From the perspective of a dual-licensed practitioner in acupuncture and moxibustion

Abstract

In this symposium, the term "a dual-licensed practitioner in acupuncture and moxibustion" refers to individuals who hold the qualifications of an acupuncturist and moxibustion practitioner alongside an additional professional certification. Such dual licensure is of considerable significance in advancing the academic rigor and expanding the clinical applications of acupuncture and moxibustion. This symposium features four practitioners, each holding dual licensure: as an acupuncturist and moxibustion practitioner, and as one of the following: a physical therapist, physician, nurse, or pharmacist.The presenters will elucidate their respective paths to obtaining dual licensure, including the motivations and processes involved. They will also examine the distinctive strengths and attributes of acupuncture and moxibustion that have become more apparent through their engagement with other professional domains. Furthermore, the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills into acupuncture practice will be analyzed, with specific examples demonstrating its practical utility in clinical settings.Additionally, the symposium will highlight the practical implications of dual licensure in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. It will explore how such collaborations contribute to the broader acceptance and enhanced credibility of acupuncture and moxibustion in contemporary healthcare. The primary objective of this symposium is to articulate the academic and practical value of dual licensure and to facilitate a multifaceted re-evaluation of the potential of acupuncture and moxibustion. The discussions aim to provide valuable insights for the future advancement of the field.