It has been estimated that over the last 28 years, more than 35,000 doctors of chiropractic have been trained and certified in acupuncture through the above referenced nationally accredited chiropractic colleges. This clearly is the largest single group of practitioners in North America. The majority of the states have regulated through the state legislature the practice of acupuncture by doctors of chiropractic through 100 didactic hours and clinical application. Even though the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine are discussed within these programs, many of the philosophies and theories of TCM are based solely on myth and folklore and have little place within a professional institute of higher education. Significant discussions of modern research into scientific discoveries of endorphins, enkephalins, neural theories and laser and electronic stimulations are major focus of the professional program of acupuncture.
Different countries have different approaches to acupuncture.
The 200-hour program is what is recommended by the World Health Organization as a standard of education for those who are licensed health care practitioners. The nonphysician acupuncturists take course work of 1,350 to 1,850 hours, and are critical of the 200-hour programs. However, what they are not considering is that the doctor practicing acupuncture has spent considerably more time in school than 1,850 hours. The doctors are examined by state and national boards and examined in the subjects which make up acupuncture school. What is taught in acupuncture school is a fragment of what would be covered in a professional college of chiropractic or medicine.