Patients often speak about their experiences of acupuncture treatment. A comment I hear frequently is: “It helped… but it could have just been placebo.” But is acupuncture solely down to the placebo effect? 

What does the evidence say?

The gold standard of research evidence are systematic reviews, which look at a number of high-quality clinical trials to assess the research on a particular topic. In healthcare they can be used to answer questions of efficacy and inform evidence-based treatments. 

A recent systematic review, Vickers et al 2018, looked at acupuncture for chronic pain in over 20,000 adults. This included back or neck pain, shoulder pain, chronic headache and osteoarthritis. It concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain, the effects persist over a 12-month period, and that it is not a placebo treatment for pain.

Understanding placebo in acupuncture research

In clinical trials, placebo is defined as an inert substance prepared to look similar to the active product being studied. However, the placebo used in many acupuncture trials may not be inert. For example, when acupuncture is compared to sham acupuncture which uses penetrating needles, the effect size is reduced. This is due to the sham acupuncture being physiologically active. Instead, by comparing acupuncture to other treatments (pragmatic trials), such as usual care or physiotherapy we can start to see a different picture emerging, one that shows acupuncture to be a safe and effective treatment.

Acupuncture is an evidence-based medicine

The evidence base for acupuncture is growing and demonstrates that acupuncture is not a placebo treatment. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) include acupuncture in their guidelines for treatment of headaches in over 12s and chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s. If you would like to learn more about acupuncture research, please visit the British Acupuncture Council’s guide on acupuncture research and the Evidence Based Acupuncture website.

Curious about whether acupuncture may help you?

You’re always welcome to get in touch. Sunny is happy to talk through what’s involved, what the research shows and whether acupuncture might be a suitable treatment option for your individual circumstances.

Available to purchase via email or in person (last day 20th Dec). These can be posted out, collected from the clinic and e-vouchers are also available. Paypal, bank transfer, cash or card payment options.

Acupuncture Gift Vouchers

Facial Acupuncture Gift Voucher Offer

£85 (usually £95 for the first treatment, £65 for follow-ups)
A natural and non-toxic facial to improve the appearance and elasticity of skin, including fine lines. A relaxing treatment that will leave your skin glowing.

Tuesday is for Teenagers with Tummy Pain

Acupuncture Awareness Week 2017

Billy, an 11 year old, came for acupuncture treatment suffering with tummy pain, nausea and headaches. He had been examined by his GP who had found nothing wrong. The first thing to improve was his headaches, which were often accompanied by a feeling of frustration. By his 4th treatment the tummy pain and nausea had also improved. Treatment duration was shorter than for an adult to accommodate a teenage boy who might find it hard to sit still, and while Billy was a little nervous during his first appointment, when he realised how gentle the treatments where he soon became an acupuncture pro.

Children and adolescents under 16 are always accompanied by parents or guardians for their treatments. Want to find out more? 

One of the most common complaints people seek treatment for is back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain. In fact more sick days are taken due to pain than any other ailment. Why do so many of us suffer with these conditions and what can we do to manage and prevent them?

Many of the people I treat are office workers, often sitting for long hours and working at computers. Poor posture, poor office ergonomics and working without breaks is a recipe for pain. This type of injury is often classed as a repetitive strain injury (or RSI) and may also include the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow. These problems may arise in any situation (not just at a desk) where bad posture is sustained.

Back, shoulder or neck pain can also be caused by depression, anxiety and stress. Sometimes there is no clear cause of pain. However, it still remains a very real problem that needs treatment.

Tips for Easing Pain

• Maintain correct sitting posture when working at your computer.
• Ensure the top of your screen is at eye level so you head is in a neutral position. If you work at a laptop then consider using a laptop riser.
• Elbows should have a 90-degree bend so that the tops of your arms are relaxed by your side, with your keyboard and mouse within easy and comfortable reach. Laptop users consider using an external keyboard.
• Feet should be flat on the floor (use a footrest if they do not reach) and knees and hips should have a 90-degree bend.
• Sit upright in a relaxed posture, using cushions to support your lower back if needed.
• Take regular breaks – use this as an excuse to keep yourself hydrated.
• Manage stress, depression and anxiety with self-care. Talk to your GP if you need help and consider other treatment methods such as acupuncture and counselling.

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture is great for easing pain. It is recommended by NICE for chronic pain, one of only four treatments recommended! Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment, which uses slim, sterile and painless needles to gently encourage the body’s ability to heal itself. Acupuncture treatments include massage, cupping and heat therapy such as moxibustion or heat lamps if appropriate. Each treatment lasts an hour, and a course of 6 treatments is recommended. 

Want to find out more?