Celebrating Five Years of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC)

As we mark our fifth anniversary, we reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken together – a journey of growth, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to advancing the acupuncture profession in the UK. From our inception in 2020, the AAC has strived to be more than just a professional body; we’ve aimed to be a supportive community, a voice for our members, and a catalyst for positive change within the field of acupuncture.

Our Journey: From Founding to Flourishing

In June 2020, the AAC was established with a clear mission: to provide acupuncturists with a professional body that truly understands and advocates for their needs. Recognising the importance of representation, we became a stakeholder group organisation for the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority (ARA), aligning ourselves with a unified framework that upholds high standards and promotes public protection.

Over the years, we’ve expanded our reach and impact, growing our community and strengthening our position within the acupuncture landscape. Our commitment to excellence has been reflected in the numerous initiatives and achievements we’ve undertaken.

Milestones of the Past Five Years

· Advocacy and Legal Precedents: We successfully negotiated with Public Health England to secure recognition for acupuncturists as healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we set a legal precedent by challenging a local authority’s restriction on remote working for acupuncturists, thereby affirming our members’ rights to practice flexibly.

· Training and Development: We organised courses in phlebotomy, mycology, and blood testing, empowering our members with new skills and knowledge to enhance their practice.

· Community Building: We launched one-to-one supervision sessions, fostering professional development and peer support among our members.

· Annual Conference: Our annual conference has become a highlight of our calendar, bringing together practitioners for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. All the conferences we have held have featured presentations from leading experts in the field and provided attendees with valuable insights into the latest developments in acupuncture practice.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future. Our goals for the coming years include:

· Expanding Educational Opportunities: We aim to offer more training courses and resources to help our members stay at the forefront of the profession.

· Enhancing Member Support: We plan to introduce new initiatives to support the well-being and professional development of our members.

· Advocating for the Profession: We will continue to work on behalf of our members to ensure that acupuncture is recognised and respected within the broader healthcare community.

We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Community

This anniversary is not just a celebration of our achievements but also a celebration of you—our members. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to the art and science of acupuncture inspire us every day. Together, we’ve built a vibrant community that supports, uplifts, and empowers one another.

Thank you for being an integral part of the AAC. Here’s to the next five years and beyond, as we continue to grow, learn, and thrive together.