PRESS RELEASE: AACMA LAUNCHES “WE ARE” CAMPAIGN TODAY
AACMA is reminding Australian’s on the important role of the Allied Health Services Chinese Medicine provides
AUSTRALIA: Australia’s peak professional organisation for qualified acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners, the Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) is this week launching their ‘We Are’ campaign; aimed at reminding all Australians of the important role Chinese medicine and acupuncture plays in our day to day lives.
The social campaign (which can be viewed on the AACMA social pages https://www.facebook.com/AACMA/videos/463066331205177/) showcases six of the most important reasons as to why Australian’s should feel comfortable booking with their local AACMA accredited Acupuncturists or TCM practitioner.
1. We are…open for business
Even though we continue to flatten the COVID-19 curve, Australia is also now into peak flu season.
“Along with the flu vaccine, including regular acupuncture sessions to help to boost your immune system, strengthen your ability to fight off viruses like common colds and flu, offers a double benefit for keeping well during winter,” says comments Waveny Holland, AACMA President.
While adhering to all government directives for safe practice, Chinese medicine practitioners are still treating those ailments that we all get with the added benefit of feeling relaxed after a treatment that helps with the mental and emotional impact that social distancing and isolation has brought.
If you’re feeling unwell but concerned about heading out for treatment, AACMA members can provide a telehealth consultation. Many practitioners are now using telehealth to provide a health service not just for people who had to self-isolate but for the whole community. Prescribing herbs delivered to your door, using food as medicine by advising on appropriate diet and nutrition, recommending qi gong and tai chi exercises and even demonstrating and advising patients on acu-pressure points to massage to gain relief AACMA member practitioners can provide with care that you need.
2. We are… government regulated
As a registered profession, Chinese medicine is governed by the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (2009), which covers 15 other registered health professions, including doctors and nurses. “We, like all the registered professions, are highly regulated to safeguard the public,” says AACMA president Waveny Holland. “ The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) plus all the codes and guidelines under which we must practice, are specifically in place to maintain high standards of practice safeguarding the public’s right to quality care that AACMA members provide holistically without drugs.”
3. We are… bound by strict infection control guidelines
Good hygiene practices are of concern for everyone amidst the COVID-19 crisis. As highly skilled, government-regulated primary health workers, AACMA members are trained to adhere to the strict health and safety guidelines put in place by the government. “As AACMA members, we are qualified, we are continuously upgrading our skills and knowledge, we are there to care and treat,” says Waveny. “We all continue to practice according to every one of those guidelines, so our patients know we care, not just about their health but their right to safe practice.”
4. We are… highly trained healthcare professionals
“Chinese medicine acupuncturists must complete a minimum four-year bachelor’s degree that includes 1000 hours of clinical practice before they can apply for registration to practice,” explains Waveny. Practised for over 2000 years, this ancient healing model originating in China but now taught and practised worldwide, Chinese medicine and acupuncture are a natural, holistic medicine and not just a therapy. Practising AACMA members are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, have tertiary education that has a strong research evidence base, and must maintain their knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development to be able to continue in practice. Choosing an AACMA member means that you are guaranteed a professional health practitioner who can offer the highest quality treatment and care.”
5. We are… Allied Health
Chinese medicine is classified and recognised as an allied health profession by the Australian Government Department of Health under the NRAS. “As a registered allied health profession, we are primary healthcare providers and deemed essential,” explains Waveny of practices remaining open during the pandemic.
Health Direct is a Federal and State Government-funded service that provides quality, approved health information and advice. It explains that “Allied health practitioners are trained professionals who are not doctors, dentists or nurses. They can help you manage your physical or mental health through services that include diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation.”
6. We are… AACMA members
Having represented the majority of Chinese medicine practitioners since 1973, AACMA is considered Australia’s most trusted source for qualified Chinese medicine practitioners, and its members are in the best position to keep patients safe and protected while receiving treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
To find a fully accredited, skilled acupuncturist or Chinese medicine practitioner now and into the future, visit the AACMA member practitioner database.
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Interviews with Waveny Holland, or a local acupuncturist are available on request ([email protected])
www.acupuncture.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/AACMA
https://www.instagram.com/_aacma_/
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Contact: Amanda Kuhn – 0410 570 993 – [email protected]
Who is the Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association Ltd (AACMA)?
The AACMA was established in 1973 when Chinese medicine (TCM) was relatively unknown by the western population of Australia. Today, the association represents the majority of qualified acupuncture and TCM practitioners in Australia. We encourage and enable our members to grow as TCM practitioners through professional development opportunities, research and collaboration.
