Who can perform acupuncture in the State of Texas?

In order to practice acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncturists must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners.

The basic requirements are:

• Graduate from an acupuncture school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
• Complete 1,800 hours of Acupuncture training from an accredited acupuncture school.
• Complete 450 of the 1,800 hours in herbal therapy training.
• Have completed 60 college hours in addition to acupuncture training.
• Pass the following NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) examination modules: Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, Point Location, Chinese Herbology, Biomedicine.
• Pass the CCAOM (Council of College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Clean Needle Technique Course and Practical Examination
• Passage of Jurisprudence Examination of the State of Texas
• Prove English proficiency

In the state of Texas, medical doctors (M.D.), doctors of osteopathy (D.O.) and chiropractors can also practice acupuncture, but chiropractors only need 100 hours of acupuncture training and are not required to take any examination to test their skills. Medical and osteopathy doctors have no minimum requirements to practice acupuncture.

Required by law 

In the state of Texas, you must have seen a physician or dentist for the condition you are going to be treated by us within the last 12 months or referred by a chiropractor within the last 30 days except when the condition is smoking addiction, weight loss, alcoholism, chronic pain, or substance abuse. If you have questions, please contact us about your specific condition and ask whether a physician evaluation is required from you.

Question: How many treatments will I need?

Answer: Usually, a series of treatments are necessary to resolve a condition. Each case and condition is treated individually. A consultation is required to determine requirements. Treatments can be between 45 to 90 minutes in length with the first consultation usually lasting longer. It is best to consult with an NCCAOM certified practitioner for more details about your specific treatment plan.



Question: Will acupuncture and Oriental medicine treatment be covered through my insurance reimburse?

Answer: Some insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment and they stipulate that the practitioner be NCCAOM certified. In addition, a majority of flexible accounting spending plans will cover acupuncture and Oriental medicine treatment. It is recommended to call your insurance carrier to verify coverage and discuss options.



Question: Should I consult with my physician regarding getting acupuncture and Oriental medicine treatment?

Answer: It is advisable to always inform your physician about any treatment that you are seeking and it is also very important to have a list of medications and supplements that you are taking available during your first consultation with your acupuncturist. Some physicians will also refer acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners to patients. Just remember to make sure that these practitioners are certified by the NCCAOM and licensed in your state to practice acupuncture.