Acupuncture is recognized as one of the safest medical interventions available when performed by licensed professionals. In 2026, safety is maintained through strict global standards:

• Single-Use Devices: Regulation ensures all needles are pre-sterilized, disposable, and CE-marked.

• Clinical Integration: More Western healthcare systems, such as the Italian SSN and certain U.S. FQHCs, have integrated acupuncture into their clinical pathways to reduce public healthcare costs associated with drug use and chronic disability.

• Coding and Reimbursement: The adoption of standardized billing codes has made it easier for patients to receive insurance coverage, particularly for chronic musculoskeletal pain, as governments recognize its cost-effectiveness compared to invasive surgery.