Some doctors and dentists are licensed to treat acupuncture in N.Y State - so why should you see a "licensed acupuncturist"? The practice of acupuncture or the use of the title "licensed acupuncturist" within New York State requires licensure as an acupuncturist, unless otherwise exempt under the law. Licensed physicians and dentists may be certified to practice acupuncture in New York State, but the requirements and application process for certification for physicians and dentists are less rigorous than those for licensure in acupuncture. To receive a license in acupuncture in N.Y. State an acupuncturist must complete a rigorous, three-year state-accredited acupuncture education program, with both academic and clinical requirements. Many also go on to earn a masters degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine. In addition they must pass a national test in oriental medicine theory, acupuncture knowledge, and treatment procedure, which is not required of physicians. Few physicians certified to use acupuncture bother to acquaint themselves with the theories of oriental medicine, the complex relationships of the body meridians as described in oriental medicine, and the myriad of uses of the hundreds of acupuncture points in the treatment of various conditions. While doctors are extremely knowledgeable in western medicine, and some of this knowledge is applicable to acupuncture treatment, but in many cases the philosophies and thought processes of their "western" training run counter to oriental medicine, and without the full training they will be less effective in the use of acupuncture as a compliment to western medicine. Only a licensed acupuncturist can be counted on to give truly effective acupuncture treatment. In addition, many, like Lap Tsui, have also worked as western doctors in their country of origin, so they have the knowledge in both areas to achieve the best balance of the two philosophies of medical treatment.