HOLISTIC - 5 things about acupuncture most people get wrong

Needles, pain and plenty of mystery. Acupuncture may have been practised for thousands of years, but how much do we really know about it?

This September, Australia’s first Acupuncture Awareness Month is taking a closer look at 5 Things About Acupuncture Most People Get Wrong.

Does it hurt? Is it simply about needles? Is it only used for pain? Is it the same as dry needling? And can anyone call themselves an acupuncturist?

That last answer may surprise you. Acupuncture forms part of a nationally regulated health profession in Australia, and “acupuncturist” is a protected title. Registered practitioners must meet national education, clinical training, registration and continuing professional development requirements.

Presented by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd (AACMA), the month will take Australians inside the modern practice of acupuncture through videos, articles and practitioner insights.

The campaign will explain what happens during an appointment, how acupuncture differs from dry needling, where it may sit alongside broader healthcare and what to look for when choosing a suitably qualified practitioner.

Acupuncture Awareness Month begins on September 1, 2026. Learn more and find an AACMA practitioner at acupuncture.org.au, follow @aacma.org.au on social media or join the conversation using #AcupunctureAwarenessMonth.