Bridge to Health

13/08/2026

Great news for blood donors and acupuncture patients!

People receiving acupuncture from appropriately qualified practitioners will no longer need to wait four months before donating blood.

For years, many people felt they had to choose between continuing the acupuncture treatment that was helping them and giving blood to help others. Thanks to updated blood donation guidance, that unnecessary barrier is being removed.

As Angus Wells, Consultant in Donor Medicine for
NHS Blood and Transplant
puts it:
"This means even more people can now give blood and save lives."

It's good news for patients.
It's good news for blood donation.
And it's good news for public health.

There are conditions to this and each devolved nation will be rolling out this change in their own timelines. As Angus Well states “Criteria can change so we encourage people to check their eligibility before donating at
www.blood.co.uk
or call our donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.”

Read more about what this change means, why it happened, and what it means for future blood donors ⬇️

https://acupuncture.org.uk/news/uk-blood-supplies-set-for-a-vital-boost-as-donation-rules-are-updated-for-acupuncture-patients

Register to be a blood donor, give blood and save lives. Find out more about blood donation.

04/08/2026

Our new Newsletter
😁

If you've never heard of the Emmett Technique, you're not alone. But once you've experienced it, you'll understand why so many people recommend it.

01/07/2026

As we come to the end of Cancer Survivors Month 2026, lets look at what oncology healthcare professionals have to say about using acupuncture to support people living with and beyond cancer.

Dr
Catherine Zollman, NHS GP and former Medical Lead of the cancer charity Penny Brohn UK, talks about her observation of acupuncture being helpful and sometimes life-changing for people who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer. Her vision is to promote awareness that acupuncture is a safe therapy that can be used at any stage of the cancer pathway.

It was my privilege to be able to assist in realising this vision by collaborating with Dr Zollman and a team of international experts in integrative oncology and acupuncture to produce and publish "Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice (peer-reviewed expert opinion)" available at
https://rdcu.be/frikp

In just over two years since its publication, this document has had over 13,000 unique accesses, been cited in 39 publications, and received multiple awards, including the ISCMR-initiated Scientific Article Prize Competition for best publication in the field 2023-2024
https://lnkd.in/e6KC3Y5f

Dr Richard Ashford, Clinical Oncologist Breast Cancer, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (now retired) has spoken eloquently about the benefits of acupuncture - not just for the cancer survivor, but for the oncologist and for the wider health care service. Read his comments below, and watch on this video
https://lnkd.in/ehYKfhYN

Acupuncture is a safe, effective, evidence-informed intervention that can be used alongside standard medical treatments for cancer. It can be used at any stage of the cancer pathway - and can be used by cancer survivors as well as those supporting cancer survivors. Many cancer survivors say "Acupuncture has given me my life back".

So as Cancer Survivors Month draws to a close, spread the word and help increase awareness of this helpful therapy and of how it can support those living with and beyond cancer.

ACUPUNCTURE AT BRIDGE TO HEALTH UXBRIDGE
Bridge to Health in Uxbridge is proud to host one of only two Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinics in the UK, where Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC brings her 26 years' experience as an acupuncturist and researcher to help manage the consequences of cancer treatment.

Dr de Valois says "My mission is to increase awareness of the challenges cancer survivors face after completing treatments for cancer (surgery, systemic anti-cancer treatments, radiotherapy) and to promote awareness of how acupuncture can help. It's important to spread the word that acupuncture is a safe, effective, evidence-informed, non-pharmacological option that can be offered to cancer survivors experiencing the consequences of cancer treatment."

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Book an appointment with Beverley de Valois online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking or contact Kate Daley on 01895 200050

23/06/2026

Feedback on a LinkeIn post I made earlier this month highlighted that not enough people know about the late- and long-term effects of cancer treatment. So many people think that the cancer experience is over when treatment ends. This includes family and friends, as well as the workplace, insurers, benefits organisations and more.

As more people survive cancer for longer as a result of earlier diagnosis and improved cancer treatments, its important for all to recognise that recovery can take time. And to recognise that many people can experience consequences of their life-saving cancer treatments that may last a long time after treatment ends.

