Welcome

Acupuncture Training for Healthcare Professionals

The International School of Acupuncture (I.S.A.) is an educational initiative of the Hellenic Non-Profit Corporation of Chinese Medicine (H.C.C.M.), an official member of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS).

Our programme is designed exclusively for healthcare professionals, including Medical Doctors, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Nurses, and Midwives, who wish to integrate acupuncture safely and effectively into modern clinical practice.

The programme is delivered through a blended learning model combining live online teaching, supervised practical training, and face-to-face clinical education. Clinical practice is organised at the end of the programme at selected international locations.

Our training follows the WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture and is intended exclusively for qualified healthcare professionals.

Join us to expand your clinical skills, deepen your understanding of acupuncture, and apply it confidently within your professional scope.

cropped shot of cosmetologist putting needles on womans body during acupuncture therapy in spa salon

Acupuncture Certificate Course for Healthcare Professionals

Our curriculum covers effective techniques and systems in acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, designed for immediate practical integration into clinical practice. The programme combines live online theoretical instruction with supervised practical training and face-to-face clinical practice in Athens, Greece and selected international locations.

Professional Recognition & Academic Partners

Professional Organisations and Academic Partners

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS)

Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP)

Institute of Applied Channel Theory

Hellenic Corporation of Chinese Medicine (HCCM)

Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Programme Details: Clinical Practice, Tuition Fees, and Weekend Schedule

The programme is delivered through a blended learning model combining live online theoretical instruction, supervised practical training, and face-to-face clinical education. Clinical practice is based in Athens, Greece and, subject to minimum enrolment requirements, may also be offered in selected international locations such as Serbia, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, and South Africa.

Schedule
Tuition and Fees

Time: 09:00-15:00 (UTC/GMT+3)

Dates:

2026
26–27/09, 10–11/10, 24–25/10, 07–08/11, 22–23/11, 12–13/12

2027
16–17/01, 23/01, 06–07/02, 15/02, 20–21/02, 28/02, 07/03, 20-21/03, 28/03

Clinical Practice – Athens
09–11/04, 16–18/04

Clinical Practice – Belgrade

02–04/04, 23–25/04

Clinical Practice – Portugul, Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria

TBA

Presentations
08–09/05

Advanced Course – Athens
14–16/05 (optional)

Clinical Training in China

Additional practical classes may be arranged throughout the course at no extra cost. From 29.05 to 05.06.2027, students will have the opportunity to participate in clinical practice at university hospitals and affiliated institutions in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shandong. This experience is available for an additional fee of €1100, excluding travel and accommodation costs. Participation is optional and is not a mandatory part of the programme.

Tuition and Fees

Total Cost: €2,700
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of €250 is required to secure your place. This amount will be deducted from the total tuition fee.
What’s included: Clinical training is included in the tuition. The optional clinical training trip to China is not included.

Payment Details:

Bank: Eurobank
Beneficiary: Hellenic Non-Profit Partnership for Chinese Medicine
IBAN: GR8202606400000890200482473

Tuition payment is required to complete your registration.

Please use the beneficiary name exactly as written above when making the bank transfer.
If the bank requests a tax number for the deposit, please use: 997619169.

Schedule

Time: 09:00-15:00 (UTC/GMT+3)

Dates:

2026
26–27/09, 10–11/10, 24–25/10, 07–08/11, 22–23/11, 12–13/12

2027
16–17/01, 23/01, 06–07/02, 15/02, 20–21/02, 28/02, 07/03, 20-21/03, 28/03

Clinical Practice – Athens
09–11/04, 16–18/04

Clinical Practice – Belgrade

02–04/04, 23–25/04

Clinical Practice – Portugul, Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria

TBA

Presentations
08–09/05

Advanced Course – Athens
14–16/05 (optional)

Clinical Training in China

Tuition and Fees

Total Cost: €2,700
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of €250 is required to secure your place. This amount will be deducted from the total tuition fee.
What’s included: Clinical training is included in the tuition. The optional clinical training trip to China is not included.

Payment Details:

Bank: Eurobank
Beneficiary: Hellenic Non-Profit Partnership for Chinese Medicine
IBAN: GR8202606400000890200482473

Tuition payment is required to complete your registration.

Please use the beneficiary name exactly as written above when making the bank transfer.
If the bank requests a tax number for the deposit, please use: 997619169.

Programme Structure – 210 Contact Hours

The Acupuncture Certificate Course is structured into eight core modules, combining East Asian Medicine, Biomedical Acupuncture, Dry Needling, clinical reasoning, safety, and supervised clinical training.

Module 1. Foundations of East Asian Medicine

History and Development of East Asian Medicine and Acupuncture
Yin-Yang Theory and Clinical Applications
Five Phases Theory and Clinical Applications
Qi, Blood, Body Fluids, Jing and Shen
Aetiology and Pathogenesis
Zang-Fu Theory and Pattern Differentiation
Extraordinary Channels

Module 2. Channels, Acupuncture Points and Point Location

Channel Theory
Twelve Primary Channels
Acupuncture Point Theory
Point Categories
Surface Anatomy
Cun Measurements and Point Location Methods
Clinical Applications of Channels and Points

Module 3. Diagnosis and Pattern Differentiation

Four Examinations
Tongue Diagnosis
Pulse Diagnosis
Inquiry and Case History Taking
Pattern Differentiation
Clinical Reasoning
Treatment Planning

Module 4. Biomedical Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Biomedical Acupuncture
Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture
Pain Physiology and Pain Modulation
Evidence-Based Acupuncture
Western Medical Acupuncture
Myofascial Trigger Points
Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Module 5. Acupuncture Treatment Systems and Clinical Applications

