Again Acupuncture makes the headlines, this time with a new study that suggests that Acupuncture can be as effective as Counselling in the treatment of Depression. This study led by Hugh MacPherson of the University of York. UK. involved 755 people with moderate to severe Depression. They were split into 3 groups, those receiving  usual care, those receiving usual care and Acupuncture and those receiving usual care and Counselling. They were treated over a 12 week period. After the 12 weeks it was noted that those receiving usual care and Acupuncture and those receiving usual care and Counselling had a marked reduction in Depressive Symptoms. There was little difference between these two groups, both are equally effective.

For those people not getting the required improvement from the medical options offered to them then they should try either Acupuncture or Counselling as well as both are now known to be clinically effective.

Acupuncture  , an effective way of treating sports injury and enhancing performance. Acupuncture is used in the treatment of injuries and musculoskeletal and constitutional imbalance.It is used often in the treatment of Ligament and Tendon sprains and strains, and also in the treatment of chronic injuries which have not responded to other treatments. It is used also very effectively to relieve muscle pain and spasm. Chinese medicine and Acupuncture has been used for over 2000 years. Originally in China acupuncture was used to build up the Warriors for war and to  heal them when they were injured. One of the acupuncture points commonly used  both then and now 2000 years later is called Zusanli , this means when translated  ‘ 100 miles ‘ Zusanli was used then to build up the strength and energy in the Warrior and also to heal injuries, sprains and strains in tendons and ligaments in the legs .It is still used for this purpose but in Athletes of all abilities.  Performance enhancing without any side effects and no illegal drugs , Zusanli is a much used point. This is the physical bonus to Acupuncture , there is also a psychological bonus. Many high performance and  Olympic athletes use acupuncture as part of their psychological preparation prior to an event or competition. They benefit from reduced anxiety and the clarity that it instills. Acupuncture  is not only beneficial for pain and increasing energy levels but also in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety  and digestive problems which can effect an athletes performance. Some sporting injuries treated successfully include the following ,

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciatis
• Ankle Sprain
• Medial and Lateral Knee pain
• Low back pain
• Tennis elbow
• Frozen Shoulder
• Shoulder and Neck pain

There is continual research into the effectiveness of acupuncture and the treatment of sports injuries.

NICE (the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has published new clinical guidelines on the treatment of headaches. They conclude that acupuncture is effective for the prevention of tension-type headaches and migraine, and should be prescribed by doctors. NICE also estimates that overuse of painkillers is one of the most common causes of headache, affecting about one in fifty people. Taking aspirin, paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for more than 15 days a month can initiate a vicious cycle where headaches get worse, so sufferers take more painkillers, which make the headaches even worse. (Headaches: diagnosis and management of headaches in young people and adults. NICE Clinical guidelines, CG150: Sept 2012, publications.nice.org.uk/headaches-cg150/guidance).

Acupuncture is the top Complimentary therapy for Arthritis.

Acupuncture is the most effective complimentary therapy for treating rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. . It also scores very highly for other musculoskeletal conditions according to Arthritis Research UK.

The report summarised evidence of practitioner based complimentary therapies that would be frequently used for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, 0steoarthritis, Low Back Pain and Fibromyalgia. Acupuncture scored highest in the treatment of Arthritis and Low back pain. The effectiveness of the treatment was recorded in terms of reduction of pain and improvement in disability or quality of life.  Arthritis Research UK. 2013.