Foreigners' views on traditional Chinese medicine

As a traditional medical method in China, TCM enjoys a high reputation internationally.

At present, there are more than 30,000 licensed acupuncturists in the United States (some states are called acupuncturists or doctors of oriental medicine), and more than 5,000 western doctors have obtained additional licenses for applying acupuncture.

The United States has a strict acupuncture licensing system, but due to the federal system in the United States, each state has its own local laws to supervise the issuance of acupuncturists' licenses. Therefore, the requirements for issuing licenses vary from state to state, but applicants are generally required to study acupuncture-related courses in acupuncture or Chinese medicine schools recognized by the US Department of Higher Education, and the time ranges from 1700 to 4,000 hours. Generally, they are required to have 950 hours of clinical practice experience before they are allowed to take the acupuncture license examination.

In addition, States generally require acupuncture license holders to renew their acupuncture licenses every year or every two years, otherwise their acupuncture licenses will be cancelled. The procedure of renewing acupuncture license not only includes updating information, but also requires acupuncturists to provide evidence of continuing education. Generally, it takes dozens of hours of professional continuing education courses every year to renew the certificate.

It is a criminal offence to claim to be a professional acupuncturist or to provide Chinese medicine treatment without a valid license. Violators will face imprisonment and fines.

Until 20 12, there were six States in the United States that did not have laws to supervise Chinese medicine, which were generally called "oriental medicine" or "acupuncture", including Alabama, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

Among the states that have laws to regulate Chinese medicine, California is the first state in the United States to pass legislation to regulate acupuncture. As early as 1976, California began to issue professional licenses to acupuncturists.

In short, Chinese medicine is also world-famous. As a new era, we should study hard and go forward bravely!