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| The Practice of Acupuncture |
| The California Business and Professions Code Acupuncture Licensure Act defines Acupuncture as the stimulation of a certain point or points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or modify the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control, for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body and includes the techniques of electro-acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. An Acupuncturist is an individual to whom a license has been issued to practice acupuncture in the state of California pursuant to the Act, whose license is in effect and is not suspended or revoked. The scope of practice of an acupuncturist includes acupuncture, moxibustion, and Oriental Herbology. The modern practice of acupuncture involves needling techniques using disposable fine needles. Moxibustion involves the burning of "moxa," a type of plant fiber, at specific points on the body. Oriental Herbology involves the prescription of various herbs and other organic materials as nutritional supplements according to traditional Chinese medical theory. An acupuncturist's license authorizes the holder thereof: a) To engage in the practice of acupuncture. b) To perform or prescribe the use of Oriental massage, acupressure, breathing techniques, exercise, or nutrition, including the incorporation of drugless substances and herbs as dietary supplements to promote health. Nothing in the Acupuncture Licensure Act prohibits any person who does not possess an acupuncturist's license or another license as a healing arts practitioner from performing, or prescribing the use of, Oriental massage, breathing techniques, exercises, or nutrition to promote health, so long as those activities are not performed or prescribed in connection with the practice of acupuncture. |