Sign the Petition to Protect Public Safety
You can support the regulation of the acupuncture profession by signing the petition Protect the Public by Regulating Acupuncture. After signing, be sure to click the confirmation link in the email you receive—your signature won’t count otherwise!
Why Regulating Acupuncture in the UK is Essential
As a highly qualified acupuncturist practicing in Warwick and Leamington Spa, I am dedicated to providing safe, effective care for my patients. I am a proud member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the only Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited professional acupuncture body in the UK. Membership with the BAcC guarantees adherence to the highest educational, professional and safety standards. Additionally, the NHS website directs people to look for practitioners on the accredited PSA Register, ensuring patients can find trusted professionals.
However, public safety and confidence in acupuncture are under threat due to the rise of inadequately trained practitioners. Short-course acupuncture programs, some lasting just a weekend, are producing practitioners without the comprehensive knowledge required to effectively and safely perform acupuncture. To combat this growing issue, my colleagues and I are advocating for government regulation of the acupuncture profession. You can support this critical initiative by signing the petition here: Protect the Public by Regulating Acupuncture.
The Key Benefits of Acupuncture Regulation
1. Ensuring Public Safety
Government regulation would establish minimum educational and professional standards for all acupuncturists. This ensures patients are treated by practitioners who have undergone rigorous training in anatomy, needling techniques, and hygiene protocols.
2. Preventing Harm
Poorly trained practitioners increase the risk of serious complications such as infections, nerve damage, or improper treatment. Proper regulation would reduce these risks by requiring thorough training and certification.
3. Elevating Professional Standards
By distinguishing adequately trained professionals from those with minimal qualifications, regulation would strengthen the credibility of the acupuncture profession.
4. Building Public Trust
Patients will have confidence in seeking acupuncture treatment, knowing their practitioner is held to verified standards of competence and safety.
A Closer Look at the Issue
This critical matter has garnered media attention, including a recent report by ITV News. My local colleagues highlighted the dangers posed by short-course training and the lack of regulation in a compelling segment. You can watch the full report here: ITV News Coverage on Acupuncture Risks.
As acupuncturists, our foremost commitment is to the safety and well-being of our patients. Regulation of the acupuncture profession is essential to uphold this commitment and to ensure that acupuncture remains a safe and trusted therapeutic option.
Join the Movement: Take Action Today
We need your help to protect the public and support professional standards. Please take a moment to sign the petition: Protect the Public by Regulating Acupuncture. After signing, be sure to click the confirmation link in the email you receive—your signature won’t count otherwise! By adding your voice, you are contributing to a movement that prioritises patient safety and professional excellence.
