Shorter training courses would be suitable for qualified physicians (and certain other graduates) who wish to become competent in acupuncture as a form of therapy in modern Western clinical practice (or as a subject for scientific research).

For them, a brief introduction to traditional acupuncture (derived from the Core Syllabus) would probably suffice, and the training would then be largely orientated to the use of acupuncture in modern Western medicine.

The course should comprise at least 200 hours of formal training, and should include the following components:

1. Introduction to traditional Chinese acupuncture

2. Acupuncture points

• Location of the 361 classical points on the 14 meridians and the 48 extraordinary points.

• Alphanumeric codes and names, classifications of points, direction and depth of insertion of needles, actions and indications of the Commonly Used Points selected for Basic Training.

3. Applications of acupuncture in modern Western medicine

• Principal clinical conditions in which acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial.

• Selection of patients and evaluation of progress/benefit.

• Planning of treatment, selection of points and methods of needle manipulation, and use of medication or other forms of therapy concurrently with acupuncture.

4. Guidelines on safety in acupuncture

5. Treatment techniques

• General principles.

• Specific clinical conditions.

On completion of the course and after passing an official examination, participants should be able to integrate acupuncture into their clinical work or speciality.