Acupuncture Reference Texts

The NBCE uses reference texts that are generally employed by the chiropractic colleges. These lists of references are presented to assist individuals in preparing for NBCE examinations; however, study of the references will not guarantee that an individual will pass NBCE examinations. Moreover, these lists are not comprehensive and do not imply that references not included on a list are inappropriate or of lesser value or quality than references that are included.

Deadman, P., & Al-Khafaji, M. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture (2nd ed.). East Sussex, UK: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.

Given, S. (Ed.). (2009). Clean Needle Technique Manual for Acupuncturists: Guidelines and Standards for the Clean and Safe Clinical Practice of Acupuncture (6th ed.). Gig Harbor, WA: National Acupuncture Foundation.

Maciocia, G. (2015). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text (3rd ed.). (Chapters 1 through 3; Chapters 5 through 18; Chapters 50 through 68) Edinburgh: Elsevier.

Oleson, T. (2014). Auriculotherapy Manual: Chinese and Western Systems of Ear Acupuncture (4th ed.). New York: Churchill Livingstone.

Xinnong, C. (Ed.) (2010). Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (3rd ed.). Beijing; Foreign Language Press.

Note: The listed chapters in the Maciocia and Xinnong texts include content usually covered by the typical curriculum for a 100-hour acupuncture course for chiropractors. However, the chapter references are to be understood as areas of emphasis. Some courses and the NBCE examination may cover content from other chapters.