The British Academy of Western Acupuncture (BAWMA)
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Initially BAWMA trained doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and vets, however in recent years we have expanded our teaching opportunities to other healthcare professionals and also professionally registered complementary therapists.
Founded in 1976
BAWMA was founded in 1976 by Dr George Nieman following extensive research in Asia, N America and the UK. Dr Nieman developed a number of formulae for a wide variety of conditions which are still being taught 50 years later. Initially BAWMA trained doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and vets however in recent years we have expanded our teaching opportunities to other healthcare professionals.
BAWMA was established as a registered charity, with the mission to offer a high standard, credible post-graduate education at an affordable price.
The Academy has grown in response to increasing interest in acupuncture. Western acupuncture offers a practical, accessible approach to the traditional Chinese art, adapting it for modern medical practice.
The principal aim of the Academy
The Academy is committed to maintaining high standards in acupuncture training, particularly given the current lack of statutory regulation. Significant work is underway toward formal regulation, and the British Academy of Western Medical Acupuncture is one of four organisations actively negotiating with the Department of Health to introduce legislation governing the practice.
Our courses
BAWMA offers an annual acupuncture training course over eight weekends, run at the Liverpool Medical Institution (LMI). The LMI is conveniently located close to the centre of Liverpool offering good transport links and free car-parking.
The course combines lectures and practical tuition with a high tutor-to-student ratio. Students receive personalised guidance to develop clinical skills for a wide range of conditions. The course includes ongoing assessments, case studies, and a final practical exam. Successful students receive a licentiate certificate, qualifying them as members of the British Academy of Western Medical Acupuncture.
BAWMA Tutors
Justin Shanahan
Justin is the Principal of the academy, a role he has proudly held for the past fifteen years. He first joined BAWMA in 1999, training under its founder, Dr. George Nieman. After graduating, Justin remained with the academy, beginning his teaching career as a tutor before later becoming Vice Principal.
His long-standing commitment to acupuncture and to BAWMA has shaped the academy’s direction for more than two decades.Justin brings extensive healthcare experience to his work. Over a 25-year nursing career, he held roles including nurse practitioner, ward manager, and staff nurse across a variety of clinical settings. He later became a clinical skills tutor at the University of Liverpool, teaching medical students for 16 years before retiring in 2026.Today, Justin continues to lead BAWMA with warmth, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of pride in the academy’s community. His dedication to acupuncture, teaching, and student support remains at the heart of everything he does.
Emily Doncaster
Emily was delighted to be offered the opportunity to work as a BAWMA tutor for the academic year 2013-14, and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience of sharing her acupuncture knowledge with BAWMA students ever since. Emily is now the Vice Principal and Treasurer for BAWMA Academy.
Committee
Executive Committee Members
Founder & Life President: George M Nieman
Chairman: Tony Dickenson
Patron: The Baroness Cox of Queensbury
Political Advisors: Tony Dickenson
Principal: Justin Shanahan
Secretary: Toni Shanahan
Treasurer: Emily Doncaster
Committee Members
Justin Shanahan, Ton Shanahan, Emily Doncaster, Nuala Morris, Joanne Bentley, Laura Mathiasson, Maria Jarvis, Dr Muhammad Ali , Bharti Patel, Nicola Cosgrove, Jacqueline Robinson.
