Acupuncture
Provided here by the well-known Shaftesbury Clinic, (established in 2008) acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest forms of medicine, whereby fine needles are inserted relatively painlessly to specific points within a network, in order to affect overall body function. Our acupuncturists have 3-years’ degree level training. They look at the whole person and lifestyle to encompass health promotion and ongoing client self-care. Patients commonly present for acupuncture with a wide variety of health concerns from pain, (migraine, muscle, sports injuries); stress and anxiety; to fertility and pregnancy related issues (such as nausea).
Traditional acupuncture has a large and growing body of mainstream scientific evidence for efficacy in a growing number of health conditions, and as a profession is committed to the furthering of understanding and research into efficacy and best practise.
Acupuncturists apply the rational model of East Asian healthcare, which is a valuable and distinct medical tradition with contemporary clinical relevance. Traditional acupuncturists use diagnostic skills and clinical techniques to provide holistic, safe and individual treatment for clients experiencing a wide variety of health issues.
Acupuncture is not regulated by the UK government, and therefore the assurance that practitioners have a certain level of training, and are bound by practise standards and codes of conduct is vital for clients when choosing an acupuncturists. Our experienced, professional acupuncturists hold licentiates in acupuncture from British Acupuncture Accreditation Board approved colleges, and are members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), a regulatory body and register that is overseen by the Professional Standards Authority, which is answerable to Parliament. They are committed to the codes of ethics, conduct, practise standards and continual professional development of the BAcC, and they have all served on the boards of BAcC.
Patients very often access acupuncture for painful conditions, from back pain, migraine, and sports injuries and musculo-skeletal injury or conditions; skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis); fertility support alongside IVF, ICSI or for natural approaches; or simply for general wellbeing, relaxation, balance, and dealing with the stresses of daily life.
NICE (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which tells NHS doctors which treatments to use for diseases and conditions) recommends acupuncture for chronic primary pain [NG193; 1.2.5]; prophylactic for chronic tension‑type headache [CG150; 1.3.9]
References:
Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain
NICE guideline [NG193]Published: 07 April 2021
Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management
Clinical guideline [CG150]Published: 19 September 2012 Last updated: 17 December 2021
Blogs:
NICE recommends Chronic Primary Pain Treatments: Acupuncture and talking therapies; CBT and ACT
In Conversation With… An interview with Darren Haines, Acupuncturist
