Professionally registered practitioner

Unfortunately, there is presently no UK legislation covering the practice of Acupuncture. This means that anybody, no matter how little training they have, can legally practice Acupuncture.

From a patient's perspective, this makes it even more important to choose a practitioner who is fully registered with the British Acupuncture Council ( BAcC). Practitioners who are registered are entitled to carry the letters MBAcC behind their name.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is currently working with the government to establish Statutory Self Regulation for all Acupuncturists to ensure high standards for patients.

Currently all BAcC members:

• Have completed a minimum traditional Acupuncture training of three years full-time or the part time equivalent. This also includes training in Western medical sciences appropriate to the practice of Acupuncture.
• Are covered by full Medical Malpractice and Public Liability insurance
• Are bound by strict Codes of Practice, Ethics and Disciplinary Procedures
• Are registered by the local authority
• Use disposable single use Acupuncture needles

All this is to ensure the Health and Safety of the public. One way in which these standards have been recognised is that patients of BAcC members are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.

In contrast, many "Western Style" Acupuncturists - such as some Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and GPs - may have only trained for a minimum period of time ( e.g. a weekend or two) and therefore use a more limited range of Acupuncture techniques and do not practice Acupuncture as a traditional holistic therapy.