Acupuncture & Dry Needling Courses for
Massage Therapists

It is becoming more common for massage therapists to incorporate acupuncture and dry needling into their treatment offerings. The integration of these complementary therapies is on the rise within the field of massage therapy. Many massage therapists are recognising the value of expanding their skill set to include acupuncture and dry needling, allowing them to provide a more diverse range of services to their clients, particularly for pain management, relaxation, and enhanced healing.

This increasing trend reflects the growing demand for holistic and integrative approaches to massage therapy. The combined use of acupuncture and dry needling alongside massage therapy provides a more comprehensive and effective approach to client care, ultimately leading to improved client outcomes and satisfaction. Clients seeking a more multifaceted and personalised approach to their well-being are increasingly benefiting from this collaborative and holistic approach offered by massage therapists.

Massage therapists can use acupuncture and dry needling as part of their usual practice after completing either our Entry Level or Foundation Acupuncture courses.. Once completed, you will be able to use acupuncture as part of your practice safely, confidently and effectively.

Yes, absolutely! Our courses are designed for beginners with no prior acupuncture or dry needling experience. Almost all learners on our are starting from scratch, and our expert tutors guide you through every step to ensure you feel confident and competent.

No, a degree is not required to perform acupuncture as a massage therapist in the UK. Our courses meet and surpasses the requirements needed to use acupuncture and dry needling as part of your day-to-day practice.

Massage therapy and acupuncture can work harmoniously to provide a more comprehensive approach to client care. Both therapies excel in addressing pain and muscle-related issues. The integration of acupuncture into massage therapy sessions allows for targeted pain relief and relaxation, particularly for clients with musculoskeletal discomfort or chronic pain. It can help relax tense muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and improve muscle flexibility, preparing the body for a more effective massage therapy session. Furthermore, the combination promotes enhanced healing by improving blood circulation, which can be particularly valuable in post-injury or post-surgery recovery. This holistic approach emphasises the interconnectedness of the body and focuses on addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological well-being, creating a more well-rounded client-centred care experience.

Additionally, the integration of acupuncture complements traditional massage therapy, offering clients additional options for relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being. The calming and stress-reducing effect of acupuncture enhances the stress-relief benefits of massage therapy, contributing to a more serene and enjoyable client experience. This collaborative approach allows for more personalized care as clients’ unique needs and conditions can be addressed with a customized treatment plan. Both acupuncture and massage therapy are non-invasive and drug-free therapies, providing natural and minimally discomforting options for pain management and relaxation. By combining these therapies, practitioners can create a synergistic treatment environment, addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues and ultimately promoting improved client outcomes and overall well-being.

The specific conditions you’ll be able to treat will depend on the course you complete:

• Entry Level Acupuncture Course: You’ll be able to safely and confidently use acupuncture to support clients with stress, anxiety, general well-being, relaxation, women’s health concerns (e.g., hot flushes, period pain, irregular menstruation), brain fog, bloating, and fatigue. This course focuses on general health concerns rather than musculoskeletal conditions. If you’re interested in treating musculoskeletal issues, our Foundation Course is the ideal next step.

• Foundation Acupuncture & Dry Needling Course: This course equips you to integrate acupuncture and dry needling into your practice with confidence. Rather than following set protocols, you’ll develop the skills to assess and treat a range of conditions, including acute and chronic pain, stress, anxiety, fatigue, and common women’s health concerns. You’ll also have the flexibility to explore additional acupuncture points beyond those taught in the course, provided your treatment is clinically reasoned. With the right insurance and local licensing in place, you’ll be fully prepared to put your new skills into practice.

Yes, you’ll need appropriate insurance and a local council licence to practise acupuncture and dry needling after completing your course. The exact requirements depend on your location and professional background, but don’t worry – we provide guidance on this topic during the course.

Since regulations vary by location and we’re not registered with the FSA, we can’t provide specific advice on insurance or licensing. However, we do signpost key considerations to help you navigate these requirements. Our goal is to make the process easier by guiding you towards the right resources so you can confidently take the next steps in setting up your practice.

Choosing the right acupuncture and dry needling course is key to developing real confidence and skill.

Here’s what makes Breeze Academy the go-to choice for massage therapists looking for acupuncture and dry needling training:

• Expert-led training with a global reputation: Our courses are expertly curated and delivered by Dr. Carl Clarkson and his team of enthusiastic needling tutors. With a strong academic background, including MSc and PhD qualifications, we bring decades of real-world experience to every course.

• A hands-on learning experience: We blend the latest research with practical, clinically relevant teaching, so you can start applying your skills with confidence from day one.

• Triple-locked quality assurance: Our training is fully accredited and rigorously quality assured, ensuring you receive the very best in acupuncture and dry needling education.

• A unique blend of online and face-to-face learning: Gain access to high-quality online content before and after your in-person training, allowing you to pause, replay, and revisit key concepts at your own pace.

• Courses across the UK and beyond: We run courses in every major UK city and deliver acupuncture and dry needling training globally, making it easy to find a course that fits your schedule.

• Comprehensive support every step of the way: From booking to certification, we ensure you feel confident and well-supported in your learning journey.

• Highly rated by massage therapists like you: Our courses are consistently rated five stars, with many attendees joining us through recommendations from past learners.

If you’re looking for world-class training that blends expert instruction with hands-on practice, Breeze Academy is the right choice for you, your career, and the clients that you work with.

Typically, our foundation level acupuncture and dry needling courses take massage therapists around two to three months to complete. The online component of the course can be completed in your own time, at your own pace, whilst the in-person workshop is conducted across three days.

Following the foundation course, massage therapists may decide to advance their training further through one of our online or in-person CPD training courses.

To attend our Foundation Course we require:

• Your existing massage therapy qualification contains musculoskeletal anatomy to level 4 (which includes identification and palpation of musculoskeletal structures).
• You are practising as a therapist, which involves assessing and treating common musculoskeletal conditions.
• You agree to sign up to the Breeze Academy Register.

An example of a Route B therapist would be a Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist.

For massage therapists without Level 4 Anatomy, and / or do not currently assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions, we offer an Entry Level Acupuncture Course.