Train with the UK’s leading provider of acupuncture and dry needling education, and gain the skills, confidence, and experience to stand out to employers and to step into your clinical practice safely and effectively.
CPD Hours
200 hours
COURSES FEATURED IN
Join thousands of undergraduates across the UK who’ve gained a head start in their careers with our top-rated foundation course. Under the guidance of expert tutors from the NHS, private practice, and elite sport, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to safely and effectively use acupuncture and dry needling in clinical practice.
With this recognised, evidence-based qualification to your name, you’ll enter the job market with greater confidence, stronger credibility, and a clear competitive edge. It shows you’re serious about your future, already thinking like a clinician, and ready to make a meaningful impact for both your patients and your profession.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to final-year students in regulated healthcare professions, as well as those in their final year of Sports Rehabilitation or Sports Therapy. Students not yet in their final year may also be eligible if they hold a Level 4 Sports Massage qualification and are actively working in the field.
In most cases, you will also need to be enrolled at the academic institution hosting the course. However, some courses do accept external participants, so please get in touch to check your eligibility for a specific course.
Learning Outcomes
This course equips you with the skills and confidence to use acupuncture and dry needling safely and effectively within your practice. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
Every aspect of the course is designed to ensure you leave feeling confident and ready to offer acupuncture and dry needling as a safe, evidence-based treatment within your professional scope.
Course Delivery
This course is designed to be flexible while ensuring you gain hands-on experience and build confidence. Here’s how it’s structured:
In total, the course involves around 50 hours of structured learning, with additional self-directed study opportunities. The mix of online and hands-on training lets you learn at your own pace.
Topics Covered
This comprehensive course explores the application of acupuncture and dry needling across a broad range of clinical presentations – with a strong focus on pain modulation and physiological responses. Conditions addressed include musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder, knee, and ankle issues, as well as pelvic health challenges, systemic imbalances, and wellbeing-related concerns like stress and fatigue.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of how acupuncture and dry needling influence the nervous, muscular, and circulatory systems – supporting pain relief, functional recovery, and whole-body balance.
Foundations & Safety in Clinical Practice
Begin with core principles that set the foundation for safe, effective treatment:
Pain Science, Anatomy & Traditional Frameworks
Deepen your anatomical and clinical understanding as you explore:
Clinical Techniques & Application
As the course progresses, the focus shifts to real-world application:
This course is built to enhance your clinical confidence from day one – giving you the knowledge, hands-on skills, and critical thinking to integrate acupuncture and dry needling into your scope of practice safely and effectively.
Course Assessment
Our goal is to make sure you finish the course feeling confident and fully prepared to use acupuncture and dry needling safely and effectively in your practice.
Here’s how your competency will be assessed:
Everything is designed to support your learning and make sure you feel confident applying acupuncture and dry needling safely and effectively.
COURSE STRUCTURE
This course comes with a notional student workload of 200 hours but designed to be flexible and work around your schedule. We’ve broken everything down into manageable chunks, so you can learn at your own pace – whenever it suits you best. Here’s how it’s structured:
Duration: 5-20 hours
Before your practical workshop, you’ll start with online modules covering essential concepts and safety guidelines. These are flexible and self-paced, giving you the chance to get comfortable with the fundamentals and build a solid foundation for the hands-on learning ahead. You’ll find the content engaging and practical, featuring videos, case studies, and real-world examples to help bring the theory to life. You’ll need around 5–10 hours to complete the required safety modules before the workshop, plus over 10 hours of additional content you can explore at your own pace, either before or after the practical sessions.
Duration: 22 hours
Over three days, you’ll focus on developing your needling techniques through practical, hands-on training. From the very first needle, you’ll be guided by expert tutors who offer personalised feedback to help you build confidence and refine your technique. You’ll practice on each other in a supportive environment, where questions are encouraged and learning is collaborative. Through case studies and real-world clinical scenarios, you’ll explore how to apply acupuncture safely and effectively in practice. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel confident and well-prepared to bring these new skills into your clinical work.
Duration: 5 hours
Once the workshop is complete, you’ll have a few follow-up tasks to complete online. These activities are designed to reinforce what you’ve learned and give you a chance to reflect on your experience. You’ll revisit key concepts, assess your understanding, and consider how to apply your new skills in real-world situations.
Duration: 3 hours
To bring everything together, you’ll complete a final online assessment. But there’s no need to worry – by the time you reach this stage, you’ll have had plenty of practice and feedback to ensure you’re well-prepared. With all the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, you’ll be ready to demonstrate your understanding and apply what you’ve learned.
Duration: 150 hours
The self-directed component is where you get to be in control. Whether you want to read research papers, explore additional acupuncture techniques, or have discussions in our Facebook forum, it’s all up to you! This is your time to reflect, record case studies, and continue learning in a way that fits your style. Any activity you choose here can contribute towards CPD hours. This part of the course, although optional, is highly encouraged, especially if you’re aiming for the full 200 CPD hours.
