Driving the acupuncture profession forward
The profession of acupuncture has come a long way over the last 30 years, since the BAcC was established. Acupuncture is now much more widely accepted as the evidence base is considerably stronger. Our BAcC membership has played a key role in this development.
The BAcC and its members have been involved in: significant research projects, such as clinical trials on back pain, depression and safety [1-3]; developing guidelines to ensure those with a cancer diagnosis are treated safely [4]; establishing many different projects to widen access. The consistent dedication to high standards of BAAB and all the accredited colleges over many years means acupuncture education in the UK is highly regarded internationally. Underneath all this work is the fact that BAcC members deliver millions of treatments each year. First-hand experience of acupuncture is, I believe, the fundamental engine that is driving the profession.
There is still much work to be done before acupuncture achieves its rightful status within UK healthcare. Importantly, we would like to see acupuncture much more widely used within the NHS. This is why we have the Integrated Projects to support members establish connections with the NHS.
Recently, I had the pleasure of a meeting with Linda Mills who has been providing acupuncture to staff at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and many other interesting projects. There is now an opportunity for other members to take part in the UCLH project, please see the details below. Unfortunately, it is not a paid position and won’t be right for everybody. Nevertheless, I do believe it is a good opportunity to build skills, knowledge and connections.
Volunteering opportunity
The opportunity is to work at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) providing acupuncture for NHS staff. 
You can be
- Newly qualified or nearly qualified
- Experienced, wishing to practice your skills
- Experienced and simply wanting to keep practicing
You would be working with a very diverse workforce, many of whom have never received acupuncture. It is an ideal opportunity to build up confidence and gain experience.
You would be working in our ‘staff spa’ where staff can have a 50 minute treatment. 🛁
Required commitment
- A minimum of 6 months
- Regular 3-hour sessions every week or 2 weeks
Expenses
- Up to £10 towards travel: practitioners should live no more than 1 hours travel away
- £4.50 for snacks (for each 3-hour shift)
Contact
If you would like to know more, please email Amanda
amanda.tata@nhs.net
References
[1] H. MacPherson, S. Richmond, M. Bland, S. Brealey, R. Gabe, A. Hopton, A. Keding, H. Lansdown, S. Perren, M. Sculpher, E. Spackman, D. Torgerson, I. Watt, Acupuncture and Counselling for Depression in Primary Care: A Randomised Controlled Trial, PLOS Medicine 10(9) (2013) e1001518.
[2] H. MacPherson, A. Scullion, K.J. Thomas, S. Walters, Patient reports of adverse events associated with acupuncture treatment: a prospective national survey, Quality and Safety in Health Care 13(5) (2004) 349.
[3] H. MacPherson, L. Thorpe, K. Thomas, M. Campbell, Acupuncture for low back pain: traditional diagnosis and treatment of 148 patients in a clinical trial, Complementary Therapies In Medicine 12(1) (2004) 38-44.
[4] B. de Valois, T. Young, C. Zollman, I. Appleyard, E. Ben-Arye, M. Cummings, R. Green, C. Hoffman, J. Lacey, F. Moir, R. Peckham, J. Stringer, S. Veleber, M. Weitzman, K. Wode, Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice (peer-reviewed expert opinion), Supportive Care in Cancer 32(4) (2024) 229.
