Safety, training and regulation

Several large studies have investigated the safety of acupuncture, and found it to be a very safe intervention. Any side effects that may occur are usually very mild e.g. feeling sleepy after a treatment. Only disposable needles are used.

Both Sarah and Anna are members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), which is the largest professional regulatory association of traditional acupuncturists in the UK.

The BAcC sets high standards of practise, ethics and professional conduct that its members must comply with. Members are also insured through the BAcC.

Training is currently to BSc or MSc level in the UK and take between 3 and 4 years to complete. Courses must comply with standards set by the professional regulatory association (BAcC or RCHM – see links below).

Statutory Regulation is currently underway for both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Both are currently practised as they would be once statutory regulation is gained.