Evidence being presented this weekend at the largest UK acupuncture research forum, the ARRC Symposium, will highlight the benefits of acupuncture to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flushes in postmenopausal women.

The results of the Acuflash study, completed in 2009, conclude that acupuncture can contribute to a clinically relevant reduction in hot flushes and increased health-related quality of life. In the study, carried out by The National Research Center in Alternative and Complementary Medicine, University of Tromsø, Norway, women reported a reduction in frequency and intensity of hot flushes both by night and by day having used acupuncture for 12 weeks.

Hot flushes reduced by an average of 5.8 flushes per 24 hour period and the intensity of hot flushes decreased by 3.2 units amongst women receiving traditional acupuncture treatment. An improved sleep pattern was also reported.

Terje Alraek of the University of Tromso says: “After menopause, 10–20 per cent of all women have nearly intolerable hot flushes. The promising results of the Acuflash study suggest that acupuncture may be able to provide an alternative to long-term use of hormone replacement therapy.”

Mark Bovey of the British Acupuncture Council says: “Our members have for many years successfully helped patients suffering from various menopausal symptoms. At a time when the body is undergoing numerous physical and emotional changes, an acupuncturists’ approach of treating the individual, rather than the illness, can help smooth the transition, providing relief from symptoms as well as an improved sense of wellbeing. We are looking forward to seeing the results of the study presented in full at the ARRC symposium.”

The ARRC symposium, taking place on 12th March is presented by the Acupuncture Research Resource Centre, the research arm of the British Acupuncture Council to discuss the latest research into acupuncture and is the only annual UK event dedicated to acupuncture research. It takes place in London on March 12th at Goodenough College, Bloomsbury. For further details contact The British Acupuncture Council.

New research released this year suggests that a staggering one in six people suffer from stress. There are many different causes of stress which are primarily related to a situation or event and how a person deals or responds to that situation. The signs of stress can therefore differ from one person to the next and may manifest in the form of conditions such as IBS, anxiety, migraines, insomnia, reduced immunity, depression, back pain and fatigue. Those suffering from stress symptoms use a number of coping mechanisms with many people finding traditional acupuncture effective in not only helping to relieve symptoms but to also identify and treat the root cause of stress.

An acupuncturist will aim to identify what imbalances are causing the symptoms of stress, rather than treating the condition in isolation. Stress, or any intense emotion, disrupts the free flow of energy (Qi) in the body - when under a lot of stress the body releases stress hormones which build up in the tissues. These eventually cause adverse effects on the body. The muscles tighten which reduces blood flow and provision of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, the immune system is suppressed and there is a slowing down of metabolism which can lead to poor health and discomfort.

Acupuncture enables and restores energy to flow smoothly and improves circulation of blood throughout the body, whilst stimulating the nerves located in muscles and other tissues. It also has a positive effect on brain chemistry regulating stress hormone levels. Studies have also found that acupuncture can decrease the levels of cortisol after just one session.The calming nature of acupuncture also helps decrease heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles.

Maureen Cromey, acupuncturist and British Acupuncture Council member says: “Stress is a generic term used to describe the way we are feeling. Stress affects both emotions and physical health. An acupuncture session focuses on the individual learning about their health, body type and lifestyle pressures and considers how these combine to cause stress related problems.

“The acupuncturist prescribes a specific treatment plan which addresses diet, exercise and lifestyle. This in combination with the needling to treat specific symptoms and strengthen the body can be very powerful.”

Traditional acupuncture is a tried and tested system of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used in China and other eastern cultures for thousands of years to restore, promote and maintain good health. Its benefits are now widely acknowledged all over the world and in the past decade, traditional acupuncture has begun to feature more prominently in mainstream medicine in the UK.

For more information contact The British Acupuncture Council.

As the clocks have now gone back, our minds turn to darker nights, turning on the heating and getting out the winter woollies. The transition from the lighter evenings and warmth of summer, to the short days and cold temperatures of winter can leave many people feeling tired and run down and can lead to us being more vulnerable to picking up colds and viruses.

