If you are considering retraining in Acupuncture, it is important to realise that many different people call themselves Acupuncturists. It’s therefore necessary to decide which type of Acupuncturist you wish to become before deciding on the right college to train with.
Here are some tips that might be useful in navigating the options available to you:
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of an ancient and sophisticated form of medical treatment which originated in China. It has increasingly spread throughout the world. It involves the insertion of extremely fine pre-sterilised, stainless steel needles at predetermined points on the body surface to restore internal health.
However, the term Acupuncture is more recently also used to describe needle insertion which is not based in the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is important to distinguish the two types of Acupuncture. One having its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the other a more modern invention of Western medicine.
So are all Acupuncturists in Ireland, the UK, and other parts of Europe, fully trained practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine?
No. Those who have trained at an established and reputable college, such as the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, will have studied intensively for 3 years to learn all the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills of Chinese Medicine. This is required to safely and effectively treat patients with real medical conditions. They are fully trained practitioners of TCM, and may refer to themselves as Chinese Medical Acupuncturists or Practitioners of Acupuncture TCM.
Is this the same as a Western Medical Acupuncturist?
No. Some Western Medicine (WM) professionals have trained at the Irish College of TCM and are Chinese Medical Acupuncturists as well as being WM doctors or nurses. However, most Western Medical professionals who say they do Acupuncture, have only completed a short introductory course in Chinese Medicine, and use the insertion of needles as an adjunct to their Western Medicine treatment. They make a diagnosis according to the principles and theories of Western Medicine.
Are Acupuncturists in Alternative Medicine or Complementary Medicine clinics all trained in TCM?
Not all of them. Some have studied at the ICTCM and are fully trained and will be members of a Professional Body such as the Professional Register of TCM. However, some therapists in such clinics have learned how to insert needles but have not learned how to make a TCM, or indeed any, medical diagnosis.
What about Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Most people offering cosmetic acupuncture are not fully trained and insured in TCM, and do not treat medical conditions.
Where can I train to become a Chinese Medical Acupuncturist able to use Traditional Chinese Medicine to make a diagnosis, determine a treatment plan and provide the correct Acupuncture treatment?
The ICTCM is the oldest college of TCM in Ireland. It has been training TCM Acupuncturists since 1983. It upholds the highest standards of safety, competency and professionalism. To view the 2025 Prospectus Pack, you can visit the ICTCM website which has links to the course structure and syllabus among other programme details. Applications are now open for the 2025 academic year. We look forward to hearing from you soon if you wish to make an application.