Best Acupuncture Courses For Beginners in 2025
Did you know acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years and is still practiced by millions today? With a growing interest in holistic healing and traditional Chinese medicine, learning the basics of acupuncture can be a powerful step into the world of natural wellness.
Acupuncture is more than just needles, it's a system based on restoring balance to the body’s energy flow, or qi, by targeting specific meridian points. Whether you’re a wellness enthusiast or a future practitioner, starting with the right course is essential.
In this guide, we’ve curated the 5 best acupuncture courses for beginners in 2025. These programs are designed to teach you everything from meridian theory to practical techniques, all from the comfort of your home. So if you’re ready to start your journey into acupuncture and energy healing, let’s explore the top-rated training options available online.
Top Acupuncture Courses List
- Medical Acupuncture Treatment & Training Course
- Weight Loss Therapy in TCM herbs, Acupuncture, Lose Weight
- Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture-Expert
- Practical Acupuncture - Immediate Pain Relief
- Understanding Acupuncture
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1. Medical Acupuncture Treatment & Training Course
Instructor: Manik Miah
- Course Rating: 3.7 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 1,100+
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Certification: Yes
- Price: ₹479 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Healthcare professionals, wellness therapists, or beginners curious about integrating acupuncture into practice.
This beginner-friendly course dives into both the ancient roots and modern medical use of acupuncture. You’ll learn about meridians, Qi, yin and yang theory, and acupuncture’s role in pain relief, stress management, and holistic care. The course includes practical demos, safety guidelines, and diagnostic frameworks from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Whether you’re a physiotherapist, massage therapist, nurse, or an alternative wellness enthusiast, this course provides a strong foundational base.
Key Skills You'll Learn:
- Understand acupuncture points, meridians & Qi energy
- Perform basic Traditional Chinese Medical diagnoses
- Design acupuncture treatment plans
- Apply techniques for stress, pain, and digestive issues
- Explore modern & clinical uses of acupuncture
- Learn safety & ethical needle application
Pros:
- Covers both traditional and modern acupuncture theory
- Suitable for healthcare and wellness practitioners
- Strong theoretical foundation for future certification
Cons:
- Rating is slightly lower compared to other courses
- Limited video hours; practical hands-on may feel short
2. Weight Loss Therapy in TCM herbs, Acupuncture, Losing Weight
Instructor: Woosen Ur
- Course Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 250+
- Duration: 5 Hours
- Certification: Yes
- Price: ₹479 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: TCM students, acupuncture learners, and holistic therapy practitioners targeting weight loss treatment.
This course dives into using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for effective weight management. You’ll learn diagnostic techniques and therapeutic skills including electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, auriculotherapy, and cupping, all focused on treating obesity through personalized energy pattern diagnosis.
It’s ideal for students or professionals in TCM and acupuncture who want to offer weight loss support in clinical settings using non-invasive, traditional techniques.
Key Skills You'll Learn:
- Diagnose obesity patterns based on TCM principles
- Apply electroacupuncture and ear acupuncture techniques
- Prescribe Chinese herbs, teas, and therapeutic porridges
- Perform cupping and moxibustion for weight loss
- Integrate diet, exercise, and TCM into personalized treatment
Pros:
- Covers obesity through both physical and emotional TCM lenses
- Instructor is a Ph.D. in Korean medicine with global experience
- A rich mix of theory and applied treatment styles
Cons:
- Requires foundational TCM theory
- Focus is narrow, mostly suited for those specializing in obesity treatment
3. Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture-Expert
Instructor: 資承 高
- Course Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 290+
- Duration: 36 Minutes
- Certification: Yes
- Price: ₹479 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Licensed medical professionals looking for fast, modern acupuncture treatment protocols focused on neurology.
This course introduces Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA), a modern Japanese technique with a focus on neurological recovery and pain relief. Unlike traditional Chinese acupuncture, YNSA uses scalp somatotopes to stimulate areas corresponding to body functions, providing quick relief with minimal discomfort.
You’ll learn how to treat Parkinson’s disease, paralysis, stroke aftereffects, and pain conditions, using fewer needles and a less invasive process, ideal for sensitive patients like children or the elderly.
Key Skills You'll Learn:
- Understand YNSA points and somatotopes
- Perform diagnosis using Hoku, neck, and upper extremity methods
- Treat stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, and knee pain
- Reduce autonomic dysfunction and chronic pain
- Deliver low-cost, high-impact acupuncture care
Pros:
- Focused on fast results for neurologic and pain-related issues
- Less invasive, minimal-needle approach ideal for sensitive patients
- Updated to latest 2018 YNSA protocols with demonstration
Cons:
- Only suited for licensed medical professionals
- Duration is short (under 40 minutes) for a specialist course
4. Practical Acupuncture - Immediate Pain Relief
Instructor: Sérgio Ferreira
- Course Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 190+
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Certification: Yes
- Price: ₹3,299 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Healthcare professionals, wellness therapists, or beginners curious about integrating acupuncture into practice.
This advanced course dives into distal acupuncture techniques—notably the Balance Method and Master Tung’s style to treat pain conditions with quick results. Ideal for those already trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it focuses on accurate point selection, real case studies, and streamlined diagnostics.
