Education

There are five approved acupuncture programs in Alberta. One of them is at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, where I completed my education. The Grant MacEwan diploma is  an intensive,  three year program (with courses ten months per year) completing 2070 hours of education including 630 clinical hours.

Acupuncture has been regulated by the Alberta government since 1988 under the Health Disciplines Act. As of January 1, 2011, the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (the “CAAA”) was designated by the government to regulate the acupuncture profession. The regulations for certified acupuncturists are listed on their website. To gain my registration and title of Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.)  I successfully passed three Pan-Canadian and two Provincial examinations. I am registered with the CAAA.

Some of my continuing education courses include: Acupuncturists Without Boarders, AcuSport seminars, The A to Z Guide to Using Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth with Debra Betts, and most recently Trauma and Recovery in the context of Chinese Medicine.

Research

PubMed comprises more than 24 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites. You can research acupuncture or other healing modality research through their site.

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a leading self-regulatory body for the practice of traditional acupuncture in the US. They list a variety of ailments as well as several sources of research that has been completed on acupuncture treatment of those ailments.

World Health Organization completed an extensive study that found acupuncture to be effective on a vast range of issues and ailments.

Society for Acupuncture Research is dedicated to improving the quality and increasing the awareness of research in acupuncture, herbal therapy and other modalities of Oriental Medicine. Their site lists studies and research on acupuncture.

University of Maryland Medical Center completed a study that showed acupuncture to be effective in treating low back pain.

CBS News reported on research of more than two dozen studies that found acupuncture was an effective pain relief option.

Infertility Awareness Association of Canada (IAAC) is a great site for couples struggling with infertility. It suggested the use of alternative medicine, including acupuncture as well has informative articles and support groups.

Books

The Web That Has No Weaver  is a wonderful introductory to Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine explained by a Western doctor. This book is very detailed and explains the different approaches Chinese medicine takes as well as the overall philosophy.  If you would like to borrow it, I have a copy at the clinic to lend out.

The Mind-Gut Connection makes it easy to understand the connection between our food and proper bacteria in our gut, and mental/physical illnesses. I would highly suggest everyone read this book.