The answer to this question is easier to answer today than it was ten years ago.

The expansion in Complementary Medicines has been unprecedented, thanks partly to the problems associated with prescribed drugs. For too long it has been clear that the side effects of many drugs have been worse than the condition for which they had been prescribed.

It must be made clear that this is not a blanket criticism of all drugs, indeed, it must be stated that many drugs have provided new life and saved many people from death. The major problems are associated with repeated prescriptions for the more common ailments.

It is known that a continued, prolonged drug regime may cause physiological problems for patients. In such circumstances, Acupuncture may well successfully treat the condition with which the patient presented originally, thus giving the potential to reduce drug dosage or in some cases, where carefully managed, stop altogether.

One example relates to Asthma, a common condition, for which steroids may be prescribed. In severe cases, the steroids can produce well documented side effects. Acupuncture however, if used carefully can relieve the symptoms of Asthma quickly and make available a better quality of life generally. This is just one example of many conditions which can be treated with Acupuncture.

Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dental surgeons and many other health workers in the west now generally agree that this form of treatment is here to stay. Additionally, Veterinary specialists have accumulated vast amounts of evidence showing the success of Acupuncture when applied in animal care too.

We at the BAWMA pride ourselves in the quality of care provided by our members. You too can participate in our success by taking our registered course.

The list below shows an example of the many conditions presented to our practitioners for medical acupuncture treatment:

• It reduces Pain
• It increases movement
• It improves quality of life
• It induces a better sleep pattern
• It gives the individual a sense of well being.
• It reduces the need for medication in some individuals
• It decreases visits to the GP
• It aids relaxation reducing pain
• It reduces the side effects experienced by long term medication
• It enables people to continue in their employment
• It assists natural healing.
• It is safe providing it is carried out by a trained professional

Acupuncture biochemical/physical responses.

• Increases endogenous opioid release.
• Induces relaxation promoting sedatory effect thus relaxing muscular spasms.
• Increases muscular movement. Better lubrication of multi joints and a reduction in joint inflammation.
• Reduces anxiety and stress keeping Cholecystokinin (a chemical within the body, which restricts the good effects of endogenous opioids.
• Promotes well being.
• Enhances Immune System response - Immune System = Defence function of the body that produces antibodies to destroy invading allergens and antigens.
• Increases Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and raises cortisol levels which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Increase in white cell count (boosting immune response).
  The body is trying to help itself and promote a positive Homeostatic response = A relative constancy in the internal environment of the body. Some of the functions controlled by homeostatic mechanisms are the HR, BP, body temperature, electrolyte balance, respiration and glandular secretion, i.e. hormonal balance.