10 Jun Positive step for the public – Chinese medicine is now a nationally registered health profession

Chinese medicine practitioners must now be registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) in order to offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine services to the public.

This move comes after the Chinese medicine profession joined the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for the Health Professions on 1 July 2012. This is the same scheme that regulates medical practitioners, physiotherapists, chiropractors, dentists, nurses and midwives etc. The primary purpose of national registration is to protect the public and registered Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture practitioners have to practice in accordance with national standards.

Vicki Ball of Honour Health is registered as an acupuncturist with the CMBA. Vicki is also a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd (AACMA), the peak national body of qualified Chinese medicine practitioners, which means an added layer of protection and reassurance for the public.

Vicki Ball treats most conditions in general acupuncture practice and has a special interest in stress disorders, womens’ health, infertility, as well as chronic conditions not responding to mainstream medicine.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine originated in China more than 2000 years ago and has become well-established in the mainstream health systems of China, Japan, Korea and other parts of East and South East Asia. Chinese medicine has been established as a profession in Australia for more than 35 years.

Chinese Medicine is a system of primary health care that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, remedial massage (tuina), exercise and breathing therapy (such as qigong), and diet and lifestyle advice.