You’ll gain practical tools to diagnose meridian imbalances quickly and treat pain effectively with strategic point combinations, even without needing to needle directly at the site of pain.
Key Skills You'll Learn:
- Pain relief with Balance Method acupuncture
- Meridian/channel diagnosis for precise treatment
- Real-time case-based learning from actual patient sessions
- Techniques from Master Tung and Applied Channel Theory
- Practical point location and needle handling
Pros:
- One of the few courses focused on instant results for pain relief
- Real clinical cases and demos make concepts easy to grasp
- Strong ratings from experienced professionals
Cons:
- Requires prior acupuncture/TCM knowledge
- Higher cost compared to beginner-level alternatives
5. Understanding Acupuncture
Instructor: Jessica Kennedy
- Course Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 135+
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Certification: Yes
- Price: ₹999 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Beginners, acupuncture patients, or anyone curious about how acupuncture really works.
If you've ever wondered what your acupuncturist is doing—this course is for you. Jessica Kennedy breaks down the mystery of acupuncture from a patient’s perspective. You’ll learn what acupuncture points are, how diagnosis works in Chinese medicine, and what happens behind the scenes when a treatment plan is made.
Rather than being a technical training program, this course is an ideal entry point into acupuncture for those who want to understand the practice, either out of curiosity or before becoming a patient.
Key Skills You'll Learn:
- What acupuncture is and how it works
- How Chinese Medicine Diagnoses Illness
- Basics of acupuncture points and energy channels
- How practitioners use pulses, tongues, and other cues
- How to choose the right acupuncturist
Pros:
- Ideal for complete beginners and curious patients
- Explain acupuncture concepts in plain language
- Helpful for people considering acupuncture treatment
Cons:
- Not intended for practitioners or professional training
- Lacks hands-on or technique-based instruction
How to Choose the Best Acupuncture Course
Choosing the right acupuncture course can shape the way you understand and apply this healing art. Here are a few things to consider before enrolling:
- Course focus: Check whether the course offers a general overview of acupuncture or focuses on a specific area (e.g., meridian theory, auricular acupuncture, or pain relief techniques). Choose one that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Instructor credibility: Look into the instructor’s background, experience, and certifications. Opt for courses taught by seasoned practitioners or accredited institutions.
- Hands-on practice vs. theory: Some programs are mostly academic, while others include real-world practice. If you're aiming for clinical use, courses with supervised hands-on components are especially valuable.
- Learning format: Decide whether you prefer instructor-led, self-paced, or live sessions. Also, consider whether you want an online or in-person experience based on your schedule and learning style.
- Included materials: Ensure the course comes with updated videos, guides, reading lists, and other learning resources. Quality materials make a big difference in retention and long-term value.
Course Comparison & Recommendations
Difficulty Level
- Beginner-Friendly: Medical Acupuncture Treatment & Training Course, Understanding Acupuncture
- Intermediate to Advanced: Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture-Expert, Practical Acupuncture – Immediate Pain Relief
Focus Area
- General Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Medical Acupuncture Treatment & Training Course, Understanding Acupuncture
- Specialized Styles:
- Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture-Expert → Focus on neurologic disorders
- Practical Acupuncture – Immediate Pain Relief → Focus on distal acupuncture & pain
- Weight Loss Therapy in TCM → Focus on acupuncture + herbal weight management
Learning Style
- Theory-Heavy: Medical Acupuncture Treatment & Training Course, Understanding Acupuncture
- Hands-On & Practical: Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture-Expert, Practical Acupuncture – Immediate Pain Relief
Licensure Preparation
These courses offer strong foundational knowledge but may not fully prepare you for licensing exams. Consider accredited programs if you're pursuing professional certification.
Best Courses Based on Your Goal
- Just Getting Started? Choose Medical Acupuncture Treatment & Training Course or Understanding Acupuncture.
- Interested in Scalp Acupuncture? Go with Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture-Expert.
- Want Pain Relief Techniques? Enroll in Practical Acupuncture – Immediate Pain Relief.
- Looking for Weight Loss Support via TCM? Try Weight Loss Therapy in TCM Herbs & Acupuncture.
FAQs
Are online acupuncture courses legitimate?
Yes, many online acupuncture courses are created by certified practitioners and reputable institutions. While they may not replace hands-on clinical training, they are a great way to build foundational knowledge or specialize in a certain technique.
Do I need a medical background to take an acupuncture course?
Not necessarily. Several beginner-friendly acupuncture courses are designed for complete newcomers or holistic health enthusiasts. However, if you plan to practice professionally, check your local licensing requirements.
How long does it take to learn acupuncture online?
Introductory courses can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the depth and pace. Professional-level certifications may take months and often include clinical components.
Can acupuncture help with weight loss and pain relief?
Yes, acupuncture is commonly used for pain management and has been studied for weight loss support. Some courses specifically focus on these applications using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) protocols.
Will I get a certification after completing the course?
Many online acupuncture courses offer a certificate of completion, especially on platforms like Udemy. However, this does not equate to a license to practice unless it's part of an accredited professional program.