Haydn Adelburgh (Acupuncture)
I recently completed a course at Breeze Academy, and I must say it has been one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had. From the comprehensive online materials to the engaging in person lectures, this course exceeded all my expectations and provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge. I cannot recommend Breeze Academy highly enough to anyone looking to up level their skills.
Connon Hoult (Acupuncture)
I must admit over the years I have attended many of these CPD events with differing results! So to say I was sceptical was an understatement!,
This, however, was an AMAZING course and is worth every penny. I got rid of a 5 year back issue with one session of acupuncture that was administered during the training so I am a convert.
The trainer was great and facilities were lovely.
Zoe Choong (Acupuncture)
I completed a medical acupuncture and dry needling course with Emma in London – it was honestly fantastic. One of the best courses I’ve been to – good people and a great instructor. Ever since implementing acupuncture into my practice, I’ve seen a boost of faster recovery times and happier people with quicker results – I had a client cry because she hasn’t felt being pain free for years!
Laura Fairclough (Acupuncture)
I recently completed the entry-level acupuncture training with Carl, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. The online course prior to face to face training was thorough, providing a deep and well-structured classes in acupuncture techniques. The hands-on approach to learning ensured that I felt confident using my new acupuncture skills by the end of the training.
Angela Thomson (Acupuncture)
I recently attended and completed the Breeze Academy Acupuncture Course, and I couldn’t be more impressed! From start to finish, the experience was fantastic. The tutorial sessions were engaging, clear, and incredibly well-structured, making it easy to grasp even the more complex concepts. The tutor was knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to answer questions or provide additional support…
AGENDA
Over three days, our tutors will break down key concepts and techniques in a way that’s easy to absorb and to practice, ensuring that you’ll leave feeling equipped and excited to integrate what you’ve learnt into your practice right away.
Day 1 we’ll jump into the essentials — covering key acupuncture principles, meridian pathways, and core acupoints. From the very start, you’ll get hands-on experience with expert guidance, building confidence as you practice needling techniques. We’ll also break down the fundamentals of creating effective treatment protocols, including point selection, dosage, and practical application, setting a solid foundation for the days ahead.
Day 2 is all about honing your skills and expanding your knowledge. You’ll explore acupoints in the lower limb and spine, gaining a deeper understanding of pain physiology and its role in acupuncture practice. Through case studies, you’ll refine your clinical reasoning, applying treatment protocols with greater structure and confidence. Each session builds on the last, helping you take a more comprehensive approach to your practice.
Day 3 takes your skills further with specialised techniques like auricular and facial acupuncture. You’ll explore acupuncture’s role in managing persistent pain, tackle complex case studies, and refine your clinical reasoning. After completing your safety test, the afternoon focuses on mastering dry needling — covering all four limbs and safely applying techniques over the thorax.
The top choice for acupuncture & dry needling training
Trusted by thousands of healthcare and wellness professionals
Knowledge you can trust, from professionals you respect
From booking, certification and beyond, we’ve got you covered
FAQs
You’ve probably got a few questions — and we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common queries about our foundation course. We’ve thought through every detail to help you feel confident and informed.
How long will this course take to complete?
This course is designed to be flexible while ensuring you gain hands-on experience and build confidence. Here’s how it’s structured:
In total, the course involves around 50 hours of structured learning, with additional self-directed study opportunities. The mix of online and hands-on training lets you learn at your own pace.
What conditions can I treat after completing this course?
This course equips you with the skills and clinical reasoning to safely and effectively integrate acupuncture and dry needling into your practice. Rather than teaching set protocols, we focus on developing your ability to assess and treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder, knee, and ankle issues, as well as pelvic health challenges, systemic imbalances, and wellbeing-related concerns like stress and fatigue.
You’ll also gain the confidence to explore acupuncture points beyond those covered in the course, as long as you can clinically justify their use. As long as you have the appropriate insurance and follow local licensing regulations, you’ll be ready to put your skills into practice.
What topics are covered in this course?
This comprehensive course explores the application of acupuncture and dry needling across a broad range of clinical presentations – with a strong focus on pain modulation and physiological responses. Conditions addressed include musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder, knee, and ankle issues, as well as pelvic health challenges, systemic imbalances, and wellbeing-related concerns like stress and fatigue.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of how acupuncture and dry needling influence the nervous, muscular, and circulatory systems – supporting pain relief, functional recovery, and whole-body balance.
