Acupuncture Association

24/02/2026

Renewal coming up?

Before you automatically renew, ask yourself:

Do I feel represented?
Are standards clear and consistent?
Is the association inclusive?
Is the fee fair?

For less than £100 per year, you can be part of an organisation that protects both its members and the public, while working to strengthen the whole profession.

Sometimes the right move is simply choosing better.

For more information see here: https://acupunctureassociation.org.uk/join-now/

21/02/2026

The future of our profession relies on unity, consistency and clear standards.

That is why we’re proud to share this post on the upcoming conference hosted by the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority.

This event will provide important updates and a platform for collaboration across organisations, practitioners and training providers.

If you are committed to professional growth and to strengthening acupuncture in the UK, this is one to add to your diary.

🌿 We’re Delighted to Announce 3 New Exhibitors

We’re excited to welcome three outstanding brands to the ARA Conference 2026 Exhibition Hall each bringing innovation, quality and real clinical value to practitioners.

🍄 Hifas da Terra
A European leader in mushroom-based biotechnology with over 25 years of experience and 15+ active clinical studies. Specialists in high-quality medicinal mushroom extracts, bridging cutting-edge research with clinical application.

☕ London Nootropics
Adaptogen coffee experts making best-in-class mushroom and adaptogen extracts accessible and easy to incorporate into daily routines, ideal for practitioners supporting stress, cognition and resilience.

🧪 Vigor Vitamins
UK-made, scientifically formulated supplements using only purposeful ingredients, preserved in biophotonic violet glass to maintain potency and protect natural compounds.
All three will be in our Exhibition Hall on 21 March at UCL London, offering the opportunity to:
✔ Speak directly with the teams
✔ Explore product quality and formulation
✔ Ask clinical questions
✔ Access exclusive conference-only discounts
This is one more reason the ARA Conference is more than just CPD it’s about strengthening practice from every angle.
📅 21 March 2026
📍 University College London
🎓 7+ hours CPD
🥗 Lunch & refreshments included
👉 Book your place now by scanning the QR code

.nootropics Hifas da Terra

19/02/2026

The Acupuncture Association joined the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority because we believe the profession is stronger when it stands together.

For many years, acupuncture in the UK has been represented by multiple organisations, each working hard in its own way, and some shouting louder than others about their own organisation-specific guidelines. However, without a unified structure, it can be difficult to present a clear, consistent voice to the public, to policymakers, and to the wider healthcare community.

The ARA was created to bring the profession under one umbrella, with shared professional codes, proper auditing, and a transparent framework that protects the public while supporting practitioners.

As a member organisation of the ARA, we are contributing to:
• A single, coherent set of professional standards
• Greater public confidence in acupuncture
• Clearer pathways for training and titles
• Collaboration rather than fragmentation

Our decision was guided by one central principle, the long-term integrity and credibility of acupuncture in the UK.

By working together under a unified regulatory structure, we can strengthen our profession, improve public understanding, and ensure acupuncture continues to develop in a responsible and respected way.

We are proud to support a model built on cooperation, transparency, and shared standards.

If you are a member of, or run an organisation, which isn't registered with the ARA, we urge you to consider joining. After all, we are stronger when we work together.

17/02/2026

"Inclusive" does not mean lowering standards.
"Professional" does not mean excluding people.

We believe in both.

A strong association should unite practitioners, not divide them, while ensuring the public can trust the standards we uphold.

If you are looking for:

• Fair and honest representation
• Clear professional codes
• Protection for members
• Commitment to public safety
• Affordable membership, under £100 per year
• ARA registration included

It may be time to look at something different.

12/02/2026

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, headaches are not all viewed the same. The underlying pattern matters, as it helps guide effective treatment.

Some common TCM causes of headaches include:

• Heat rising from the Liver – often linked to stress or emotional tension, and may present as intense or throbbing pain, with a distending sensation in the head
• Blood deficiency – headaches that feel dull or lingering, affect the whole head and may be worse in the evening
• Exterior wind attack – sudden onset headaches, commonly linked to colds or flu, and often sensitive to wind or changes in weather
• Qi deficiency – headaches associated with tiredness, weakness, or worsening after exertion
• Kidney deficiency – more chronic headaches, usually along the occipital ridge

By understanding the underlying pattern, TCM aims to address the root cause, not just the symptom.

10/02/2026

Regulation plays an important role in protecting both patients and practitioners.

Clear professional standards help ensure acupuncture is practiced safely, ethically, and with transparency, giving the public confidence in the care they receive. For practitioners, regulation provides guidance, accountability, and a shared framework that supports good practice across the profession.

By promoting consistency and professional oversight, the Acupuncture Association helps strengthen trust in acupuncture by following the guidelines of the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority, and this supports the responsible growth of acupuncture across the UK.

09/02/2026

One exceptional day....

The ARA Conference 2026 brings together the very best of acupuncture and East Asian medicine all in one place, for one unforgettable day.

