Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. We strongly advise that you align yourself with our register, and that you take out insurance that would cover you – we have insurance companies who we can recommend.
Typically, our foundation level acupuncture and dry needling courses take healthcare professionals around one to two months to complete. The online component of our 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, healthcare professionals may decide to advance their training further through one of our online or in-person CPD training courses. Our popular Advanced Skills in Acupuncture Course comprises an online component, as well as a two day in-person training event.
In the UK, there are multiple routes to qualify as an acupuncture professional, depending on your particular background when you begin training. Here at Breeze Academy we offer the following:
Route A: Are currently a regulated healthcare professional, or a final year student, where the degree included Musculoskeletal anatomy at Level 4. This includes Doctors, Dentists, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Sports Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Midwives, Podiatrists.
If this applies to you then you are able to attend our Medical Acupuncture & Dry Needling Foundation Course. Once completed, foundation course delegates can use acupuncture and dry needling as part of their everyday practice safely, confidently and effectively.
Route B: If you are not currently a regulated healthcare professional, we require that you meet all of the following in order to attend our Medical Acupuncture & Dry Needling Foundation Course:
- Your existing therapy qualifications contained musculoskeletal anatomy to level 4 (which includes identification and palpation of musculoskeletal structures)
- You are practicing 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.
Route C: For those Therapists who do not have Level 4 Anatomy, and / or do not currently assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions, we offer an Entry Level Acupuncture Course.
Attending a Breeze Academy training course will equip you with all of the knowledge and skills needed to practice acupuncture safely, confidently, and effectively. Healthcare governing bodies such as the HCPC do not stipulate that a practitioner must attend a particular training course, but they do require the individual to have attended and successfully completed training. Breeze Academy foundation courses are a training program that meets these requirements.
Your indemnity insurance to practice acupuncture is usually covered through your professional body (for example, a physiotherapist is covered through CSP membership); however, it is your responsibility to check your indemnity insurance policy.
Acupuncture and dry needling can complement healthcare provision in various ways:
Pain Management: Both techniques offer effective non-pharmacological options for pain relief, addressing acute and chronic pain conditions.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: They can be beneficial in treating musculoskeletal disorders by targeting trigger points and promoting relaxation of affected muscles.
Rehabilitation: Acupuncture and dry needling can enhance rehabilitation efforts by promoting tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and improving overall mobility.
Stress Reduction: Acupuncture's calming effect aids in stress reduction, contributing to improved mental well-being and overall patient experience.
Holistic Approach: These therapies align with a holistic healthcare philosophy, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological aspects of well-being.
Complementary Therapy: Acupuncture and dry needling can complement traditional medical interventions, providing additional options for patients seeking integrated and holistic care.
Non-Invasive Options: Acupuncture and dry needling provide non-invasive and drug-free alternatives, appealing to patients seeking natural and minimally discomforting treatment options.
Incorporating acupuncture and dry needling into healthcare provision enhances the overall therapeutic toolkit, providing patients with a more comprehensive and diversified approach to their health and well-being.
In the UK, there are multiple routes to qualify as an acupuncture professional, depending on your particular background when you begin training. Here at Breeze Academy we offer the following:
Route A: Are currently a regulated healthcare professional, or a final year student, where the degree included Musculoskeletal anatomy at Level 4. This includes Doctors, Dentists, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Sports Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Midwives, Podiatrists.
If this applies to you then you are able to attend our Medical Acupuncture & Dry Needling Foundation Course. Once completed, we ensure that our foundation course delegates can use acupuncture and dry needling as part of their everyday practice safely, confidently and effectively.
Route B: If you are not currently a regulated healthcare professional, we require that you meet all of the following in order to attend our Medical Acupuncture & Dry Needling Foundation Course:
- Your existing therapy qualifications contained musculoskeletal anatomy to level 4 (which includes identification and palpation of musculoskeletal structures)
- You are practicing 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.
Route C: For those Therapists who do not have Level 4 Anatomy, and / or do not currently assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions, we offer an Entry Level Acupuncture Course.
We deliver acupuncture and dry needling courses across the globe, and have courses running in every major city in the UK. We are triple-locked quality assured, meaning you can be confident that we offer the very best in education.
Our History, Heritage & Global Reputation
Expertly curated and delivered by Dr. Carl Clarkson and his team of enthusiastic needling tutors, our courses strive to put the learner at the centre of everything we do. We have a rich education and academic background, including MSc, PhD and countless hours delivering exceptional quality learning experiences across the globe.
Our Unique Blend Of Online & Face To Face
Carefully curated online content, both before and after the face-to-face component, allows you access to high-quality education whenever and wherever you want – pause, replay and rewind to your heart’s content. We provide the very best in online acupuncture and dry needling training to guarantee that course delegates feel ready and confident when attending their face-to-face training, whilst also providing them with the option to revisit learning in a much more meaningful and engaging format during and after the course.
