Traditional medicine trainers learn to move with the times

As acupuncture gains global recognition, training methods for practitioners have evolved, making the ancient art more accessible and precise than ever before.

"Acupuncture has spread to more than 196 countries and regions and more and more people have become interested in this traditional practice," says Tong Xiaoying, deputy director of the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, part of the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.

The center, formerly known as Acupuncture Training Class for Foreign Doctors, was established in 1975 with two other centers in Shanghai and Nanjing, on the advice of the World Health Organization.

The center has trained more than 30,000 doctors from more than 100 countries, providing three-month courses including theoretical study and clinical practices, Tong says.

"The topics are proposed by the participants — what they most need to focus on. The priorities range from stroke rehabilitation to sports injuries. The emphasis varies from country to country, so we tailor the curriculum accordingly."

The center also includes the latest developments in acupuncture in the courses, such as new tools, therapies and research results.

"For example, as concerns over obesity grow, we are incorporating acupuncture-based weight-loss therapies into our courses. "

In addition to on-site courses, Tong says, that online workshops have expanded access to more students.

"There are three cameras in the classroom and every movement is tracked from different angles, showing students the detailed process of an acupuncture session."

Interpreting is also provided during the course, with English, German and Arabic available.

Some of their interpreters have even got a doctor's license in traditional Chinese medicine to practice acupuncture, Tong says.

"They have trained in both foreign languages and acupuncture, which enables them to teach in a more easily understandable way."

As acupuncture needs to move with the times, so do the textbooks.

Tong and her colleagues are working on compiling new textbooks for professionals and for acupuncture enthusiasts.

"Acupuncture is more than triggering points, and it requires a deep understanding of traditional Chinese medicine."

Diagnosis is often challenging for foreign acupuncture learners, which requires years of experience, she says.

However, technology such as artificial intelligence points to the new direction.

"Based on big data, we hope that a platform can be established to enable acupuncture practitioners from both domestic and international backgrounds to share case data, providing intelligent teaching tools to enhance diagnostic instruction for students.

"A portable AI tool that can connect to mobile devices will also be useful to offer diagnostic and treatment recommendations," Tong says.