The city of Kolkata lies at the heart of this captivating tale where ancient tradition and modernity converge to create a thriving hub for acupuncture. Bijay Kumar Basu introduced acupuncture to India in 1959. Today, Kolkata serves as a dynamic epicenter for acupuncture, redefining how it’s viewed and practiced.
Acupuncture is an art that straddles tradition and modernity, creating a patchwork of rules that both practitioners and patients find baffling in the world of Indian alternative medicine. The East-West divide is reflected in the regulation of acupuncture in India, causing quite a stir in the country’s vibrant healthcare landscape.
In terms of well-regulated practices, when it comes to acupuncture in India, the Southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala are leading the charge. The government has regulated the practice, allowing only qualified practitioners to offer acupuncture therapy. This regulation aims to maintain quality and safety in the art of needling, drawing a stark contrast to the unregulated landscape in the Central and Northern states.
In the Central and Northern states of India, the acupuncture scene is more laissez-faire. Here, licensed physicians and non-licensed individuals can venture into the world of acupuncture. The absence of strict regulations has created a diverse community of practitioners, each having their own set of rules. As the demand for acupuncture services increases, there is a growing call for standardization for the sake of uniformity and patient safety, forcing the acupuncture industry in India to grapple with these essential needs.
