If you are a regular blood donor, it’s important to know how acupuncture or dry needling may affect your ability to give blood.
What the rules say
The NHS Blood and Transplant service currently asks donors to wait four months after acupuncture unless the treatment was carried out by a statutory regulated healthcare professional (such as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or physiotherapist).
Because I am insured and fully qualified as a massage therapist with additional training in acupuncture/dry needling—but not a statutory regulated professional—the same rules apply to me as they would to tattooists or body piercers.
What this means for you
If you don’t give blood, this rule doesn’t affect you.
If you do donate blood, you may need to plan your donation around your treatments.
It’s a precautionary measure only—the needles I use are sterile, single-use, and disposed of safely.
Reassurance
Your safety is my priority. Acupuncture and dry needling are carried out in a clean clinical environment with full professional insurance. The restriction is about donation eligibility rules, not about actual infection risk.
In summary
You may need to wait 4 months after acupuncture/dry needling before donating blood.
If you are a regular donor, please check the NHS Blood Donation guidelines before booking your treatment.
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