guasha) (4).

According to an evidence-based review of clinical literature, acupuncture can assist in treating a wide number of physical, neurological, mental, and emotional ailments (4).

Registration to practice acupuncture in Australia is mandatory and an ‘acupuncturist’ is a protected title under the new Registration Law (1).