Over the years, acupuncture has become widely accepted by the Western medical profession. Many physicians study the theories and principles of acupuncture, incorporating their healthful benefits into Western protocols. While practitioners of acupuncture and TCM complete 2,000 to 3,500 hours of rigorous training and study, most Medical Acupuncturists study a simplified version of TCM, becoming licensed to practice after completing 200 to 500 hours of training. Once in practice, Medical Acupuncturists may employ a variety of acupuncture styles to help their patients achieve health.