Acupuncture involves stimulating certain meridian points by inserting needles (acupuncture) or applying pressure (acupressure) to balance energy. Benefits include pain relief, reduced stress, and improved overall health. Have you ever tried pinching the skin between your thumb and forefinger? That’s similar to what acupressure offers, just with more finesse!
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!
For private treatment, 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 (for high training standards, safe practice & professional conduct). In other words, these are the acupuncturists to book!
In the Far East, most clinics treat many people at one time, placing in some needles then visiting some else in the room (behind privacy screens) to make it more affordable (there are community acupuncture clinics across England that offer the same, bringing the price down to around £20 rather than £4o to £80, depending on where you live).
There is strong clinical evidence that acupuncture helps chronic pain for up to a year (endorsed by NICE that advises NHS), as well as helping other conditions short-term like prostate problems, jaw pain, side effects and pain from surgery and cancer treatment – and chronic hiccups!
If your GP wishes, he or she can legally refer you to a member of British Acupuncture Council (as an accredited register with the Professional Standards Authority).
