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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1975-01-16, Page 11PAGE 12 Jottings by Jack from Queens Park We know that the history of acupuncture dates back at least 35 centuries, because prehist- oric artists recorded acupunct- ure treatments by depicting them through etchings on bones. Much later, about 25 centuries ago, the first medical book was written in China which included many details of the practice of acupuncture, which was already ancient at that time. Acupuncture in Canada is not a recent discovery. It has alw- ays been practised in Chinese communities, however, in the last few years, Western physicians have been looking at the possible benefits of this type of treatment, and many have visited China for actual demonstrations of acupuncture. Because this type of treat- ment is relatively new in Ont- ario, there was no legislation covering the practice of acup- uncturists operating in this Prov- ince. As a result some "quack- upuncturists" set up shop and took advantage of unsuspecting patients who were not relieved of their problems and were still charged high fees for serv- ices. Up to now anyone could open an office and insert needles into people regardless of whether he or she had any training in acup- unture. This was a potentially dangerous situation for several reasons. First of all, not all acupuncturists were following basic rules of hygiene. The Toronto Glove and Mail publ- ished a story about a Hamilton acupuncturist who was inserting needles through nylon stockings. If conditions are not completely sterile, there is a very real danger of infection. Another danger of acupuncture at the hands of someone who has not received the proper training is that the needle could accidently puncture a vital organ. Anoth- er concern is the possibility) that acupuncture might be used before expert medical diagnosis has been obtained. Without such diagnosis proper medical care could be delayed and serious consequences to the individual could result. Last June the Government took the first step toward cont- rolling the practice of acupunct- ure in Ontario. Health Minister, Frank Miller stated it was a medical act and could only be performed by a non-medical person on referral in writing by a physician, thus ensuring that a diagnosis has been established, At that time he announced three research grants totalling $75, 000 to assist in establish- ing the role of acupuncture in the delivery of health care. Unfortunately, The Minister's directive in June did not do very much to prevent the cont- inuing operation of the store- front acupuncturists he wanted to control. Many of these people continued to see patients without the written referral of a physician. It became very NOW READY TO SERVE YOU ! leave me RE WORN us leave the PLUMBING WORKIOUs BOB KIRK EUGENE KIRK PLUMBING — ELECTRICAL PHONE 236-4582 ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS obvious that more stringent controls were needed, In July Ontario acupuncturists formed an Association with Hub- ert Lam as President. The Association stated that it felt acupuncturists should all be licensed and disciplined by a separate Board. This precipitat- ed a struggle between the med- ical and non-medical acupunct- urists because Ontario doctors wanted to limit the practice of acupuncture to licenced physicians. The Acupuncture Foundation which was composed of medical doctors, urged phys- icians not to refer their patients to lay acupuncturists. At last on January 8, the Health Minister came out with - his long awaited statement on the status of acupuncture in this Province. He said that the practice of acupuncture will be restricted to physicians, dentists and specially trained lay acup- uncturists who have passed an examination and are working under the supervision of a phys- ician. This will put most of Ontario's acupuncture clinics, estimated to number about 100, out of business, as Mr. Miller estimated only about 12 to 15 non-medical acupuncturists will be able to pass the examination. Lay acupuncturists will be We Are C!ea rin Out THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975 GALE -FORCED winds last Friday night played havoc with the barn on the property of Dave Durand, R. R, 3, Bayfield. required to submit to a training course and special examination to be administered by the, College of Physicians and Surg- eons. Although it is regarded as a medical act, acupunture will not be covered by OHIP. How- ever, a scale of approved rates will be drawn up by the Ontario Medical Association. At the present time people are paying anywhere from $10 to $35 pdr treatment. Hopefully, the new Goverrunent regulations will eliminate Ontario's unwanted quackupuncturists by controlling who may or may not practice this ancient Chinese technique. Some question has arisen as to why acupuncture will not be covered by OHIP since the Collegeof Physicians and Surg- eons has accepted it as a med- ical modality. I think the ans- wer to this is that not all med- ical procedures are fully covered by OHIP. For example chiro- practic treatments are only covered up to a maximum of $100 a year, and psychoterapy done by psychologists is not covered at all. The Minister of Health has stated that it is not inconceivable that some day acupuncture will be covered by OHIP. However, the task at hand is to determine the real medical benefits of this type of treatment which although anc- ient is not completely under- stood. Start The New Year Out Right ... 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