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UEL points the way with new Acupuncture degree programme

Wednesday 12 July 2006

The University of East London (UEL) is pointing the way forward for the development of complementary medicine in the UK with the launch of a new degree programme in Acupuncture this September.

BSc (Hons) Acupuncture – the first degree programme of its kind – will provide students with the knowledge and professional training necessary for the practice of acupuncture. Graduates of the new programme will be eligible for membership of the British Acupuncture Council.

Acupuncture is a powerful therapy which uses fine needles inserted at specific points on the body surface to restore or maintain health. It originated in China over 2000 years ago and remains widely practiced in hospitals throughout that country, as well as increasingly accepted and popular in the West.

The new UEL programme will focus on both traditional Chinese medicine and western systems of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Third-year students will also have the opportunity to consider how acupuncture can be used to relieve specific east London health problems, putting their theory into practice on local community placements.

Programme Director Charmian Wylde, an experienced acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese traditional medicine, said: “Interest in complementary medicine has surged over recent years and increasing public demand has led to a shift in attitudes within the medical profession.

“There is a growing recognition of the effectiveness of acupuncture and other complementary therapies, and our aim is to provide high quality training that gives our students the confidence and expertise to become successful practitioners.

“This exciting new programme will also allow students to develop a good understanding of key issues affecting our health and the important role that acupuncture can potentially play in the future of healthcare.”

BSc Acupuncture is part of an expanding range of complementary medicine programmes - including BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine and BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapy (Pilates and Therapeutic Massage) run by UEL’s Stratford-based School of Health and Bioscience.

For further information, contact 020 8223 3333 or email Charmian Wylde on c.wylde@uel.ac.uk.

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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