Sharing your story responsibly
A few simple principles that keep every story honest, respectful and within the rules of our profession.
Tell your own story
Share what happened to you, in your own words: “I was…”, “for me…”. Your story is a personal experience, not advice for anyone else.
Dress and setting: as you are in clinic
Wear what you’d wear to see patients, and record somewhere calm and tidy: your treatment room, or a quiet, uncluttered space with good light facing you. Make sure no patients, patient notes or personal details are in view. Keep it natural, with no script or studio needed. That way your story stays authentic and shows the care and professionalism people can expect when they see an acupuncturist.
Don’t make promises or claims
You can say what you were going through and what changed for you. Don’t say that acupuncture treats, cures or will work for a condition, and don’t suggest it will work the same for everyone.
Protect other people’s privacy
Don’t name or show anyone else without their permission, including your own acupuncturist, colleagues or family. Never share anything about patients, even without names: professional confidentiality still applies.
Follow your professional rules
Your national association’s code of conduct and your country’s rules on advertising health services still apply when you post. If you’re unsure, ask your association. Students: check your college’s social media policy.
Don’t give advice online
If someone asks about their own health in the comments or messages, don’t advise them. Thank them and point them to a qualified acupuncturist or their doctor.
Respect other healthcare
Speak positively about your own experience without criticising doctors, medicines or other treatments. Acupuncture can sit alongside the healthcare people already use.
Share your story your way
Your story will be public, and you choose what goes into it. Focus on the parts that matter most to you. If it helps, talk it through with someone you trust before you record.
It stays your choice
You decide how you’re named: full name, first name, social handle or anonymous. You can withdraw your story at any time by emailing [email protected].
This is my personal experience. It isn’t medical advice, and everyone’s experience is different.
About the campaign’s stories
Origin stories shared in the World Acupuncture Awareness Day campaign describe the personal experiences of individual acupuncturists and student acupuncturists. They are not medical advice and are not a promise of any result. Anyone considering acupuncture should speak to a qualified acupuncturist and keep their doctor informed.
Every acupuncturist has a story. What’s yours?
- Any language
- You can stay anonymous
- Your email is never published