As with other forms of medical practice, national authorities should bring acupuncture within the ambit of their health legislation and control mechanisms. Legislative and other measures will naturally differ between countries depending on whether acupuncture is used by recognized practitioners of traditional forms of medicine, or whether it is a relatively recent introduction. However, regulations should in all cases cover training, guidelines on practice, and the registration of acupuncturists.

It would be useful for WHO to make a survey of existing government regulations and then prepare guidelines on the subject for the use of national authorities.