Acupuncture
- A traditional branch of Eastern medicine used successfully for over 4000 years.
- Gained popularity in the West since the bringing down on the political barriers in the 70s.
- Still surrounded by mystery, and misinformation in the West.
- Involves the placing of fine needles, usually into muscle to bring about an effect in illness, usually pain relief, and tends to work best in pain of musculo-skeletal origin.
Acupuncture is practised by doctors in England (usually GPs and Anaesthetists) in a wide variety of conditions. Most of these have been trained by the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS), this organization only trains people who have been appropriately medically trained, as they believe that acupuncture is a treatment to be used alongside, and with the more standard evidence based approach to 'Western' scientific medicine
Some Questions
Does it hurt?
You get a sensation that's hard to describe after the initial 'small-scratch', the Chinese call this Chi. We use words like Warm/Ache/Tingly, and this feeling varies from person to person.
Does it really work?
Yes. Though some conditions benefit most, and some people experience greater benefit than others.
Do I have to tell my Dr?
Yes. It is to complement standard treatment, not an alternative.
Can I have it done on the NHS?
Usually no, this is mainly due to costs, and time. However here, there may be some provision for 'after-surgery' slots.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge, but there are costs to recoup, so those who wish to help may do so (Needles, time spent, training costs - eg. the course costs around £1000).
Further information
This is one of a number of Patient Information Leaflets available from the The Orchard Partnership.