Be a professional in the world of TCM

Kit Li

In the UK, there is no single regulatory body for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but several professional organisations exist that practitioners can join to gain credibility, insurance, and professional support.

Therefore, I am a member of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance (CAHMA), the Academy of Scalp Acupuncture UK (ASA), and the Chinese Medicine Alliance (CMA) to ensure that I am protected by regulations as a student member.  Additionally, I have been assigned a registered number as proof of my qualifications.

However, there are several other professional bodies in the UK that you can join as well.

Choose the Right Professional Body

Organisations focus on various aspects of TCM, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tuina.  Some of the most recognised ones include:

• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) – For acupuncturists

• Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) – For herbal practitioners

• Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK (ATCM) – Covers acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tuina

• The Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (FTCMP) – A broader organisation for TCM professionals

Meet the Educational and Training Requirements

Most professional bodies require formal training in TCM from an accredited institution.  In the UK, this typically means:

• Completing a degree or diploma in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, or TCM from a recognised school

• Meeting minimum clinical practice hours

If you studied outside the UK, you may need to submit evidence of equivalent training.

Pass Membership Assessments

Many organisations require a case study assessment, an exam, or an interview to ensure you meet professional standards.

Provide Evidence of Professional Conduct

You will usually need to provide:

• Proof of professional indemnity insurance

• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD)

• Agreement to follow the organisation's code of ethics and practice

Apply and Pay Membership Fees

Each professional body has a membership fee ranging from roughly £150 to £500 per year.

According to the above-mentioned professional bodies, you now know where to look for a qualified Chinese Practitioner.  For more details, please contact the relevant professional body directly.

Links:

CAHMA – Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance

Academy of Scalp Acupuncture UK – ASA – Academy of Scalp Acupuncture UK – ASA

https://www.thecmauk.org/home

Everything happens for a reason

Kit Li  

For most of my life, I have regularly visited my Chinese Practitioner for health maintenance rather than vice versa. I had never considered studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or becoming a Chinese Practitioner until I met one of my professors at the London Academy of Chinese Acupuncture, and I started a new page.

Under great encouragement and some other factors (I will tell you more later), at a turning point in my life, I made up my mind and signed up for a three-year programme for a Diploma in Chinese Acupuncture; also, I commenced another two-year programme for a Diploma in Chinese herbal medicine simultaneously. 

Starting from scratch didn't hold me back on studying TCM with unwavering commitment, I have truly fallen in love with what I have learned, something I never thought I'd be so passionate about.  

That's how I started my journey to exploring the world of TCM and become a Chinese practitioner student.....

Link:

Home - London Academy of Chinese Acupuncture (LACA)