I read this very interesting blog from FT,I'd like share with you.

Acupuncture Exam paper.....

from Salford University’s Traditional Chinese Medicine course......

........ if implemented, create lots more nonsense exam papers funded by a lot more public money - and would produce practitioners without the absolutely crucial skill of how to assess evidence and reject or use it appropriatly.

As a GP, this makes me very concerned - after all, if someone has a degree, and is “regulated” by the government, surely you’d think the “treatment” on offer works? Sadly, and worryingly, no.

source:http://blogs.ft.com/healthblog/2009/08/05/the-force-and-consultation-on-the-pittilo-report-on-alternative-health-therapies/

GPs should develop acupuncture schemes through practice-based commissioning (PBC) to help implement NICE back pain recommendations, the British Acupuncture Council has said.

Yes,NICE guidance issued in June recommended a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture should be offered as a treatment option to patients with low back pain.Several big scale clinical trials have demonstrated acupuncture is an effective methods to treat low back pain, knee pain, migraine, etc. So, MDs may suggest patients who have such problems to use acupuncture. However, some of MDs may not so familiar to acupuncture, may advise their patients “do not see an acupuncturist” when patients have other conditions, such as infection, asthma, heart problems, even some other pain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

But,Problem is there are more than 10000 acupuncturists around country and many acupuncture associations including BAC,ATCM,BMCC,,,,,,who should be trusted? As we know,Many GPs and nurses pratice medical acupunctue as well.

Which acupuncturist is best practitioner who have professional experience for acupuncture back pain tretament? Perhaps,It's most important for back pain patient. Answer is " We don't konw"