There is a misconception that acupuncture needles are harmless. Yet, acupuncture is overseen by the Board of Medicine and take years of study b/c of its complexity and potential for harm. Giving more people access to acupuncture needles without years of training potentially harms patients. While athletic trainers are highly trained in athletic training, they are not highly trained in how needles impact the muscles or how acupuncture is working with channels and pathways to alleviate pain. 

It's easy to think that needles are what makes the difference in treatment. However, it's the years and years of training that is what makes the difference in treatment. It's the training that teaches channels, and points, and Microsystems, and point pairs that make acupuncture work. 

We are under the Board of Medicine, because we are medial providers. Our needles are a tool we use as part of our care. It's our training of where to put the needles and how that is what makes the care work. 

Please recognize that giving access to these needles to non medical providers is risky for patients and diminishes the medical profession of acupuncture. 

Thank You,
Dr. Renee Lee