What is the BAcC?
This blog post it all about the BAcC. What is it? Who is it? And why do we care?
You may not be aware of what the BAcC is or why it is important or why choosing an acupuncturist who is a member of the BAcC is probably the best idea. So, I wanted to take the opportunity to explain all of this. And for my fellow acupuncturists, I’d like to share my viewpoint as to why we should want to be a part of this organisation.
What is the BAcC?
The BAcC stands for the British Acupuncture Council. They are the UK’s biggest acupuncture regulatory board and provide the gold standard of acupuncture. The BAcC is the only acupuncture board that is registered with the professional standards agency (PSA), meeting all the World Health Organisation standards. It is a member led organisation, with an elected governing board.
Who is a BAcC member?
In order to become a member of the BAcC, you need to have completed 3 years of degree level training at an accredited college or university. If you finish your accredited course and choose not to become a member immediately, after three years you will put through tests in order to prove your confidence if you then wish to join. I think, if you have completed the three years of training, you should be a member. In 2009, the BAcC nearly achieved statutory regulation however as the government changed, this was dropped. Without this it means anyone can go on a weekend or month-long course and call themselves an acupuncturist. However, these people cannot be a member of the BAcC. Hopefully statutory regulation will be achieved soon but until then, you can’t guarantee your acupuncturist has been through appropriate training unless they have BAcC membership. I spent three years and tens of thousands of pounds to train as an acupuncturist. I have been taught the Chinese medicine theory, the acupuncture point locations, their English and Chinese names, their classifications and individual functions, I have learnt the human anatomy, a vast amount of western medicine and written a dissertation. Not to mention hours of observations, clinical work and needle practice. And all of this is vital be being a good practitioner. I have earnt the superiority of status that the BAcC brings, I have earnt my membership. And this is not unique of me. This is the same for any BAcC member. I don’t want to do myself the disservice of not being a member. As a member you are also required to complete a certain number of hours doing post graduate work a year. If you fail to do so, you cannot keep your membership.
What does the BAcC do?
Firstly, I feel it provides a great level of status and credibility to the medicine. The purpose of the BAcC is to raise awareness of acupuncture, represent acupuncturists, to protect both practitioners and the general public, fund research and promote integrated healthcare.
How do you know they are BAcC Members?
Firstly, ask. If you are making an inquiry with an acupuncturist, feel comfortable in asking “are you a member of the BAcC?” Most members will promote their membership on their website with the logo or in their bio. Members are also allowed to use the designated letters MBAcC.
You can also use the BAcC website, enter your postcode and see members in your area.
For more information on the BAcC you can visit their website, which is filled with information for both patients and practitioners.
I hope this makes you more informed in finding a safe and qualified acupuncturist.
