Medical acupuncture (sometimes available on the NHS)
Medical acupuncture has a lot of science proof behind it, though some medical establishments would have you think otherwise. Unlike many holistic medicines, there have been many double-blind trials, and many GPs are actually qualified, or can refer you to someone else.
It’s not a cure-all for everything. But medical acupuncture (where practitioners train for years) can have a lot of success for some conditions.
How does medical acupuncture work?
It inserts very thin needles (they don’t hurt!) into ‘meridians’ which can help many conditions from migraine to arthritis. It kind of works by stimulating nerves to prompt your body to release pain-killing chemicals called endorphins. This can also improve blood flow.
Holistic medicine always involves lifestyle changes too. So if you have a good session, don’t go home and then live on black coffee and red wine! Likewise, you don’t always have to take the herbal medicines that sometimes go alongside it (and always use a reputable practitioner, to ensure there are no lurking illegal ground up rhino or or tiger bones).
Don’t worry about infections, as acupuncture needles are all sterile, and single-use (just like syringes).
Where to find qualified acupuncturists
It’s really important to find properly qualified medical acupuncturists.
Acupuncture is often not given to people with pacemakers/implants, bleeding disorders (including those on medication) and those at risk of infection. And nobody with a metal allergy!
Enter your postcode at British Acupuncture Council to find one of 3000 members, who belong to an accredited register that is regulated and approved by the Professional Standards Agency for Health & Social Care.
More affordable are community acupuncture clinics across England that offer the same, bringing the price down to around £20 (rather than £40 to £80). One practitioner treats several people in one room, each person behind a privacy screen.
