The acupuncturist profession is regulated in Brazil. Signed by President Lula, the law that ensures the professional practice of this ancient therapy of Chinese medicine was published in the Official Gazette of the Union this Tuesday.
Defined as “a set of techniques and therapies that consists of stimulating specific points on the human body through the use of appropriate needles, as well as the use of specific instruments and procedures”, acupuncture aims to “maintain or restore the balance of the physical and mental functions of the human body”.
With the entry into force of the Law No. 15,345the professional practice of this technique is guaranteed to those who have a higher education diploma in acupuncture, issued by a duly recognized educational institution.
Anyone who has a higher education degree in a similar or equivalent course abroad may also practice the profession, as long as it is validated and registered with the competent bodies, as well as higher education health professionals who hold a title of specialist in acupuncture recognized by the respective federal councils.
Authorization
Non-graduate professionals who have carried out acupuncture activities, “proven and uninterrupted”, for at least five years are also authorized to practice the activity.
After the presidential sanction of the new law, the Palácio do Planalto released a note informing that the new rules ensure the right to use isolated and specific acupuncture procedures in the regular exercise of other professions in the health sector, in accordance with the legal provisions of the respective professional councils.
“In these cases, the professional must undergo a specific course, on an extension basis, taught by a duly recognized educational institution”, informed the government.