Clinical Reasoning in Acupuncture
Treatment Planning and Point Selection
Acupuncture Point Combinations
Applied Channel Theory, Dr Wang Ju-Yi Method
Dr Tan Balance Method
Extraordinary Channels and Clinical Applications
Treatment of Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Internal and Gynaecological Conditions

Module 6. Acupuncture Related Techniques

Moxibustion
Cupping Therapy
Gua Sha
Tuina
Qi Gong
Therapeutic Exercises for Patients
Integration of Related Techniques into Clinical Practice

Module 7. Safe Application of Acupuncture

Clean Needle Technique
Infection Prevention and Control
Indications and Contraindications
Safe Needling Depth, Angle and Direction
Dangerous Anatomical Regions
Adverse Events and Emergency Procedures
Red Flags, Referral Procedures and Professional Practice

Module 8. Clinical Training

Patient Assessment and Clinical Examination
Clinical Reasoning and Treatment Planning
Acupuncture Point Selection
Channel Assessment and Palpation
Practical Needling Skills
Application of Acupuncture Related Techniques
Supervised Treatment of Real Patients

Optional Advanced Training Pathways

Clinical Training in China, 50 hours
Advanced Acupuncture Practical Seminars, 20 hours
Supervised Clinical Mentorship, 20 hours

Total educational pathway: up to 300 contact hours.

Acupuncture Certificate Course for Healthcare Professionals

The Acupuncture Certificate Course is designed specifically for healthcare professionals who wish to integrate acupuncture safely, responsibly, and effectively within their clinical scope of practice.

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates receive the Certificate in Acupuncture for Healthcare Professionals issued by the Hellenic Corporation of Chinese Medicine.

In addition, eligible graduates receive a second certificate issued through the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), confirming that they have fulfilled the training requirements of the programme, as shown in the certificate example.

The programme combines live online theoretical instruction, supervised hands-on practical training, and face-to-face clinical practice, supporting real-world clinical application and professional development.

WFAS Certificate in Acupuncture for Healthcare Professionals

Specialised Clinical Approaches Included in the Programme

Students receive training in selected specialised acupuncture systems and diagnostic methods that complement the core curriculum and support evidence-informed clinical practice.

Pain Management and Musculoskeletal Health Excellence

Our programme includes acupuncture for musculoskeletal health and pain management. It is designed for healthcare professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and other health practitioners who wish to incorporate acupuncture into modern clinical practice. Participants will acquire essential skills for effective assessment, safe practice, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and pain management using acupuncture.

The curriculum covers the diagnostic and therapeutic principles of Asian Medicine, along with the mechanisms of action and the neurobiological and biochemical responses elicited by acupuncture in the body.

Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP)

Our programme is accredited by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) in the UK. Graduates who are physiotherapists will have the opportunity to register with the AACP upon completion of the course, should they wish to do so.

Channel Palpation Diagnosis

According to the World Health Organization and Chapter 26 of the ICD-11, Asian Medicine is recognised as traditional medicine. Our programme honours this tradition in acupuncture, recognising its unique effectiveness when practised authentically. Accurate diagnosis is paramount before the application of acupuncture, and channel diagnosis is among the most valuable methods for acupuncturists.

The International School of Acupuncture, in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Channel Theory, imparts time-tested knowledge spanning centuries. This supports the effective practice of acupuncture, grounded in established tradition and modern clinical understanding.

Dr. Tan's Balance Method

Discover the transformative power of Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, a highly effective acupuncture technique renowned for its immediate results and simplicity. Our one-year acupuncture programme includes comprehensive training in this method, which utilises strategic point combinations to achieve rapid pain relief and restore balance in the body. Taught by experienced practitioners, the course provides you with the skills and knowledge to integrate Dr. Tan’s Balance Method into your clinical practice, enhancing your therapeutic toolkit and improving patient outcomes.

Looking for a local discount? Reach out to our representatives in Serbia, Portugal, Bulgaria, Malta and Cyprus!

Registrations are now open!

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Clinical Practice

Our programme places a strong emphasis on hands-on training, which begins from the very first lessons. Clinical practice is conducted in modern, state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you gain practical experience in a professional environment.

Asian Medicine Curriculum

History of Asian Medicine / Traditional Chinese Medicine
Theories and Principles of Asian Medicine
Asian Medicine Syndromes
Diagnosis in Asian Medicine
Pulse Diagnosis
Tongue Examination
Practice in Qi Gong

Acupuncture

The History of Acupuncture
Mechanisms of Action in Acupuncture
Research, Clinical Trials, and Evidence-Based Acupuncture
Channels & Points, Traditional Acupuncture from the Company’s Book
Acupuncture Techniques, Pain Management, and Treatment Protocols
Basic Principles of Dr. Tan’s Balance Method from the Company’s Book
Dry Needling Technique at Trigger Points
Auricular Acupuncture Protocols
Practical Exercises and Clinical Practice

Tui Na and Cupping Therapy

History, Historical References, and Theoretical Background According to Asian Medicine
Myofascial Decompression / Modern Techniques
Tui Na Techniques (Manual Therapy) and Therapeutic Scraping
Cupping Therapy & Traditional Techniques
Indications – Contraindications of Therapy
Scientific Documentation
Clinical Practice

Thermotherapy and Moxibustion

History, Historical References, and Theoretical Background According to Asian Medicine
Moxibustion
Thermotherapy
Indications – Contraindications
Scientific Documentation
Clinical Practice