BAWMA Course

See course dates

Delivered by the British Academy of Western Medical Acupuncture (BAWMA), this course builds on over 50 years of acupuncture training and is designed to equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills to practice western medical acupuncture safely and responsibly.

Aims

By the end of the course, graduates will be able to assess patients for acupuncture treaments and integrate it into both professional and private practice.

Promote evidence-based approaches in clinical practice.
Expand students’ therapeutic knowledge and clinical skills
Strengthen communication and clinical reasoning in patient management
Encourage reflective, self-directed learning

Students will also develop an appreciation for continuing professional development and their role in supporting the wider development of acupuncture practice.

Course content and structure

The Academy delivers the programme annually from September until May, over 8 weekends at Liverpool Medical Institute.

The programme is suitable for healthcare professionals and complementary therapists who wish to use acupuncture as an adjunct to clinical practice, explore it scientifically or integrate it into their private practice.

Subject Background

Acupuncture is a proven therapeutic approach that relieves pain and supports key bodily systems, including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and nervous functions. This course combines traditional acupuncture with Western medical principles, guided by over 50 years of training expertise.

Through practical, evidence-informed teaching, students gain the knowledge, skills, and professional confidence needed to practise acupuncture safely and effectively in clinical settings.

Curriculum and assessment

Students receive a comprehensive ‘introduction to western medical acupuncture’ training manual. Contents include meridians and treatments as well as protocols for the use of moxibustion, electro-acupuncture and auricular acupuncture. Practical skills and confidence are then developed throughout the teaching sessions with supervised hands-on practise as well as instruction specific to health and safety and relevant other legislation.

Class Room

Students receive an introduction to western medical acupuncture training manual, and are taught treatment protocols including acupuncture meridians and formulae, health and safety, and relevant legislation.

The course covers meridians, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, and auricular acupuncture, with practical skills developed through supervised hands-on practise in classroom and clinical settings.

Directed Study

The course includes guided home study and practical application. Students complete case studies, prepare for exams, and revise practical skills, with tutors providing support and direction throughout the learning process.

Assessment

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) format in clinic.
10 clinical case studies.
An informal presentation of a condition.
Continuous practical observation throughout the course.

BAWMA Course dates 2026

Month	Dates / details
September	19, 20
October	17, 18
November	7, 18
December	5, 6
January	23, 24
February	27, 28
March	20, 21
April	24 (exam)

Refresher Course for Ex-Members

This is designed so that you can join the group at points where you feel will be optimum for self benefit. Please see the Fees and Finance page for costings and details. The dates will be the same as the Acupuncture Course above.

Next Facial Acupuncture Course (Post Grad only)

Dates :- TBA Summer 2027 *Restricted to 12 spaces*
Members to apply, please log in to your Members area.