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Scope of Practice for Licensed Acupuncturists An acupuncturist’s scope of practice includes acupuncture as well as the allied techniques and modalities of East Asian principles to diagnose and treat illness, injury, pain and other conditions. Acupuncture regulates the flow and balance of energy, restoring and maintaining health.

These allied techniques and modalities include the traditions and formal curricula taught in accredited colleges and universities of acupuncture:

East Asian diagnostic procedures
Electrical and magnetic stimulation
Moxibustion and other forms of heat therapy
Cupping techniques
Gua sha
Recommendation and dispensing of Chinese premade herbal remedies
Lifestyle and dietary counseling based in East Asian principles
Sotai
Shiatsu
Qi gong
Tui na
Acupressure
Formulation and dispensing of custom-made Chinese herbal formulations

Practicing Acupuncture in Maine
The licensing of acupuncture in Maine falls under the Board of Complementary Health Care Providers. For information on licensure fees, requirements, and to download an application to be licensed to practice acupuncture in Maine, please click here.

Additional Certification Requirements to Make Custom Chinese Formulas
Certification is required for licensed acupuncturists in Maine to practice the formulation and dispensing of custom-made Chinese herbal formulations. “Formulation” means the careful preparation of traditional herbal combinations to produce formulas as followed in Chinese herbal literature. For more information click here.

Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain their licenses status in Maine, acupuncturists must obtain 30 continuing education units over a two year biennium. Continuing education credit is given for programs which are directly related to the knowledge and clinical practice of acupuncture and East Asian medicine. For more information on Pre-Approved Continuing Professional Education Activities, click here and look under "What's New."