Acupuncture code of practice

​​Your business premises

Your premises should be clean and hygienic. The instruments you use should be single-use, disposable or sterilised after every use.

You must keep the surfaces sanitary. The operators must wear gloves and protective equipment. There are minimum standards you must comply with if you have a shop (premises) or are a mobile operation.

You must get a Health Protection Licence to operate.

​Working with your customer

It's a good idea to talk with your customer before you start any treatment. You need to tell the customer what the treatment will involve and if there are any potential risks to their health.

You should give aftercare instructions to the customer, and check that they understand them.

How to provide a safe service

• You must sterilise all instruments.
• Use only single-use disposable needles.
• Remove all needles from the packaging by the handle of the needle.

Best practice: some additional recommendations

Acupuncture

• Insert needles quickly using the correct needle technique.
• Do not touch needle points with bare fingers unless you have washed your hands appropriately and used alcohol gel.
• Do not insert needles into open wounds.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of fire heat treatment that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body.

When using this technique, it is best practice to:

• get written consent from the customer before moxibustion treatment
• moisten the skin with a swab or cotton wool bud and clean water, before starting moxibustion directly on the skin
• do not leave your customer unattended at any stage during the procedure
• take care when performing moxibustion directly on the face or any sensitive area
• have a window open or an extraction fan or air conditioner to clear any smoke.    

Cupping

Cupping is a treatment in which heated glass cups are applied to the skin along the meridians of the body, creating suction. It is believed to stimulate the flow of energy. It may cause bruising.

When using this technique, it is best practice to:

• get a written customer consent before cupping and advise the customer of the possibility of bruising
• explain the procedure to the customer before you start the treatment
• ask the customer to let you know if the procedure becomes too uncomfortable for them
• take care not to overheat the cups before you place them on the body
• sterilise all cups after use.