Association of Acupuncture Clinicians Achieves Remarkable Milestones in 2023

The Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC) has had an incredible year, achieving a remarkable number of milestones that have further enhanced the profession and its members. From negotiating substantial discounts on essential services to defending members’ rights, the AAC has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence.

Key Achievements of 2023

• January: Negotiated a special offer and 60% discount on Digi-X dynamic websites and services, providing members with access to affordable and professional online platforms.
• February: Released new guidance for dealing with clients with diminished mental capacity, ensuring that acupuncture practitioners are equipped to provide appropriate care for individuals with varying levels of cognitive function.
• March: Fought a case and set a legal precedent on behalf of a member against a local authority which was preventing acupuncturists from working remotely. This landmark victory established the right of acupuncturists to provide their services from alternative settings, expanding their reach and accessibility to patients.
• March: Gained medical insurance for minor non-surgical medical procedures, protecting members’ liability in the event of adverse outcomes. This insurance coverage provides peace of mind and safeguards practitioners’ financial well-being.
• March: Negotiated with two large testing companies’ acceptance of acupuncture practitioners as medical healthcare professionals, allowing members to receive patients’ test results directly without the need for third-party intermediaries.
• April: Organized Phlebotomy courses and access to medical blood and gut testing for acupuncture practitioners, enhancing their skills and knowledge in performing blood tests and interpreting results.
• April: Gained addition of Moxa Pens to the AAC’s standard insurance, providing members with the necessary tools to safely and effectively administer moxa therapy.
• April: Negotiated a trade cost and access to the Mojo at-home professional sperm test, offering members a convenient and accessible option for assessing male fertility.
• April: Forth With Life Testing Laboratory training course for finger prick and blood testing, empowering members to perform blood tests on-site, reducing reliance on external laboratories.
• May: Organized a Mycology course which insures and allows practitioners to prescribe mycology herbal treatments, expanding their therapeutic arsenal and offering patients alternative treatment options.
• June: Due to the success of the mentor and supervision groups, the AAC launched free one-to-one supervision for 3 sessions covered by membership. This initiative provides valuable support and guidance to members, fostering their professional development.
• May, June: Genova testing one-day training courses released on blood and gut bacterial testing, equipping members with the latest knowledge and expertise in these areas of diagnostic testing.
• June: Mel Hopper Kopelman course presenting information on blood test interpretations, enhancing members’ ability to understand and utilize test results effectively in their practice.
• June: Gained CQC approval for AAC members using medical testing and other medical procedures, demonstrating the association’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of care and patient safety.
• July: SaBTO agreed to propose a removal of the 4-month delay in patients being able to give blood after acupuncture, further streamlining the blood donation process and promoting public health. This is a step in the right direction and we will keep you informed with updates.
• July: Informed consent documents for AAC members updated with new legal guidance, ensuring that patients are fully informed of the risks and benefits of acupuncture treatment.
• July: Updated guidance document for record-keeping and confidentiality, maintaining high standards of data protection and patient privacy.
• August: HSF added to the AAC’s list of accepted health insurance companies, providing members with more options for coverage.
• September: Felip Caudet International Moxa course was organized for the first time in the UK, offering members a unique opportunity to learn from an internationally renowned moxa expert.
• November: AAC’s conference was a resounding success, gathering together leading practitioners and experts from the acupuncture field to discuss the latest advancements, share knowledge, and foster collaboration. The event attracted a diverse range of attendees, from seasoned acupuncturists to aspiring practitioners, all eager to expand their skillset and enhance their professional growth

The AAC’s remarkable achievements in 2023 highlight the association’s unwavering commitment to its members and the acupuncture profession as a whole.