How safe is “dry needling”?
National registration of the traditional Chinese profession was introduced on 1 July 2012. This is the same type of regulation applying to eg. medical practitioners, nurses, dentists, pharmacists etc. While acupuncture is considered very safe in hands of well- trained practitioners, it has also been associated with a range of complications caused by poorly trained practitioners.
Current trend is 1-2day course for “dry needling” for anyone – registered or not! The most recent Advertisements in Massage therapy journal even run Dry needling course on line! With 12hours of practise!
How would you like to enjoy beeing needled by someone who did online course versus registered practitioner who went to University for 4 years to study Acupuncture…..?
It’s important to be aware that the Health Practitioner National Law Act only allows practitioners registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au) to use the title “registered Acupuncturist”. It does not stop anyone offering ” dry needling” services, whether they are registered or not!
How to find registered practitioner?
At www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx.
At www.acupuncture.org.au
“Extract from official AACMA newsletter”
