Acupuncture is a treatment that dates back to around 100 BC in China and is based on traditional Chinese concepts such as qi (life force energy) and meridians (paths through which qi flows). Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at multiple, different locations based on the patient’s symptoms.
Although there are many uses for acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine, in Western medicine it is primarily used as a drug free alternative to pain management.
NICE guideline for chronic pain: painkillers out, acupuncture in.
Acupuncture is one of only four treatments to be recommended for chronic pain by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It is expected that from 2021 , painkillers and all other drugs apart from anti-depressants will no longer be the go to prescription for chronic pain.
Around a third of the population may be affected by chronic pain – many also have a diagnosis of depression, and two-thirds are unable to go out to work.
The new NICE recommendations cover conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic neck, muscular or pelvic pain. Traditional acupuncture can provide benefits across the whole spectrum of health issues: emotional support as well as pain relief.
Acupuncture is one of the best options for painful conditions – it is also very safe when given by well trained practitioners. Our Senior Physiotherapist, Suzy Brooker, is highly qualified and fully registered with The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
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