What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body in order to relieve pain or for other therapeutic purposes. Because acupuncture needles penetrate the skin, many forms of acupuncture are classed as invasive procedures and therefore not without risk to health. However, injuries are generally rare among people who are treated by trained, registered practitioners.
What do I have to do?
If you are thinking about performing acupuncture on other people, whether at home or in a business premises, by law you must register with the Local Authority where you are normally based. You also need to prominently display a copy of your certificate and the bylaws (see attachment at bottom of page) at your premises. It is an offence to carry on acupuncture without being properly registered.
You need to register the premises where acupuncture is normally carried on and for each additional person who operates with you. You also need to register if you occasionally perform acupuncture on someone in their home, at their request. If the acupuncture is carried out by or under the supervision of a person who is a registered medical practitioner or a dentist or to a premises on which the practice of acupuncture is carried on by or under the supervision of such a person you will not need to be registered;
If you are unsure whether you need to be registered, please contact us.
How much does it cost?
There is a one-off premises registration fee for yourself and your premises for you to carry out the activity of acupuncture. Additional persons are charged at a reduced rate. The registration fees normally changes annually so for this year's fee please view the fee information. If you move premises, you will also be required to re-register yourself and your premises.
When is this registration required?
A licence is required to register both the premises in which acupuncture is performed and for the person who practices it.
Can my registration be refused?
Your registration cannot be refused by the Council, however you may be subject to enforcement action if you do not comply with the necessary standards laid out in law and the bylaws (see attachment at bottom of page for a copy of the bylaws).
How long does my registration last?
The registration lasts as long as the business proprietor or operation of the business does not change. If a new person takes over the business or the premises changes, then you will need to re-register. Please contact us if you are no longer running the business using the contact details below.
How can I apply?
You can apply by any of the following means:
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Using our Online Application Form. You can chose to pay for the registration online, by sending a cheque to us or by paying in person at our offices - Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 8UZ.
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Downloading an application form. You can do this by selecting "No", to the agreement to hold data via the above our Online Application Form and you will be able to download a form after this point. You can send us a completed and signed application form together with a cheque for the correct amount or bringing it to us in person at our offices.
How long will my application take to process?
We aim to process your application within 21 days. We will confirm for all electronic applications via email that we have received your application. Please contact us if you have any queries about the process.
Can I start trading before receiving my registration certificate (i.e. will tacit consent apply)?
You cannot start trading until your application is processed by the Council and you have received a certificate to display in your premises. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 21 days, please contact us.
Is there a public register available?
The legislation does not require a public register to be kept of registered acupuncturists. Each registered acupuncturist and premises must display a registration certificate in a prominent place. If you do not know if an acupuncturist or a premises carrying out acupuncture is registered, please contact us.
How do I complain about a local business?
If you are concerned about the standards or practices within a local business or are concerned that they do not appear to be registered please contact us or have a look at our Health & Safety Complaints for more information about how we would deal with your concerns.
If enforcement action has been taken against my business how do I appeal against it?
For further information on appealing enforcement action, please see our Enforcement web page.
If I am not satisfied with the service I have received what can I do?
If you feel we have failed to provide you with good service or are concerned about the progress of your application, please contact us and we will endeavour to resolve any concerns you may have. We also have a formal complaints procedure.
Where can I get further information?
If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact us using the general contact form below for all other queries.
Further information on acupuncture is also available from the British Acupuncture Council.
