11/08/2026
🩸 A BIG STEP FOR UK ACUPUNCTURE
A long-awaited change to blood donation guidance has been confirmed by JPAC, recognising UK acupuncturists as qualified practitioners when operating in line with the licensing or registration requirements in their nation.
From today, 11 August 2026, this means people who have received treatment from appropriately licensed or registered acupuncture practitioners will no longer face the previous waiting period before donating blood.
This is more than just a policy update.
It represents six years of advocacy and work by the Acupuncture Regulatory Association (ARA) and its member organisations, including AAC and BAWMA, working with NHS Blood and Transplant, JPAC, SaBTO, the Department of Health and Social Care and the devolved administrations.