Acupuncture

Based on research, the World Health Organisation has compiled a list of conditions where acupuncture has been proven as an effective treatment. A further list of conditions has been published where it is proven to be therapeutically effective but where further research is required. Due to the authority of these lists, many people are now able to receive assistance for acupuncture from their medical insurance company. Others are recommended acupuncture by their general practitioner or via the pain relief clinic.

It is considered an effective treatment for:

• many types of pain (including post-operative, back and dental pain)
• depression
• rheumatoid arthritis
• sciatica
• stroke
• headaches.

Evidence also suggests acupuncture can to treat morning sickness, a breached baby and to induce labour. It is considered therapeutically effective for abdominal pain, addictions (including to opiates and alcohol), cancer pain, bronchial asthma, fibromyalgia, insomnia, male sexual dysfunction, obesity, cancer pain and acne. It has a demonstrated therapeutic effect on female infertility and male infertility.

The conditions mentioned above are only some of those that have been considered effective by WHO. For a full list please see here:  World Health Organisation.

Your acupuncturist will ask you about your current condition, its related symptoms and your past medical history. You will also be asked about any other treatment you are receiving, your diet, digestion, sleep and current life situation. Acupuncturists look at your tongue, as this can vary in colour and is helpful for diagnosing necessary acupuncture points. Your pulse will be taken, as pulses also vary depending on an individual’s energy system and are essential to diagnosis.

You will receive treatment on your first session. Acupuncturists sometimes use a process called Moxibustion as well as acupuncture. This involves burning a herb to balance and nourish Qi.

Treatment prices vary with each practitioner:

• Jill Glover – £85
• Helen Fielding – £75
• Julie Kelham – £65
• Kristy Perry – £60
• Claire Thorne – £60
• Lucy Macgregor – £60

Should you need to change or cancel your appointment, please give a minimum of 48 hours / 2 working days notice Monday–Friday prior to your appointment, as we have a waiting list and this appointment can then be offered to someone else.

Half the appointment fee will be charged for any appointments changed with less notice.

The full appointment fee will be charged if you do not attend your appointment.

British Acupuncture Council

• What is traditional acupuncture?
• A to Z of Conditions

World Health Organisation – Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials

Acupuncture Today – What Conditions does Acupuncture Treat?

The Guardian – Rowan Pelling on the links between acupuncture and fertility

Acupuncture Times – Acupuncture can thicken the uterus lining and improve endometrial receptivity – controlled trial 

YouTube talk from Dr Paul Magarelli – Research on acupuncture & IVF and why it can lead to increased pregnancy

Washington Post – ‘Does acupuncture work for chronic pain? Here’s what the science says.’