It is no secret that the key to good health is a strong and fully functioning immune system, so it’s important to prepare your defences for the cold and flu season in order to stay healthy throughout the winter months.

One of the ways in which we can take charge of our health and gain an understanding of the signs within us of health and illness is to have on-going traditional acupuncture treatments, but in particular, treatments at or near the change of season. This works much in the same way as getting your car serviced in that it helps the body to it run efficiently and prevents serious problems occurring.

Acupuncture seeks to address imbalances in the body’s Qi or vital energy. It also has an underlying principle a holistic approach to health that acknowledges the seasons of the year and the importance of living in tune with them to balance our health, both in body and in mind.

Why do I need a seasonal acupuncture treatment?

With over 200 common cold viruses and three types of flu virus, it’s hard to avoid catching a bug. On average, adults in the UK catch two to four colds a year forming a major part of the 172 million days lost each year to sickness, costing the economy over £13 billion*.

A seasonal session with an acupuncturist can help improve overall health by enhancing the body’s immune system to keep illness at bay. It can also provide a boost in energy levels, lifting mood and improving a person’s sense of wellbeing, allowing the body to function more effectively.

In addition, during treatment the acupuncturist will discuss ways of getting through various things to be aware of depending on the specific season: for example with the “winter season treatment or tune up”, this could include the suggestion to eat warming foods and the need to keep warm and conserve energy in winter months, and not to rush to start new projects.

How does it work?

Acupuncture aims to improve overall wellbeing by identifying and treating the root cause of any problem, rather than specific symptoms. Addressing imbalances in the body will help return Qi to an optimum level, improving overall wellbeing of the mind and body and preventing further illness.

In an acupuncture treatment the practitioner will apply a number of different diagnostic processes to gain a picture of the health of your body as manifested by the quality and quantity of Qi, the body’s motivating energy. Any imbalances are addressed by inserting ultra fine needles into specific points in the body to restore the balance of Qi.

What will happen in a treatment session?

Treatments are tailored to an individual so will vary from person to person. If you have not had acupuncture before, the acupuncturist will apply a number of different diagnostic processes to get a better picture of your overall health. This includes taking a full medical history, reading your pulses or looking at your tongue.

From this, the practitioner will be able to form a diagnosis and treat the source of any underlying problems. By inserting fine needles into the channels of Qi energy an acupuncturist can clear any blockages that are impeding the flow of energy, stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural equilibrium.

To find a practitioner in your area call the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400.

Back pain is the UK’s leading cause of disability, affecting an estimated 1.1 million people (National Institute for Health Research, Health Technology Assessment Spotlight: Acupuncture for back pain) in the UK, and one of the main reasons for work-related sickness absence.

Many people will suffer from low back pain at some time in their lives. It can be caused by minor injuries such as muscle strains and sprains, pregnancy, stress or poor sleep. The good news for sufferers is that last year’s announcement by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Research (NICE) recommending acupuncture for low back pain, means that patients with persistent pain can now receive acupuncture treatment from a British Acupuncture Council registered acupuncturist on the NHS.

By inserting fine needles into different parts of the body, acupuncture helps regulate the flow of Qi (the body’s motivating energy) which when blocked can cause pain. By clearing energy blockages and encouraging energy to flow freely, acupuncture may provide long term pain relief as well as reduce inflammation and improve muscle function. In fact, NHS funded research has shown that acupuncture is one of the safest and most effective treatments for chronic low back pain (NICE research carried out in 2009).

Sean Barkes acupuncturist and British Acupuncture Council member explains: “Back pain is one of the most common complaints I see patients about and also something I’ve had great success in helping treat. With traditional acupuncture we look at the root cause of the condition as well as the symptoms in order to try and promote longer term health and wellbeing so it’s important to recognise that each patient is different and that cases of back pain should be viewed in the context of the overall health of the individual.

