Acupuncture and Oriental Studies

Overview Prospective Students Current Students Alumni License Information

Locate a Practitioner

When acupuncturing you must focus your qi and spirit as if facing an abyss one thousand feet deep.

Nei Jing Su Wen/Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, Chapter 25

Guidelines for Practice

New York State recognizes acupuncturists as licensed health care professionals and independent practitioners. The scope of practice, as defined by New York State law is as follows:

The "profession of acupuncture" is the treating, by means of mechanical, thermal or electrical stimulation effected by the insertion of needles or by the application of heat, pressure or electrical stimulation at a point or combination of points on the surface of the body predetermined on the basis of the theory of the physiological interrelationship of body organs with an associated point or combination of points for diseases, disorders and dysfunctions of the body for the purpose of achieving a therapeutic or prophylactic effect.

Acupuncturists insert very fine acupuncture needles into various points on the body that are indicated depending upon the patient's need. The needles do not inject any substance into the body (see our article, "What is Qi?") In some cases, acupuncture may be accompanied by the use of moxabustion, a form of heat therapy (see Experiencing a Session), electrical stimulation, or some other techniques.

Acupuncturists are required by the NYS law to inform patients about the importance of consulting a licensed physician regarding their condition, and sign a statement that becomes part of their permanent record, that they have been so advised.

Among the uses of acupuncture the state recognizes are those involving:

neurological system
musculo-skeletal system
respiratory system
gynecologic and reproductive system
digestive system
genito-urinary system
acute and chronic pain
maintaining emotional balance
stress reduction and detoxification

For more information

Refer to an on-line brochure on acupuncture published by the Office of the Professions at www.op.nysed.gov/acupb.htm.

To locate an alumni of our Acupuncture Program
go to Locate a Practitioner,
email alumni@swedishinstitute.edu or
call 212.924.5900 ext. 143.

The Acupuncture Society of New York also has a directory of practitioners on its Web site at www.asny.org/directory.asp.

Review an on-line brochure describing levels of acupuncture expertise created by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at www.ccaom.org/KnowYourAcupuncturist.pdf.

Verify Practitioner License >