I am a licensed (LicAc) acupunturist with BAWMA (British Academy of Western Medical Acupuncture).

Does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture has been practised for over 2,500 years, initially in China and now all over the world. Modern science has found that acupuncture results in measurable changes in the electrical activity of the nervous system and specific changes in biochemicals such as endorphins. There have been hundreds of research studies in recent years which show that many conditions respond to acupuncture. A scientific review of these studies and some explanations as to how acupuncture may work in terms of known physiological mechanisms is provided in a recent book called "Western Medical Acupuncture" by Adrian White, Mike Cummings and Jacqueline Filshie.

In 2010 even the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) gave the following recommendation:

"There is evidence that acupuncture is a cost effective management option, compared with usual care, for persistent non-specific low back pain"

What does it involve?

Each acupuncture needle comes sterilised and pre-packed and is only used once. There is a slight pin prick sensation as the needle is inserted. Then people frequently experience a relaxing sensation.

If acupuncture is going to help your particular condition you would expect to begin to see some benefit after the first 3 sessions. If there has been no change by that time I would suggest you try a different approach.

I also use Electroacupuncture. A tiny electric current from a battery powered device is applied across two of the needles. Recent research has reported that the application of the small electric current often enhances the effect of the acupuncture (Mayor 2007: 'Electroacupuncture' published by Churchill Livingstone).

If you would like to arrange an initial session you can do so by email: nigel@nigelmillstherapies.co.uk or telephone: 07828651371