Safety & Quality Standards
At SZKMA, patient safety and professional standards are the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture are practised responsibly and safely across Slovenia.
Our Safety Standards
When you choose a SZKMA member practitioner, the following standards apply:
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Professional Training — All full members have completed comprehensive education in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, in line with international guidelines (such as WHO and ETCMA).
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Licensing — Practitioners are encouraged to obtain the official healer’s licence (Zdravilec) from the Slovenian Ministry of Health where possible. We provide support in the licensing process.
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Hygiene and Safety Protocols — Only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used. Strict hygiene standards are followed in every treatment.
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Code of Ethics — All members follow a professional Code of Ethics focused on patient safety, informed consent, and ethical conduct.
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Continuing Professional Development — Members actively participate in ongoing education to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
Professional and hygienic environment
Acupuncture Safety
Acupuncture performed by a qualified practitioner is widely recognised as a very safe therapy. The needles used are extremely fine, sterile, and intended for single use only.
Most people experience little to no pain during insertion. You may feel a brief sensation, mild tingling, warmth, or a dull ache, which is usually a positive sign that the treatment is working. Serious side effects are extremely rare when acupuncture is carried out by a properly trained professional. Minor and temporary effects, such as slight bruising or tiredness after treatment, can occasionally occur but typically resolve quickly.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Safety
Chinese herbal medicine is a powerful therapeutic tool when prescribed correctly. SZKMA practitioners create individualised formulas based on your specific condition, constitution, and current medications.
Before prescribing herbs, the practitioner carefully reviews your full health history to minimise the risk of interactions. Herbs are natural, but they are potent — which is why they should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified professional. Our members are trained to adjust dosages and combinations according to how your body responds during treatment.
Clear Distinction
It is important to understand the difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture practised by SZKMA members and dry needling or medical acupuncture sometimes performed by Western medical doctors.
TCM acupuncture is part of a complete medical system with its own theory, diagnosis (pulse, tongue, pattern differentiation), and treatment principles developed over thousands of years. It aims to address the root cause of imbalance in the body.
Dry needling, on the other hand, is a modern technique that targets muscle trigger points and does not follow the full TCM diagnostic framework. Both approaches can be valuable, but they are different practices. SZKMA supports clear distinction between these two approaches so that patients can make informed choices.
Staying in Contact with Your Practitioner
Your relationship with your TCM practitioner does not end when you leave the clinic. Between sessions, you are encouraged to reach out if you experience:
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Any unexpected or persistent side effects following treatment
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A significant worsening of your symptoms
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New symptoms that appear after starting herbal medicine
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Pain, redness, or swelling at needle sites that does not resolve within 24–48 hours
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Any concern or question about your treatment, prescription, or progress
Do not wait until your next appointment if something feels wrong. Early contact allows your practitioner to assess whether an adjustment is needed and to provide appropriate guidance.
Not sure whether to get in touch?
If you are uncertain whether what you are experiencing is normal, contact your practitioner anyway. It is always better to check. Your practitioner would rather hear from you and reassure you than have you wait through unnecessary discomfort.