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The Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association (AFPA) is Ireland’s longest established independent professional association representing Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine Practitioners since 1987.
In the initial years the association adopted codes of ethics and practice, insurance for practitioners and made formal representations between 1987 and 1999 to the Department of Health and Children [DOHC] in regard to statutory regulation for acupuncturists. The AFPA was the first association to be approved for Health Insurance recognition - with VHI initially, and BUPA following suit. The AFPA has always applied the highest standards nationally and is committed to providing the best and safest practice of acupuncture to the public. On a European level, AFPA has formally joined the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association [ETCMA], which is an umbrella organisation for professional associations that represent different fields within Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The AFPA is committed to the Department of Health and Children’s Report on Complementary Therapies 2005 – 2006 [PDF] and is part of the Steering Group of Acupuncture Associations that was formed as a direct result of the Department's involvement in this area. |
  The AFPA is a member of the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA) an umbrella organisation for professional associations that represent different fields within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).Each member association is made up of individual practitioners, and reperesents approximately 9000 practitioners in 12 countries.
The main purpose of ETCMA is to promote the wider recognition and acceptance of TCM therapies by European governments and the public, through the exchange of views and experiences over matters of mutual interest, such as the statutory regulation of our therapies and the development of our educational programmes.It acts as a reference point for consultation regarding any healthcare policy and regulation in Europe that may impact TCM professions and patients. It offers particular expertise in all fields of TCM. The main aims of the ETCMA are to:
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