A 64-year-old Hong Kong beauty shop owner pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four months’ jail on a charge of practicing of Chinese medicine without registration.
The sentence was suspended for three years.
The charge related to a beauty centre located at 168 Sai Yeung Choi St South in Mongkok, Kowloon, which was raided by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police in a joint operation on May 12 last year.
Investigation found the woman provided acupuncture therapy at the premises. She was arrested on-site for suspected illegal practice of Chinese medicine.
As acupuncture may involve skin penetration, authorities say improper use could lead to bacterial and viral infection, unwell feeling related to fainting during treatment and needle breakage.
“The DH is very concerned about the potential risks and complications of Chinese medicine-related beauty services provided by persons not qualified to practise Chinese medicine,” a spokesman said.
“According to section 108 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), any person who practises Chinese medicine while not being a registered Chinese medicine practitioner or listed Chinese medicine practitioner commits a criminal offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and to imprisonment for three years,” the spokesman explained.
“Members of the public are strongly reminded that procedures conducted at beauty centres like acupuncture may carry risks. These procedures require a client’s informed choice and potential users are advised to discuss with health-care professionals about the benefits and risks of such procedures and the full details of the procedure before making a decision.