Shaftesbury Clinic

29/11/2025

New blog: Mental Health - Bridging the Gap

We reflect on the recent article for Healthcare Today by BAcC CEO Alex Jacobs, highlighting how acupuncture could play a greater role in supporting mental health within the NHS. Read more here:

https://shaftesburyclinic.com/acupuncture-and-mental-health-bridging-the-gap/

28/11/2025

, functional dyspepsia and anxiety/depression

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis (Xu et al, 2024; 16 RCTs; n=1315) reviewed , showing acupuncture alleviated both symptoms and comorbid / in Functional (FD), reinforcing its impact. The researchers found that acupuncture demonstrated marked superiority over placebo and acupuncture might have a positive effect on depression and anxiety in patients with FD.

REF: Xu, Z., Zhang, X., Shi, H., Liang, M., Ning, F., Wang, Q. and Jia, H., 2024. Efficacy of acupuncture for anxiety and depression in functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 19(3), p.e0298438.

LINK: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298438

27/11/2025

Acupuncture research: Anxiety and Insomnia

A recent (Zhang et al, 2024; 18 studies; n=1198) found electroacupuncture significantly improved status in patients with primary vs benzodiazepines, highlighting its broader benefits.

REF: Zhang, X., Wang, X., Chen, H., Li, X., Gao, Y., Zuo, G., Zhang, J., Liu, J., Fan, X. and She, Y., 2024. Acupuncture treatment for improving anxiety status in patients with primary insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 22(5), pp.423-434.

LINK: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11726-024-1463-z

26/11/2025

Large scientific review for depression and acupuncture

A recent Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of for (Tan et al, 2024) synthesised 20 RCT's, (n=1376), concluding that acupuncture demonstrates considerable in reducing symptoms, with good profile versus medication alone.

Free 15 minute consultations available (By appointment).

REF: Tan, Y., Duan, R. and Wen, C., 2024. Efficacy of acupuncture for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in neuroscience, 18, p.1347651.

LINK: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1347651/full

25/11/2025

Acupuncture for Major Depression research

A multicentre (120 participants, moderate–severe major depressive disorder; MDD) compared intradermal plus SSRIs vs SSRIs alone. Results showed enhanced symptom reduction and evidence of cerebral mechanism changes, supporting acupuncture as an adjunct therapy. The Hamilton Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17) after 6 weeks' treatment was used as the primary outcome measure. Patients in the acupuncture plus group showed a statistically significant, larger reduction in depression scores than did the SSRI and sham groups. The researchers hypothesised the mechanism of action in that acupuncture may exert antidepressant effects by modulating striatal Frontal Connectivity.

REF: Wu, X., Tu, M., Yu, Z., Cao, Z., Qu, S., Chen, N., Jin, J., Xiong, S., Yang, J., Pei, S. and Xu, M., 2025. The efficacy and cerebral mechanism of intradermal acupuncture for major depressive disorder: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Neuropsychopharmacology, 50(7), pp.1075-1083.

LINK:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-024-02036-5.pdf

24/11/2025

Acupuncture and Depression: recent research update

A recent randomized clinical trial with 74 patients found auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture) safe and effective for depression, patients receiving acupuncture experiences greater symptom remission at 3 months than did control patients, although this was not statistically significant it outlies a positive trend and invites further research with larger cohorts, and 58% of patients within the ear acupuncture group had a reduction of at least 50% in the PHQ-9 score. PHQ-9 is a self-rates questionnaire assessing depression symptoms (de Oliveira Rodrigues et al, 2023)

Free 15 minute consultations available (By appointment).

REF: de Oliveira Rodrigues, D.M., Menezes, P.R., Silotto, A.E.M.R., Heps, A., Sanches, N.M.P., Schveitzer, M.C. and Faisal-Cury, A., (2023). Efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture for depression: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 6(11), pp.e2345138-e2345138.

23/11/2025

Acupuncture and chronic pain.

⚡️Traditional acupuncture can work for anyone, at any stage of life. Why not talk to a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) about how they can treat you and your whole body, not just your symptoms.

📋BAcC Members are recognised by over 20 different private health providers.

🥼Acupuncture on the NHS is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for managing chronic pain, migraines and
headaches. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) also recommends acupuncture for chronic pain, including lower back pain and knee pain.

The aim of the British Acupuncture Council is to establish the highest standards of professional practice for the traditional acupuncture profession in the UK.

We are committed to ensuring all patients receive the highest standard of professional care during their acupuncture treatment. Visit our website to find your local highly trained practitioner.


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References:
[1] A.J. Vickers, E.A. Vertosick, G. Lewith, H. MacPherson, N.E. Foster, K.J. Sherman, D. Irnich, C.M. Witt, K. Linde, C. Acupuncture Trialists, Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis, J Pain 19(5) (2018) 455-474.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5927830/

23/11/2025

𝗢𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 - 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗱?
The real professional standard for Acupuncture training in the UK is a degree level training accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB). 3500 hours of training.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
https://acupuncture.org.uk/find-an-acupuncturist/
Some providers of Acupuncture in the UK have had less than 2 weeks of Acupuncture specific training. There are now many providers of 'short courses' in Acupuncture.

23/11/2025

Following the publication of an update to the NICE guidelines for 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬, questions were raised in Parliament about the waiting times for treatment and diagnosis for this often debilitating condition.

We flag the 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 pointing to what accredited acupuncturists see in their clinical practise, that 𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬.

The British Acupuncture Council asks why, despite this evidence, acupuncture wasn't included in the NICE review? We also call for more funding for research into acupuncture for endometriosis so that people commissioning healthcare can have the evidence they need to be able to give patients access to the most effective treatments.

The British Acupuncture Council is the only independently accredited professional governing body for Traditional Acupuncturists in the UK.
To find a safe, degree level trained acupuncturist visit our website.

Read the press release here:
https://acupuncture.org.uk/news/waiting-times-for-endometriosis-patients-raised-in-parliament-acupuncture-as-a-solution/

# traditionalacupuncture

23/11/2025

Acupuncturist Rachel Genner is urging people to check a practitioner's qualifications before agreeing to treatment after a painful experience. | ITV News Central

23/11/2025

23/11/2025

✨ New Cochrane Review Confirms Acupuncture Helps with Chronic Low Back Pain!

A newly published Cochrane review of reviews has examined non-drug and non-surgical treatments for low back pain. The results? Acupuncture effectively reduces pain and improves function for those with chronic low back pain! 🎯

🔸 Acupuncture is already integrated into mainstream healthcare in several countries:
✅ Statutory regulated in Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal
✅ Covered by healthcare insurance in Germany and New Zealand
✅ Recommended in clinical guidelines when seeking out a PSA registered practitioner (BAcC)

However the study highlights that many clinical trials underestimate the real benefits of acupuncture because they don’t reflect the personalised treatments given by traditional acupuncturists.

⚡ Traditional acupuncture:
✔️ Is a safe intervention when provided by trained professionals
✔️ Can be a long-term solution for pain management

🔍 Looking for a trusted acupuncturist? The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) ensures the highest standards of training, safety, and professional conduct. Find a qualified practitioner near you today!
📖 Learn more about the research & find a practitioner here: https://acupuncture.org.uk