Acupuncture Association

02/04/2026

Let’s hear from practitioners!

We want to know: what’s one thing you wish patients understood better about acupuncture?

At the Acupuncture Association, we often wish patients knew to ask if we cover their specific issue, as many don’t realise just how varied acupuncture styles and approaches can be.

💬 What about you? Share your thoughts below and lets all help start a conversation that connects patients and practitioners more effectively.

31/03/2026

The Acupuncture Association welcomes practitioners from all training backgrounds. We are a supportive, inclusive membership organisation, committed to helping acupuncturists thrive professionally while maintaining the highest standards.

As an association aligned with the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority (ARA), we actively contribute to their work, helping improve resources, guidance, and support for acupuncture in the modern era.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values collaboration, professional growth, and patient confidence.

26/03/2026

A short time ago, we shared an update on changes to guidance around giving blood after acupuncture, with updated rules expected to come into effect in a few months.

As a member organisation of the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority, the Acupuncture Association has contributed to this progress, supporting discussions around safe practice, professional standards, and public protection.

This shift reflects increased recognition of the high standards followed by properly trained acupuncturists, including strict hygiene protocols and the use of sterile, single-use needles.

It is a positive step for both practitioners and the public, helping to remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining safety.

We will continue to support clear, fair, and consistent standards across the profession.

26/03/2026

24/03/2026

Looking for a new professional association?

Join a body that is:

✔ Inclusive
✔ Fair
✔ Transparent
✔ Committed to protecting the public
✔ Under £100 per year

Working alongside the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority, we are part of a wider movement to bring consistency, accountability and strong professional standards to acupuncture across the UK.

Standards matter. Representation matters. Integrity matters.

Choose an association that reflects your values.

19/03/2026

Acupuncturists of Many Disciplines Are Welcome

Acupuncturists today come from many different professional backgrounds. Some practise Traditional Chinese Medicine, others integrate acupuncture into physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage, or other healthcare disciplines.

At the Acupuncture Association, we welcome acupuncturists of many disciplines and believe that the profession is stronger when experienced practitioners from many different backgrounds come together.

Membership provides access to a range of professional benefits designed to support your work and your patients. This includes professional resources, guidance, and access to a highly discounted insurance scheme for acupuncture and related disciplines, for example, through our partnership scheme with Balens, members can obtain trusted insurance cover at a highly reduced rate.

If you are an acupuncturist looking for professional support, practical resources, and a welcoming professional community, we would be delighted to welcome you.

17/03/2026

Being a great acupuncturist is not only about clinical skill, it is also about having the right professional support behind you.

When you join the Acupuncture Association, you gain access to a growing library of professional resources designed to support your practice and protect both you and your patients.

These include:
• Legal document drafts and templates
• Patient advisories and safety guidance
• Research papers and professional references
• Access to legal advice when you need it

Our goal is to make sure practitioners are well supported, informed, and confident in their work. By sharing resources across the profession, we help raise standards and strengthen acupuncture in the UK.

If you are an acupuncturist looking for practical professional support, we would love to welcome you.

12/03/2026

How to Choose a Safe Acupuncturist

If you are thinking about trying acupuncture, it is important to choose a practitioner who is properly trained and works to professional standards.

A safe acupuncturist should:

• Have recognised acupuncture training
• Follow clear health and safety procedures
• Use sterile, single-use needles
• Carry appropriate insurance
• Belong to a professional association with clear codes of practice

Professional membership with Acupuncture Association, helps ensure practitioners are accountable and working within recognised standards designed to protect the public.

If you are looking for a qualified practitioner, you can find members of the Acupuncture Association through our clinic locator on our website, or alternatively, you can find them all in the larger group on the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority practitioners map.

Its two simple ways to locate trained acupuncturists working to professional standards near you.

10/03/2026

The Acupuncture Association is a professional body run by acupuncturists for acupuncturists.

We bring together practitioners from many different styles of acupuncture and support them in building safe, professional practices while helping the public find qualified practitioners they can trust.

Our members come from recognised training schools and agree to follow clear professional codes and standards designed to protect both practitioners and the public.

We are also part of the wider professional community through the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority, which brings acupuncture organisations together to support and promote the profession across the UK.

At the Acupuncture Association, we aim to:

• Support practitioners throughout their careers
• Promote good professional standards
• Help raise the profile of acupuncture in the UK
• Support public choice when looking for qualified practitioners
• Bring together different acupuncture styles in a collaborative environment

Most importantly, we believe acupuncture is stronger when practitioners work together, share knowledge, and support the growth of the profession.

09/03/2026

Update on the Blood Donation waiting times
https://acupunctureregulatoryauthority.org.uk/blood-donation-updated-news-2026/

09/03/2026

If you haven't already booked, time is running out (so are tickets!)

05/03/2026

Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as part of an integrated approach to healthcare around the world. Many patients now seek acupuncture alongside conventional medical treatment, particularly in areas such as:
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Chronic pain management
• Stress-related conditions
• Headaches and migraines
• Supportive care for long-term health conditions
• Fertility

Modern acupuncturists are trained to understand both traditional diagnostic systems and biomedical frameworks, this allows them to recognise red flags, communicate appropriately with other healthcare professionals, and work safely within a broader care plan.

Importantly, acupuncture is not positioned as a replacement for conventional medicine. Instead, it can complement existing treatment strategies, supporting patient well-being while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

As public interest grows, consistent standards, ethical practices, and proper regulation become even more important, a strong professional community helps ensure acupuncture continues to develop responsibly within the wider healthcare landscape.

AA, as part of the ARA, supports this safe, professional, and accountable practice for all UK acupuncturists.