Our Exceptional Five-Star Course Reviews
We’re passionate about acupuncture and dry needling, and passionate about delivering exceptional educational experiences. Reflecting this, our acupuncture and dry needling foundation course is consistently rated five stars and has fantastic reviews. In fact, the majority of our bookings are via recommendations from past attendees! Check out their reviews here.
Our Fully Evidence-Based Approach
We combine the latest research with practical, clinically relevant teaching to ensure you receive a fully evidence-based approach to the implementation of acupuncture. Our courses have clinical reasoning at the heart of delivery, making sure that you’re able to make fully informed decisions on how and when to introduce acupuncture and dry needling into a client’s care package.
In the UK, if you work in the NHS, you do not need a licence to use acupuncture or dry needling. However, if working in the private sector, it is expected that you contact your local council to ask whether they require you to apply for a licence.
Acupuncture and dry needling offer a range of benefits, both physical and psychological. Here are some key advantages:
Pain Relief: Both techniques are renowned for their effectiveness in managing various types of pain, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and chronic conditions.
Muscle Relaxation: Acupuncture and dry needling can help relax tight muscles and alleviate tension, promoting improved flexibility and range of motion.
Stress Reduction: The calming effect of acupuncture contributes to stress reduction, aiding in relaxation and fostering a sense of well-being.
Enhanced Healing: These techniques stimulate blood circulation and promote natural healing processes, accelerating recovery from injuries and surgeries.
Improved Sleep: Many individuals experience improved sleep quality after acupuncture sessions, making it a potential aid for those with sleep disorders.
Emotional Well-Being: Acupuncture's holistic approach addresses emotional well-being, providing a sense of balance and potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Reduced Inflammation: Dry needling, in particular, can target trigger points and reduce inflammation, contributing to the management of inflammatory conditions.
Complementary to Other Therapies: Acupuncture and dry needling can complement other healthcare modalities, offering additional options for integrated and holistic patient care.
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: Both techniques are non-invasive and drug-free, making them appealing options for individuals seeking natural and minimally discomforting treatment alternatives.
Diverse Health Conditions: Acupuncture and dry needling have shown efficacy in treating a variety of health conditions, ranging from pain management to respiratory issues and digestive disorders.
Learning acupuncture and dry needling can offer several compelling reasons:
Holistic Healing: Acupuncture and dry needling provide holistic approaches to health, addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
Pain Management: Acquiring these skills allows you to effectively manage pain conditions, offering patients non-pharmacological alternatives.
Versatility: Acupuncture and dry needling techniques are versatile and can be integrated into various healthcare practices, expanding your scope of expertise.
Enhanced Patient Care: By mastering these techniques, you can provide more comprehensive and patient-centred care, addressing a wide range of health concerns.
Career Advancement: Acquiring expertise in acupuncture and dry needling can open new career opportunities and enhance your marketability in the healthcare industry.
Complementary Therapies: These techniques complement other healthcare modalities, allowing you to offer integrated and well-rounded treatment options to your patients.
Non-Invasive Approaches: Acupuncture and dry needling are non-invasive and drug-free, appealing to patients seeking natural and minimally discomforting treatments.
Evidence-Based Practice: Learning these techniques equips you with evidence-based practices, staying current with advancements in the field of complementary medicine.
Personal Development: Acquiring new skills in acupuncture and dry needling contributes to your personal and professional development, fostering a lifelong commitment to learning.
Patient Satisfaction: The ability to offer acupuncture and dry needling can lead to increased patient satisfaction, as these techniques are well-regarded for their positive impact on various health conditions.
Growing Demand: As more individuals seek holistic and non-invasive healthcare options, the demand for practitioners skilled in acupuncture and dry needling continues to grow.
Ultimately, acquiring knowledge in acupuncture and dry needling equips you with valuable tools to contribute to the well-being of your patients while advancing your own professional growth and fulfillment.
Yes, you can – our acupuncture and dry needling foundation courses (for beginners) are an online and face-to-face hybrid, and we also have fully online CPD courses for those who already needle.
With regards to our foundation course, as soon as you book, you’ll be given access to our online training platform where you’ll be able to complete a series of modules prior to the face-to-face training component of the course. We’ve proudly put together the very best in online acupuncture and dry needling training to guarantee that course delegates feel ready and confident before attending face-to-face training, whilst also providing them with the option to revisit learning in a much more meaningful and engaging format both during and after the course.
For a glimpse into the online training, we offer a free taster course. This taster course includes a small number of lessons from the full course, helping you to get a flavour for how we do things.
There is no requirement to join the AACP, or any other clinical interest group, in order to practice acupuncture. Any registered healthcare professional, who attends our courses, are eligible to practice acupuncture as part of their usual practice without needing further membership. Professions such as Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, and Doctors do not need further insurance. Sports therapists and other allied health professionals may need further cover, and we can direct you to reputable providers.
If you wish to join a register, we have our own that demonstrates to your clients that you are practising safely confidently and effectively.