Welcome to the State of California Acupuncture Board

Course Content/Criteria

The content of all courses of continuing education must be directly related to the practice of acupuncture and must be related to the knowledge or technical skills required for the practice of acupuncture or be related to direct and/or indirect patient care (C.C.R. Title 16, section 1399.483(b)). Learning experiences are expected to enhance the knowledge of the acupuncturist.

It will be the responsibility of the provider to state the course description, outline, and statement of objectives that clearly shows how the course relates to the practice of acupuncture. More specifically, the course(s) must be in one or more of the following areas (the following is not a definitive list):

  1. Theoretical content related to the knowledge of acupuncture and oriental medicine.
    EXAMPLES: Meridian Theory, Yin Yang, Zang Fu Organs, Five Elements, Eight Principles, Etiology, Body Fluids, Qi, Blood, Shen, Jing, Treatment Principles and Classics, Oriental Philosophy, Diagnosis, Case Studies.
  2. The application of knowledge relating to the practice of acupuncture and oriental medicine.
    EXAMPLES: Acupuncture Technique, Point Location, Herbology, Drugless Substances, Nutrition, Exercise, Oriental Massage, Acupressure, Moxibustion, Breathing Techniques.
  3. Content related to Western Medicine.
    EXAMPLES: Courses in first aid, emergency conditions, indications for referral, understanding of diagnostic testing analysis.
  4. Content related to direct and/or indirect patient care.
    EXAMPLES: Sterilization and Preventive Practices, Patient Counseling, Patient Education.
  5. Content related to business practice and/or medical ethics.
    EXAMPLES: Acupuncture Law, Medical Ethics, Patient Management, Office Management, Risk Management.

Non-Acceptable Courses

  1. Courses which focus upon self-improvement, personal growth changes, self-therapy, self-awareness, weight loss, etc., for the practitioner.
  2. Liberal arts courses in music, art, philosophy, and others unrelated to acupuncture or oriental medicine.
  3. All other courses not related to the practice of Acupuncture and/or Oriental Medicine.