[Introduction] What is a medical-like practice as defined in Article 12 of the Act on Anma, Massage, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and Moxibustion Practitioner, etc.? Are Anma, Massage, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and Moxibustion included in the medical practice? This article examines medical-like practice based on the above questions.[Objective & Method] First, the medical practice, which is the premise for practice similar to the medical practice, was clarified. Next, we interpreted the wording of the articles of the law. We then organized the literature, Ministry of Health and Welfare notifications, and judicial precedents to depict the contours of medical-like practice. Finally, we examined how medical-like practice are positioned in the medical care system, in relation to the Medical Practitioners Law, and in comparison with the medical practice.[Result] Regarding the medical practice, medical practice could be defined as an act that "may cause health hazards unless it is performed by a physician" based on the assumption that it is now "an act with medical relevance" based on notifications and judicial precedents. From the interpretation of the wording of the relevant articles of the law, it was concluded that the natural interpretation is that kind of practice is included in acts similar to medical practice. Through the literature, notifications, and judicial precedents, the content and direction of the understanding and interpretation of the medical profession-like practice have been clarified and refined over time, and the latest Ministry of Health and Welfare notifications and judicial precedents confirm that the law is currently being applied as a medical profession-like practice. The study examined the medical profession-like practice in relation to the Medical Practitioners Act and in comparison with the medical practice, and concluded that although the medical practice is performed by medical doctor, if one focuses only on the act, the medical profession-like act can be said to be part of the medical profession, albeit to a limited extent.[Discussion] However, it is extremely limited compared to treatment performed by medical doctor, and is different from medical practice in terms of the interpretation of the article, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's opinion, and judicial precedents. However, if that practice is to play a role in the advancement of medical treatment, the practitioner as a "medical-like practice" must keep pace with the progress of the "medical practice" and have progress and deep medical insight.

This paper gives an overview of acupuncture and moxibustion usage in British Columbia (BC), Canada. In Canada, acupuncture and moxibustion are handled and regulated differently in each province; in BC, it is managed and supervised through the Health Regulatory Colleges under the Health Profession Act. In the field of oriental medicine and acupuncture, the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC (CTCMA) has been established to manage and supervise doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine and oriental medicine practitioners, with specific duties that include public protection and the registration, examination, and evaluation of the quality of services of practitioners. The CTCMA is characterized by a centralization of operations that in Japan are carried out by several government agencies.Next, I will describe my impressions of acupuncture and moxibustion from those who I met in Vancouver, where I live, at the school I attended, at the clinic that I practice, etc. Although there are many Chinese immigrants, I did not feel that acupuncture and moxibustion are particularly widespread, but I got the impression that they are well recognized as a common treatment. Finally, I will briefly touch on the examinations and visa requirements for acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners who are considering immigration to Canada. Five years of education is required to take the examination, and although there are cases in which the content of education received in Japan can be transferred, it is better to receive acupuncture and moxibustion education in Canada. As health professionals, acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners can also earn points toward permanent residency. Canada's regulatory system for medical care is new in its institutional design and appears to be consistent throughout the health care system, as it comprehensively regulates all health professionals. The impression I gained is that acupuncture and moxibustion are recognized as effective treatments. Canada, a country of immigrants, has a national character that likes "new things" and accepts change flexibly, and there is much potential for acupuncture and moxibustion treatments to increase in the field of health care in the future.