Regulating in the public interest

Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and modern scientific and physiologic systems. It is used to assess, diagnose and treat.
Acupuncture is administered to

• promote, maintain, restore or improve health
• prevent disorder, imbalance or disease,
• alleviate pain
• facilitate healing
• to increase mobility
• restore function and quality of life.

It refers to the stimulation of specific points, identified by anatomical and physiological standards, as well as by manual inspection & palpation. Stimulation of points elicits a predictable physiological response including neurophysiological responses in the muscles, spinal cord and brain, as well as biochemical and hormonal responses in the body.
These responses either change the body’s experience of symptoms, especially pain, or trigger the release of substances which influence the body’s internal regulation. This includes the administration of manual, mechanical, thermal and electro-therapeutic stimulation.
As an integral part of the healthcare team, Acupuncturists may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that best meets the patient’s needs and goals.