CONCERNS that acupuncture is now being offered by insufficiently trained healthcare workers have led to a demand for proper regulation in the field.

Oriental medicine practitioners Erin Moran and Sifu Reginald Cann are behind the call to adopt island-wide standards. Sparking their fears is the rise in acupuncture treatments given by persons with only a 'crash-course' understanding of the complicated process.

They feel such standards are necessary to protect residents from the significant harm that can be caused where acupuncture is administered incorrectly or inappropriately.

"In Bermuda and overseas, acupuncture has become mainstream and is considered effective for many conditions including allergies, asthma, digestive disorders, infertility, back pain and more," they said in a joint statement.

"The medical community has now embraced acupuncture and has decided that they would like to use it as well.

"Consequently, there are several doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists now practising acupuncture. Their training ranges from a weekend course to a three-week intensive 'crash course' in acupuncture.

"Acupuncture is originally part of an entire system of medicine that is over 3,000 years old ¿ Oriental medicine. Acupuncture is one of the tools used by practitioners of Oriental medicine and involves inserting fine needles into specific points as a way to balance the body.

"Practitioners trained in Oriental medicine will typically study full time for three to four years at an accredited institution for their basic qualification, complete over 1,600 clinical hours and are required to pass national board exams.These board-certified acupuncturists abide by a Code of Conduct, are required to keep current through approved continuing education courses, and know to keep within their scope of practice."

Government yesterday offered no response to the concerns, but the pair listed a host of problems where persons without a similar educational background incorporate acupuncture into their practice:

l Acupuncture is part of a much larger system. To take away the system and only use one of the tools is missing the point. There are many facets of Oriental medicine that are vital for diagnosis and effective treatment.

l Professionals staying within their scope of practice. Physicians, chiropractors and physiotherapists have extensive training in order to practice. Consider the following example: An acupuncturist decides that they would like to 'try' chiropractic adjustments and takes a weekend course. Although it is admirable that doctors, chiropractors and physiotherapists are interested in other modalities, they would not tolerate someone delving into their scope of practice without the necessary qualifications.

l We have had reports from people receiving acupuncture from their physiotherapist or the like. The feedback in these instances is that 'acupuncture doesn't work' and/or 'acupuncture hurts'. If administered by someone who has taken a 'crash course' or their needling technique is poor, acupuncture may hurt and will most likely not be effective.

l The misconception that "acupuncture is easy" and can be done by anyone. True practitioners of Oriental medicine are professionally trained. There is much more to acupuncture than simply inserting a needle into the skin and harm can result if acupuncture is administered incorrectly or inappropriately.

"In addition to the conventional medical community, there are areas of alternative medicine also embracing acupuncture," they continued.

"In one bizarre case, a massage therapist reportedly inserted acupuncture needles into a client during the massage without informing or obtaining prior consent. These practices are irresponsible and are a threat to public health and safety.

"Acupuncture is an invasive treatment and, at the very least, there must be a firm knowledge of anatomy, needle depth and insertion, blood borne illness and 'clean needle' practices including proper disposal of acupuncture needles as biohazard waste.

"There must also be knowledge of referral practices and emergency situations. We believe it is time for Bermuda to adopt standards for acupuncture. This will give the public in Bermuda a sense of understanding and safety when it comes to this type of complementary care."