Throughout the week of 16-22 November 2014, members of the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists (also known as Acupuncture NZ) throughout the country will be celebrating World Acupuncture Awareness Week.

Discounted clinical assessments and treatments, open clinics, public lectures and other events are being planned by both the organisation and by individual practitioners.

With a very extensive history in countries such as China, Korea and Japan, acupuncture is rapidly increasing in popularity throughout the Western world. More and more people are turning to acupuncture in their quest to maintain their already good health or to reduce or minimise their reliance on pharmaceutical medications. Here in New Zealand, members of NZRA have been recognised as ACC Treatment Providers since 1990.

There are increasing numbers of reliable and robust studies being published on the effectiveness and cost efficiency of acupuncture treatment. Whilst there have historically been many studies published from Chinese and Korean universities and hospitals, there are now universities much closer to home producing outstanding research. RMIT in Melbourne and the University of Western Sydney - both in Australia - have offered undergraduate and post graduate studies to PhD level for many years now. Here in New Zealand, the NZ School of Acupuncture and TCM in both Wellington and Auckland, offer both Bachelor and Master programmes in Health Science (Acupuncture) - both endorsed by the NZ Qualifications Authority.

The focus for this first celebration of World Acupuncture Awareness Week is on the treatment of four specific conditions - lower back pain, depression, migraine and period pain but the range of conditions which may benefit from acupuncture treatment is extensive. A full assessment and diagnosis from your local practitioner followed by a course of treatment over subsequent weeks may be exactly what you are looking for.

Traditional Acupuncture - Feel the Difference!