Useful for a wide range of conditions including pain, bowel or bladder problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, allergies, skin problems, sinusitus, as an aid to slimming and giving up smoking.

Acupuncture has been practised in the Far East for centuries and is believed to encourage the body to self heal.

It is sometimes used alongside traditional treatments by GPs and also in many hospitals. Fine needles are inserted into various meridian points in the body and left for up to 20 minutes to stimulate energy flows. The acupunturist will make a diagnosis based on the patient’s answers to questions about their health and lifestyle, as well as taking the pulse and examining the tongue. Also useful for stress, headaches, migraine, pain, allergies, smoking and alcohol addictions.

Available through British Acupuncture Society and through some health clinics and GPs. Further information can be obtained from:

British Medical Acupuncture Council
BMAS House
3 Winnington Court
Norwich, Cheshire CW8 1AQ
Tel: ++ 44(0)1606 786782
Fax: ++ 44(0)1606 786783
Email: admin@medical-acupuncture.org.uk