Foundations & Safety in Clinical Practice
Begin with core principles that set the foundation for safe, effective treatment:
Pain Science, Anatomy & Traditional Frameworks
Deepen your anatomical and clinical understanding as you explore:
Clinical Techniques & Application
As the course progresses, the focus shifts to real-world application:
This course is built to enhance your clinical confidence from day one – giving you the knowledge, hands-on skills, and critical thinking to integrate acupuncture and dry needling into your scope of practice safely and effectively.
What are the learning outcomes?
This course equips you with the skills and confidence to use acupuncture and dry needling safely and effectively within your practice. With a balanced blend of theory and hands-on experience, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical expertise needed to apply these techniques with precision.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
Every aspect of the course is designed to ensure you leave feeling confident and ready to offer acupuncture and dry needling as a safe, evidence-based treatment within your professional scope.
What will be covered during the practical workshop?
Over three days, we’ll guide you through everything you need to feel confident using acupuncture and dry needling in practice.
Will we be practicing needling from the start?
Most definitely! You’ll be needling from the start. The practical aspect of the course kicks off immediately during the workshop, with a focus on mastering the basics first and then moving on to more advanced techniques.
Our step-by-step approach allows you to build confidence, refine your skills, and receive plenty of guidance along the way. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel fully prepared to integrate acupuncture and dry needling into your practice.
What should I bring with me to the practical workshop?
Don’t worry about bringing any needles or equipment – we’ve got everything covered for you! Just come in loose, comfortable clothing, and bring along a pair of shorts for days 2 and 3. You’ll also want to have your practical manuals, which you can easily download from the online platform beforehand or access online during the workshop.
All our venues have Wi-Fi, so you’ll be all set to dive into the practical sessions and make the most of your time!
Do I need to complete all the online modules before the practical workshop?
You’ll need to complete about 5-10 hours of online learning before the practical workshop. These modules focus on essential safety information, so you’re fully prepared for the hands-on training. The rest of the content is optional, and you can explore it at your own pace, either before or after the workshop. It’s all designed to fit around your schedule!
How will my competency be assessed?
What happens if I don’t pass the practical assessment?
We completely understand that assessments can feel a bit daunting, but don’t worry – our practical sessions are designed to fully prepare you for success.
Throughout the course, our tutors work closely with everyone to make sure they feel confident in their needling practice. If any areas need extra attention, we identify that early and provide support well before the assessment.
In the rare case that someone doesn’t meet the required safety standards, we’ll offer tailored support to help them improve. This could include close supervised practice, revisiting key safety principles, or a structured plan to address any challenges. You’d then have the opportunity to reattempt the assessment at a later time.
If English isn’t your first language, we’re experienced in providing extra guidance to make sure everything is clear, especially around safety, precautions, and contraindications.
That said, it’s very rare for someone to be unable to continue due to safety concerns, and our priority is to support you every step of the way.
When will I receive my certificate?
After attending the practical workshop, successfully completing the online assessment and also paying in full, your certificate will be automatically generated and available for download.
Can I practise acupuncture and dry needling on clients after the course?
Absolutely! After completing our foundation course, you’ll be ready to start practising acupuncture and dry needling within your professional scope. You’ll need to make sure you have the right insurance and local council licensing in place – but we offer guidance on securing both during the online and in-person components of the course.
Additionally, while the course covers essential techniques, you have the flexibility to use additional acupuncture points if you feel confident in your abilities and have clinically reasoned your treatment protocol. This allows you to tailor your practice to meet the individual needs of your clients, all while maintaining safety and effectiveness.
Will I leave the workshop feeling confident in needling?
Definitely! Our workshops are designed to ensure you leave feeling confident and ready to apply your new skills in practice. With plenty of hands-on experience, expert guidance, and individual feedback, you’ll not only master the techniques but also develop a deep understanding of when and why to use them.
Our tutors work closely with you throughout the training, refining your technique and reinforcing key clinical reasoning principles. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel assured in your ability to apply acupuncture and dry needling safely, effectively, and with confidence. And if you ever need extra support, we’re here to help even after the course!
Will we learn how to handle adverse events?
Yes, safety is at the heart of our training, and handling adverse events is a key part of the course. You’ll learn how to recognise, manage, and respond effectively to potential complications, such as vasovagal responses, needling discomfort, and other needling-related issues.
You’ll develop a strong understanding of safety protocols, proper needling techniques, and risk reduction strategies to minimise the likelihood of adverse events occurring in the first place. Our goal is to ensure that you leave the course feeling confident, prepared, and fully equipped to practise safely in any clinical setting.
Do I need insurance or a license to practise acupuncture after completing this course?
Yes, you’ll need appropriate insurance and a local council licence to practise acupuncture and dry needling. 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.
What support is available during the course?
You’ll have plenty of support throughout the course! Our tutors and learner support team are always here to help with any questions or challenges you might face. Whether it’s clarifying theory or assisting with practical techniques, we’re happy to guide you every step of the way. As your workshop date gets closer, we’ll also send you all the information you need to ensure you’re fully prepared and confident for the practical session.