After effects may be physical, emotional, spiritual and/or existential. Acupuncture can help to address many of the consequences of cancer treatments. It can help reduce the symptom burden, improve energy, and help people cope with the transition to the "new normal" that is life after cancer treatment. It can help people to live well again; to thrive rather than just survive.

In Cancer Survivors Month, help increase awareness of the challenges people with cancer face post-cancer treatment. And help increase awareness of how acupuncture can be used in the supportive care of cancer survivors.

Dr Beverley de Valois says her mission is to increase awareness of the challenges people with a diagnosis of cancer face, both during and after cancer treatment. And to increase awareness of how acupuncture can be used in the supportive care of people with a diagnosis of cancer.

Find out more in her book "Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: Recovery, Renewal, and Transformation is published by Singing Dragon"
https://lnkd.in/e3PAGhid
and can be ordered on-line from major booksellers.

ACUPUNCTURE AT BRIDGE TO HEALTH UXBRIDGE
Bridge to Health in Uxbridge is proud to host one of only two Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinics in the UK, where Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC brings her 26 years' experience as an acupuncturist and researcher to help manage the consequences of cancer treatment.

Dr de Valois says "My mission is to increase awareness of the challenges cancer survivors face after completing treatments for cancer (surgery, systemic anti-cancer treatments, radiotherapy) and to promote awareness of how acupuncture can help. It's important to spread the word that acupuncture is a safe, effective, evidence-informed, non-pharmacological option that can be offered to cancer survivors experiencing the consequences of cancer treatment."

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Book an appointment with Beverley de Valois online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking or contact Kate Daley on 01895 200050

18/06/2026

If you have the chance, try it ... it will change your life". These are the words of Val Fear, a breast cancer survivor with cancer treatment-related lymphoedema (CTRL). She tried acupuncture ... and liked it!

1 in 7 people treated for cancer will develop CTRL in their lifetime, yet research reports that healthcare professionals know little about it (https://lnkd.in/eU5jY-ds). Most associated with breast cancer, CTRL affects many tumour types, including head and neck, melanomas, cervical, endometrial, prostate, testicular cancers, and others.

Cancer Survivors Month provides an opportunity to increase awareness of this consequence of cancer treatments, which is currently regarded as incurable, and has significant negative impact on the quality of life of those who live with the condition.

It is also an opportunity to increase awareness of the role acupuncture can play in the multidisciplinary care of people with CTRL. Val participated in research assessing acupuncture’s impact on quality of life of people with upper body CTRL. The study provides reassurance to people with lymphoedema that they can safely use acupuncture to address a range of physical and emotional conditions and alleviate their symptom burden. This increases their options for managing their healthcare. The study also found acupuncture was a catalyst to improved self-care, a vital aspect in the management of this chronic condition.

Watch the video to hear what lymphoedema nurse specialist Elaine Melsome, cancer survivor Val Fear, and acupuncture researcher – me - discovered in this study. https://youtu.be/3bFerKsPZMs?si=mJvWs9Ly6_Oy-oBM

ACUPUNCTURE AT BRIDGE TO HEALTH UXBRIDGE
Bridge to Health in Uxbridge is proud to host one of only two Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinics in the UK, where Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC brings her 26 years' experience as an acupuncturist and researcher to help manage the consequences of cancer treatment.

Dr de Valois says "My mission is to increase awareness of the challenges cancer survivors face after completing treatments for cancer (surgery, systemic anti-cancer treatments, radiotherapy) and to promote awareness of how acupuncture can help. It's important to spread the word that acupuncture is a safe, effective, evidence-informed, non-pharmacological option that can be offered to cancer survivors experiencing the consequences of cancer treatment."

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Book an appointment with Beverley de Valois online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking or contact Kate Daley on 01895 200050

08/06/2026

National Cancer Survivors Day (7 June) is an annual Celebration of Life honoring those with a history of cancer, bringing awareness to the continuous challenges faced by cancer survivors, and inspiring hope for the future.

It also provides the opportunity to increase awareness of how acupuncture can support anyone living with and beyond cancer. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, drug-free intervention that can be used to manage side effects and consequences of cancer treatments and improve quality of life. These may include pain, hot flushes, fatigue, anxiety, lymphoedema, and more.