This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in high-quality CPD, hands-on learning and professional connection, without having to choose between topics, teachers or approaches.

From Five Element and Japanese acupuncture to scalp acupuncture, Qigong, Tibetan medicine, menopause care and modern integrative health this day has been carefully curated to support real clinical practice.
Alongside inspiring lectures, you’ll take part in practical workshops including:
• Qigong for chronic pain
• Scalp acupuncture and brain health
• Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling Therapy for pain relief
• Japanese acupuncture and Manaka-style approaches
• Clinical technology workshops with Sedatelec
• Herbal and integrative sessions with Herb Prime

Your ticket also includes access to the Trade Exhibition Hall, where you can meet trusted suppliers, explore new tools and benefit from exclusive conference-only discounts all without shipping costs.
Add in a delicious, nourishing lunch, unlimited teas and coffees, and a complimentary wine reception, and you have a day designed to support both learning and connection.
📍 University College London
📅 21 March 2026 | ⏰ 9am–6pm
🎓 7+ hours CPD
🎟️ Open to all practitioners
👉 Book your place now https://conference.acupunctureregulatoryauthority.org.uk/

05/02/2026

High professional standards matter, for practitioners and for the public.

The Acupuncture Association is committed to supporting clear codes of practice, ethical standards, and professional accountability, helping patients feel confident in the care they receive.

By promoting consistency and transparency across the profession, we play an important role in protecting the public while supporting acupuncturists in maintaining high-quality, professional practice.

Trust is built through standards, integrity, and ongoing professional responsibility.

01/02/2026

The acupuncture profession is strongest when it works together.

The Acupuncture Association supports collaboration, shared standards, and mutual respect across all training backgrounds, helping to bring the profession together under a united voice.

This spirit of cooperation is also reflected in the upcoming Acupuncture Regulatory Authority (ARA) Conference on 21st March, which brings practitioners and organisations together to share knowledge, explore best practice, and strengthen public confidence in acupuncture.
(Conference Link : https://conference.acupunctureregulatoryauthority.org.uk/)

By working collectively, we can continue to protect patients, support practitioners, and promote acupuncture responsibly across the UK.

29/01/2026

✨ Join Us at the ARA Conference 2026 ✨

The Acupuncture Regulatory Authority (ARA) Conference returns on Saturday 21 March 2026, hosted at University College London, and it promises to be a valuable day of learning, discussion and professional connection for acupuncturists across the UK.

This full-day event features a wide range of talks and workshops delivered by experienced practitioners and speakers, exploring both traditional foundations and contemporary developments in acupuncture and related fields. From clinical insights and palpation-based approaches to broader perspectives on holistic and integrative care, there is something for every stage of practice.

Alongside the educational programme, delegates can enjoy a busy trade exhibition, plenty of time to network with colleagues, and lunch and refreshments included in the ticket price.

Whether you are looking to gain CPD, stay informed about the profession, or simply reconnect with the wider acupuncture community, the ARA Conference is well worth attending.

📅 Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
📍 Venue: University College London, Bloomsbury
🔗 View the full schedule and book: https://conference.acupunctureregulatoryauthority.org.uk/schedule/

We hope to see many AA members there.

27/01/2026

🌟 ARA Conference 2026 – Grow Your Practice, Connect with Colleagues 🌟

We’re excited to share that the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority (ARA) Conference 2026 is taking place on Saturday 21 March 2026 at University College London (UCL). This one-day event brings together acupuncturists, educators and industry partners for a full day of inspiring learning, connection and professional development.

📍 Where: University College London, WC1H – a prestigious and central venue with excellent facilities.
📅 When: Saturday 21 March 2026.

Expect a thoughtfully curated agenda with expert talks and workshops covering clinical insights, traditional and modern approaches, holistic health, palpation therapeutics, Tibetan medicine and more. There’s also a vibrant trade exhibition, networking opportunities and premium hospitality including lunch and refreshments.

Whether you’re newly qualified or a seasoned practitioner, this is a brilliant chance to earn valuable CPD, strengthen professional connections and bring fresh energy into your practice.

🎟️ Tickets start from £99 (early bird rates available) – book now and secure your place.

🔗 Find the full schedule and book tickets here: conference.acupunctureregulatoryauthority.org.uk/schedule

We looking forward to seeing you there! 🙌

25/01/2026

Grab tickets before they go! Advertising is ramping up now.

Something special is coming for our profession.
The ARA Conference 2026 is a full day dedicated to learning, connection and the future of acupuncture practice bringing together world-class speakers, practical clinical insight and a supportive professional community.
Expect evidence-informed teaching, real-world clinical tools, space to connect with peers, and a thoughtfully curated experience in a central London venue.

📍 University College London
📅 21 March 2026
🎓 CPD • Community • Practice growth

Early bird price £99 ( full price £125) Booking is now open.

🔗 Book your place via the link in bio