Beginning today, patients receiving acupuncture, herbal remedies or other forms of traditional Chinese medicine in Ontario will have some reassurance that those treating them are qualified to do so.

The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario will begin regulating traditional Chinese medicine today.

Acupuncturist Mable Cheung of Windsor, Ont., said the changes are in the best interest of the public.

"A lot of times, people are Googling acupuncture, and Chinese medical practitioners and blindly choosing someone hoping theyre licensed," she said.

One of Cheung's patients, Denise Jacobs, has been receiving acupuncture treatment for her insomnia. She thought the industry was already government regulated and welcomes the change.

"I never put any thought into it, actually," she said. "I think its quite a good thing. Its very important youre guided in the right direction."

The passing of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act in 2006 created the self-regulatory body which will now demand that every practitioner register with the college after passing a series of tests or displaying that they have equivalent experience after having seen at least 2,000 patients in the last five years.

The college will also handle complaints from the public.

Practitioners had to have their registration forms submitted by March 19 in order to be able to practice on April 1.

Emily Cheung, the college's registrar, said the new regulations will allow the public to be assured that every practitioner treating them has met certain standards.

Go here to see the original:

Traditional Chinese medicine now regulated in Ontario