Can I revisit course materials after completing the course?
Yes, you can! You’ll have access to all the course materials on the online platform for up to one month after the practical workshop. This gives you the chance to go over anything you want to revisit – whether it’s reviewing techniques or refreshing your understanding of the theory. It’s a great way to make sure you’re feeling confident in applying everything you’ve learned.
Is there any post-course support for clinical questions or cases?
Yes, absolutely! We’ve got a few ways to keep supporting you after the course:
We’re always here to help, whether it’s through the community or more direct support. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone as you apply what you’ve learnt!
What are the payment options for the course?
You’ve got a couple of options when it comes to payment. You can either pay the full course fee upfront or choose to split it into monthly instalments. Just a heads-up, though – in order to receive your certificate once you’ve completed the course, the full fee needs to be paid.
What happens after I book the course?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll get immediate access to our online training platform, so you can start exploring the course material right away. This gives you a great head start and allows you to get familiar with the theory before your practical workshop.
As the workshop date gets closer, we’ll send you all the details you’ll need, like the venue, schedule, and any preparation instructions. That way, you’ll feel fully prepared when it’s time for the hands-on part! And, of course, if you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help!
What happens if circumstances change and I can’t attend the practical workshop?
We understand that life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges your way! If you’re unable to attend your scheduled workshop, just let us know as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
There may be a rescheduling fee depending on circumstance, timing and availability, but we’re here to support you and make sure you have the opportunity to complete the course. If you need anything or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Who is this course designed for?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals like physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, nurses, and sports therapists who want to add acupuncture and dry needling to their practice. It’s also open to final-year students in a relevant healthcare field, as well as health and wellness therapists with a Level 4 qualification that covers musculoskeletal anatomy or who have taken our entry level course.
If you’re looking to build your clinical skills, advance your career, and gain CPD hours, this course will give you everything you need.
Is this course suitable for absolute beginners with no acupuncture or dry needling experience?
Yes, absolutely! Our foundation course is designed for beginners with no prior acupuncture or dry needling experience. You’ll need to first meet our eligibility criteria, but there’s no expectation that you have any prior training in these techniques. In fact, almost all learners on our foundation courses are starting from scratch, and our expert tutors will guide you through every step to ensure you feel confident and competent.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
This course is open to final-year students in regulated healthcare professions, as well as those in their final year of Sports Rehabilitation or Sports Therapy. Students not yet in their final year may also be eligible if they hold a Level 4 Sports Massage qualification and are actively working in the field.
In most cases, you will also need to be enrolled at the academic institution hosting the course. However, some courses do accept external participants, so please get in touch to check your eligibility for a specific course.
Is cosmetic acupuncture included as part of this course?
This course focuses on the therapeutic use of acupuncture and dry needling to treat conditions such as pain, stress, anxiety, and various musculoskeletal issues. While we cover essential acupuncture techniques, including acupoint identification and needling methods, cosmetic acupuncture is not a specific focus of this training.
That said, the core knowledge and skills you develop – such as understanding meridians, working with acupoints, and applying acupuncture safely – can provide a strong foundation if you decide to explore cosmetic acupuncture in the future. If you’re keen on this area, there are other specialised courses and resources you can explore to build on what you’ve learned here.
Is the certificate valid in other countries outside of the UK?
It depends on the country. Each country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to practicing acupuncture and dry needling. We strongly recommend checking the specific criteria for the country where you intend to practice, as requirements can vary widely. If you need help assessing whether our course aligns with those standards, we’re more than happy to support you in navigating the process.
Is this course recognised by the CSP?
The CSP does not endorse any acupuncture or dry needling training provider, nor do they set formal standards for training. While they don’t have specific requirements for acupuncture training, they do suggest that physiotherapists ensure they have the competence to practise safely.
What we can assure you is that we’ve trained thousands of physiotherapists who are now confidently using acupuncture and dry needling in their practice, with great success. We’re confident that this course will give you everything you need to feel completely at ease with your new skills and clinical reasoning.
SPEAK TO A TUTOR
We know that investing in your education is a big decision, so we’re here to keep things simple and supportive. If you have questions about course content, eligibility, career pathways, or how acupuncture can fit into your clinical practice, our tutors will be happy to answer any questions that you have. You can book a one-to-one call with them at a time that suits you, or simply drop us a message.
You’ll also find answers to common queries in the course FAQs above. From course structure and practical requirements to next steps, our FAQs are designed to give you the confidence to make an informed decision. Whether you’re completely new to acupuncture or looking to expand your skillset, we’re here to help support and guide you.
"*" indicates required fields
GET INSTANT ACCESS
"*" indicates required fields
