Acupuncture
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) regulates
the practice of acupuncture in the United Kingdom.
The British Acupuncture Council is a registering body for professional acupuncturists.
Our aim is to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. We do this by maintaining high standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice. Acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council carry the letters MBAcC after their name.
When you choose to visit a BAcC member you can be sure that your practitioner:
• has completed a first degree level training in traditional acupuncture including appropriate elements of western medical sciences, or its equivalent
• abides by the Council's Code of Safe Practice and Code of Professional Conduct
• complies with current health and safety legislation
• covered by full Professional Indemnity and Public/Products Liability insurance
• updates their practice skills by following an individual programme of continuing professional development
Acupuncture & Back pain
Acupuncture works by strengthening and releasing blockages of Qi in the body. Qi is a Chinese
word that describes the foundation of life, the energy that flows through all living things. It moves in our bodies through meridians and channels and it is the basis for our emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. If our
Qi becomes blocked or stagnant through emotional upset, stress, poor diet or lack of exercise it can cause ‘dis-ease’, in the form of pain, depression, illness, tiredness, etc..
Acupuncture uses very fine (painless!) needles to restore the correct flow of Qi by inserting them into special points on the meridians of the body. The experience is usually a calming and relaxing one and leaves you feeling centered and refreshed. As well as directly treating specific areas according to the related problem, acupuncture also triggers the own body’s healing system which can set in place a powerful and restoring
treatment.
Acupuncture works by treating the root of your condition as well as your main symptoms. This approach not only helps your main problems but also means that you may find other niggling problems resolve as your
main health complaint improves and your feeling of general wellbeing is also enhanced.
What is the difference between ‘Medical Acupuncture’ and ‘TCM Acupuncture’?
‘Medical Acupuncture’ is normally practiced by physiotherapists and requires about 80 hours of training that is mainly focused around treating pain. ‘TCM Acupuncture’ requires training of a much higher standard to degree level over a minimum of three years at university and equips the practitioner to treat complex acute and chronic health conditions.
Who has Acupuncture?
Many people have acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or to relieve specific problems like lower back pain. Some use acupuncture because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis. Others choose acupuncture simply to enhance their feeling of wellbeing or as a preventative measure to promote good health. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages and can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine.
