Unfortunately, for the uninformed, many people, especially in Tennessee, are allowed to practice acupuncture, without the full training that a Fully Licensed Acupuncturist receives. Chiropractors, MDs and PTs can take an abbreviated 40 hour training  and their Licensing Board allows needle insertion.  This would be like me taking a 40 hour course in Western Medicine, Chiropractic or Physical Therapy and holding myself out as an MD, Chiropractor or PT.  I might do an OK job, and certainly not as good as a fully Licensed professional in that field. When you go for acupuncture, please choose a fully licensed professional.  If not, you will not receive all of the benefits that Acupuncture provides.  Also, although there is a minimum level of training that a Licensed Acupuncture must have, length and breath of experience and other training and experience are also vital.