Accidents happen most often with acupuncturists who are not fully trained. The most effective safety measure, therefore, is to ensure sound and well supervised theoretical and practical training. This is the only way of minimizing incompetent examination, wrong diagnoses and errors of technique, of making certain that patients are properly selected for acupuncture treatment, and of ensuring that the acupuncturist knows how to deal with accidents when they do occur.

Great importance must be attached to the quality of needles, their care and utilization, and their sterilization by means of adequate methods. Where economically feasible, disposable needles should be used.

Authoritative guidelines on these matters are needed that set standards for hospitals, clinics and private practitioners.