What is Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that uses fine needles at specific points on the body to support healing and overall wellbeing

Western Medical acupuncture is a complementary therapy. The practice is based on traditional principles and clinical experience supporting health and wellbeing.

Theory

Acupuncture is based on the traditional concept that a life force, or Qi, flows through the body along meridians, and disruptions in this flow can cause illness. Scientific perspectives suggest its effects may result from stimulation of nerves and muscles, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Uses

Acupuncture is used to help with a wide range of health conditions including pain eg headaches, back pain and other muscular skeletal conditions, infertility, anxiety, and asthma. NHS availability is limited, so most patients seek private treatment. Always ensure your acupuncturist is fully qualified and licenced. If in doubt, please contact BAWMA for advice.

Our method of western medical acupuncture can address a wide range of conditions. Below are just a few examples of the health issues that may benefit from treatment.

Painful conditions such as osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, upper and lower back pain
Migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy, sinusitis, hay-fever
Some skin disorders
Asthma
Menstrual and menopausal problems
Nervous tension
Weight-loss, smoking problems and anxiety

There are many more conditions that may benefit from acupuncture and if your condition is not mentioned, please contact us. While acupuncture may not cure every condition, it can provide significant support and symptom relief.

Medical Acupuncture Treatments

A typical acupuncture session begins with an assessment of general health, medical history, if appropriate a physical examination. Needles are then inserted into specific acupuncture points, with patients usually sitting or lying down. Sessions generally last 20–40 minutes, and most patients benefit from 6–12 treatments, depending on their condition.

Acupuncture needles are fine, sterile and single-use which are inserted just beneath the skin. They may remain in place for up to 30 minutes. Patients may feel a tingling or dull ache, but significant pain is rare and should be reported immediately.

Conditions Treated

Acupuncture is used to address a wide range of health conditions, though its use is not always supported by scientific evidence. Patients may combine acupuncture with conventional treatments, and it is advisable to discuss any treatment with a GP. Within the NHS, and as recommended by NICE, acupuncture is supported for lower back pain, migraine, and tension-type headaches.
For more information, please see:

NICE Guidelines
World Health Organisation

Other common uses

Although not currently recommended by NICE or The Department of Health,

Acupuncture is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions (of the bones and muscles) and pain conditions, including:

headache and migraine
chronic pain, including neck and back pain
joint pain
dental pain
post-operative pain

Some acupuncturists use acupuncture to treat a far wider range of conditions, including:

post-operative nausea and vomiting
allergies, including hay fever and eczema
fatigue
depression and anxiety
digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
infertility and menstrual disorders
insomnia

British Academy of Western Medical Acupuncture