In my latest Facebook Live video, I discuss how acupuncture may play a role in helping pregnant women prepare for their upcoming birth.

“So....does acupuncture actually work?”

​Believe it or not, as an acupuncturist I do get asked this question a fair bit. Having devoted the last 13 years to the study and practice of acupuncture, it might prompt a bit of existential angst in me if I had any doubt over the amazing capabilities of my chosen profession! If I didn't think it worked, I certainly would not still be in practice. ​Needless to say, I have no doubt in the ability of acupuncture to 'work' and that is why I continue to study, practice and admire it's effects in all their glory.

​However, of course I understand the need for people to have scientific evidence of acupuncture's claims, and I also enjoy reading all the current research in the area. So I was very excited to read about “The Acupuncture Evidence Project” (2017), an extensive systematic review of acupuncture research which examined over 1000 clinical trials worldwide, and I would like to summarise it for you in this post.  

In this series we take a look at some recent research into acupuncture from a Western scientific perspective, to help us deepen our understanding and appreciation for the many effective uses of acupuncture.

If you have just found out that you are pregnant – Congratulations! Pregnancy is such a beautiful and magical time in a woman's life. However, pregnancy can also be difficult and challenging if there are health issues getting in the way of your 'glow'. 

Acupuncture can offer wonderful support to women in all stages of pregnancy to help you make the most of the experience. Acupuncture offers women the choice of a drug free treatment and can be used successfully for a wide range of conditions, such as:

Chronic neck pain is one of the most common pain issues faced by office workers and students. Often, spending hours at a desk each day, combined with poor postural habits, is the root cause of the pain. However, for some, sports injuries, whiplash, and the wrong bed mattress or pillow can set off the pain. 

Regardless of what caused the neck pain to begin with, many people find relief with acupuncture when seemingly nothing else helped. Scientific researchers and clinicians have been conducting clinical trials on the use of acupuncture for neck pain since the 1980's, and most of these studies have confirmed that acupuncture is safe and effective.

Here is the July installment in a series of blog posts highlighting recent scientific research in the field of acupuncture. 

This series of blog posts aims to offer insights into a Western understanding of acupuncture. Links are always given to the research discussed so that you can look into the trials discussed in more detail.

This month, we talk about post-stroke rehabilitation, heart-disease, Alzheimer's disease and stress.