In the UK, anyone can call themselves an acupuncturist. Unlike doctors, physiotherapists or osteopaths, acupuncturists aren't legally required to be on a register. So it pays to spend a few minutes checking who you're booking with, and a handful of simple checks and good questions will tell you a lot.
1. Check they belong to an accredited register
The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) runs an Accredited Registers programme for health and care roles that aren't regulated by law, including acupuncture. Registers apply for accreditation to show they meet its standards, and practitioners on them can display the Accredited Register quality mark.
Before you book, check that your practitioner is registered with a professional organisation that holds this accreditation. You can look people up with the "Check a practitioner" tool on the PSA website.
Accreditation is about the standards a register holds its members to, such as governance, education and complaints. It isn't a judgement on how well any therapy works.
2. What BAcC membership means
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) was founded in 1995, and its register has been accredited by the PSA since February 2013. Members can use the letters MBAcC after their name.
Every member completes a minimum three-year degree-level training programme and must follow the Code of Professional Conduct and the Code of Safe Practice. These codes are strictly enforced, with sanctions ranging from a caution up to removal from the register.
You can search for a member on the BAcC's "Find an acupuncturist" page. The listing is transparent too. If you see the letters C, CoP, S or R after a name, that person has a caution, conditions of practice, a suspension or a removal order.
3. Check local council registration
Separately from professional membership, many councils require acupuncturists to register under Part VIII of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which covers skin piercing. In Coventry, for example, registration has two parts, one for the person doing the skin piercing and one for the premises where it happens. Registration certificates must be clearly displayed along with a copy of the byelaws, and trading without registration is a criminal offence.
So when you visit, look for the certificate on the wall, or simply ask to see it.
4. Questions worth asking
A good practitioner will be happy to answer these.
- Which register are you on, and can I check it?
- Are you and your premises registered with the council?
- What training do you have, and what style of acupuncture do you practise?
- What does the research really say about acupuncture for my problem?
- How many sessions do you suggest before reviewing whether it's helping?
- What will it cost, and what happens if I need to cancel?
- Will you ask about my health and medicines before treating me?
If you can, talk to more than one practitioner. It matters that you feel comfortable with the person you choose.
A few gentle warning signs
Be wary of anyone who promises a cure, tells you to stop medicine your doctor has prescribed, or discourages you from seeing your GP. Good acupuncturists work alongside your medical care, not against it.
About me
I'm a Five Element acupuncturist and a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC). I work by appointment from 376 Alderman's Green Road, Coventry, and I'm always happy to answer any of the questions above before you book.
If you'd like to know what to expect, take a look at my guide to your first visit.