Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth. Acupuncture is also helpful for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs.

Some people may choose to have Acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution or simply because they feel unwell in themselves, without being “ill” in the Western sense.

What Happens During Treatment?

Traditional Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined over thousands of years. We begin by taking an in-depth case history together with looking at the tongue and feeling the pulse. From this we can establish a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.

Fine needles are inserted into very specific combinations of Acupuncture points which lie beneath the surface of the skin. The needle insertion is virtually painless and the sensations which arise as a result are often described as a tingling or a dull ache. The needles remain in place for up to twenty minutes and during this time patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs and a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Response to Acupuncture varies from individual to individual as does the number of treatments needed depending upon their conditions. Acute conditions tend to respond faster than chronic conditions. As a general rule, some change is usually experienced within the first five treatments.

What Is Acupuncture?

Traditional Acupuncture is a well-established system of diagnosis and treatment, which has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as an effective method of pain relief, it is in fact used to restore good health and relieve symptoms in a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is to improve the overall well being of the patient, by a method of holistic medicine which does not see specific symptoms in isolation.

The philosophy of Acupuncture is based on an energy system known as Qi which moves through a series of channels in the body. When this Qi, or energy, is disturbed it becomes unbalanced and dis-ease may result. The overall aim of treatment is to restore the body’s equilibrium. Acupuncture treats the patient on all levels, to restore mental, emotional and physical balance, treating the root cause of the disease as well as the symptoms. It can be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.

What Are the Professional Qualifications And Codes of Practice?

The Professional Qualification for Acupuncture is Membership of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Members of the Council have completed a thorough training of at least three years in Traditional Acupuncture and Western Medical Sciences appropriate to the safe and effective practice of Acupuncture. They carry the letters MBAcC after their name. The BAcC maintains common standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. Members are covered by Medical Malpractice and Public/Products Liability insurance.

Members follow a code of safe practice laying down stringent standards of hygiene for all equipment used. This includes needles, which are sterile and are NEVER used more than once.

Where Can I Learn More?

Visit the BAcC website for more information on Acupuncture and the Register.

Additionally, The World Health Organisation provides a list of conditions for which the effectiveness of acupuncture has been tested in controlled clinical trials.