“Traditional acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years and British Acupuncture Council members have for many years been successfully treating patients for back pain. The NICE guidelines provide a stamp of approval for the positive work already being undertaken by acupuncturists in the UK.”

Dr Susan Allbright a GP and acupuncturist in Malvern says: “The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on best practice now recommend that GPs offer a course of 10 sessions of acupuncture as a first line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain. With back pain such a common complaint, it’s really encouraging for sufferers to understand that acupuncture can just as effectively be applied in treating and alleviating symptoms.”

It is very useful to have an alternative therapy such as acupuncture to offer patients suffering from back pain and we have see that those sufferers who have received acupuncture, have often improved. The NICE guidance only improves treatment for patients by providing them with more choice and therefore, the more schemes that are introduced in practices, the better for sufferers”.

It is vital that patients choose an acupuncturist who is registered with a professional body. British Acupuncture Council members have extensive training in acupuncture and bio medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. They are also bound by strict codes of ethics and safe practice and have the highest expertise in traditional acupuncture in the UK.

To find a practitioner in your area contact the British Acupuncture Council or visit acupuncture.org.uk.

We’ve all been there - wide awake in the middle of the night, asleep on your feet during the day, disturbed digestion and a loss of appetite - jetlag is all too often a bad end to a great holiday.

It’s fairly common knowledge that jetlag occurs when your internal body clock is out of sync. However, looking at the Chinese body clock, as used by acupuncturists, can help further explain some of the more common problems suffered by travellers.

Acupuncture is based on the theory that Qi - the body’s motivating energy - flows in a 24 hour cycle, and that the body’s functions are tied into this, much the same as the biological clock recognised by western medicine. For example, the best time to eat breakfast is between 7-9am when Qi is concentrated in the stomach. Between 1-3am when Qi is concentrated in the Liver you should be asleep, as the Liver is responsible for regulating Qi, effectively allowing your body to ’re-charge’.

When you travel across time zones, your body clock falls out of sync and in trying to readjust, people often carry out activities, such a eating, exercising or sleeping at a different time than the one dictated by their body clock. In Chinese medicine theory, certain organs are more easily affected by changes in time zones, with those associated with sleep, digestion and bowel function most likely to be affected. This explains why digestive problems and trouble sleeping are the most common symptoms of jetlag.

Resetting the body clock using acupuncture - by stimulating the flow of Qi around the organ for the time zone you are currently in - can help mitigate jetlag symptoms.

James Thirlwall, acupuncturist and member of the British Acupuncture Council explains: “I’ve seen acupuncture work particularly well for patients coming in from the States on an overnight flight. The ‘red eye’ that leaves New York at 7pm and lands in London seven hours later throws your body clock out of sync as your body will think it is 2am - the time when Qi is concentrated in the liver and you should be sleeping.

In reality, its 7am London time so you need to reset your body clock to the local time. At 7am, Qi is concentrated in the stomach and you should be having breakfast and starting your day. However, eating in the wrong time zone is likely to cause digestive problems. By resetting the body clock, it is possible to reduce the impact of jetlag.”

In order for acupuncture to be most effective, you’ll need to visit an acupuncturist within 24 hours or so of landing, but there are steps you can take on your journey to minimise the effect of jetlag:

• Carry out the appropriate activity for the time zone you are going to. For example, when you board the plane, if it is the middle of the night in your destination, try and get straight to sleep.

• Try some relaxation techniques or breathing exercises to reduce tension in your body. Being relaxed will minimise the disruption to your body clock, lessening the effects of jetlag .

• Applying pressure to the points that relate to certain organs as they come into play during the journey can help put you in the right place when you arrive. This is something you can do yourself, although you’ll need an acupuncturist to show you where the points are located.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and orange juice on the flight, especially the latter as it blocks your sinuses and makes sleep difficult.

To find an acupuncture practitioner in your area, contact the British Acupuncture Council.