It can be used at any stage of the cancer pathway - from diagnosis and prehabilitation and beyond. It can also be used to support the carers of people being treated for and living with the aftermath of cancer treatment.

This video, produced by the British Acupuncture Council, contains powerful testimonies from people with cancer, their healthcare professionals, and a research acupuncturist about the benefits of acupuncture in the supportive care of people diagnosed with cancer.
https://youtu.be/YTLbnG5yJFs?si=vErcifPWgHBhkLzC

ACUPUNCTURE AT BRIDGE TO HEALTH UXBRIDGE

Everyone involved in the cancer experience deserves to thrive. Acupuncture can help! If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, find out more about how acupuncture can be supportive. Bridge to Health in Uxbridge is proud to host one of only two Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinics in the UK, where Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc brings her 26 years' experience as an acupuncturist and researcher to help manage the consequences of cancer treatment.

Dr de Valois says "My mission is to increase awareness of the challenges cancer survivors face after completing treatments for cancer (surgery, systemic anti-cancer treatments, radiotherapy) and to promote awareness of how acupuncture can help. It's important to spread the word that acupuncture is a safe, effective, evidence-informed, non-pharmacological option that can be offered to cancer survivors experiencing the consequences of cancer treatment."

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Book an appointment with Beverley de Valois online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking or contact Kate Daley on 01895 200050

The British Acupuncture Council has produced this film to mark ...

03/06/2026

Cancer Survivors Month is a time to increase awareness of the challenges people with cancer face. These may be the challenges of diagnosis, of undergoing treatment, or of adapting to the "new normal" of life after cancer treatment. A “survivor” is defined as anyone living with a history of cancer - from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life” https://lnkd.in/gwX79fD4 .

Did you know that “family members, friends, and caregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience”? That they may be profoundly affected by a loved one’s diagnosis and treatment needs to be recognised, for the health and quality of life of everyone involved.

How are those that surround a person with cancer affected? Increased stress is one consequence of the cancer experience – for the person with the diagnosis and for those surrounding them. Attending medical appointments, waiting for test results, witnessing the side effects of cancer treatments all take their toll. As does living with uncertainty. This may continue for weeks as the cancer is treated. It may impact sleep, mood, and the performance of everyone involved, putting a strain on relationships at a time when everyone needs to be as supportive as possible.

Strong emotions such as fear, worry, anxiety and anger may also be experienced by family and friends. There may be few outlets to express these difficult feelings. And individuals close to or caring for a person with cancer may neglect their own health concerns when they are so focussed on a loved one’s treatment.

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Cancer Carers

Acupuncture treatment can benefit the person with or recovering from cancer treatment. It can also benefit those surrounding that person. Research reports that informal carers experience high rates of stress, fatigue and burnout; acupuncture is an effective therapy to help alleviate physiological and psychological symptoms, boost energy, and improve sleep for these individuals https://lnkd.in/gCJp2XyB . A study that explored the acceptability of acupuncture among caregivers highlighted that they would use it to manage pain, fatigue, stress, lack of mental wellbeing and stress https://lnkd.in/gcRKA76u.

Acupuncture can help manage stress, improve sleep, and help people to deal with strong emotions. It may offer respite from the worries and burden of the cancer experience. It can also help everyone involved to cope much better with the many challenges associated with cancer.

ACUPUNCTURE AT BRIDGE TO HEALTH UXBRIDGE

Everyone involved in the cancer experience deserves to thrive. Acupuncture can help! If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, find out more about how acupuncture can be supportive. Bridge to Health in Uxbridge is proud to host one of only two Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinics in the UK, where Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc brings her 26 years' experience as an acupuncturist and researcher to help manage the consequences of cancer treatment.

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Book an appointment with Beverley de Valois online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking or contact Kate Daley on 01895 200050

15/04/2026

It was so wonderful to see this review from a head and neck cancer survivor who came for acupuncture treatment at my Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic.

The transition from end of cancer treatment back into the world of work can be challenging for many people. And while the focus is often on the physical consequences of treatment, there are many psychosocial challenges as well. Loss of confidence is just one of these.

Acupuncture is a safe, effective, non-pharmacological therapy that can address both physical and psychosocial effects of cancer treatment. It can be used safely through all stages of the cancer pathway - from prehab to rehab. I am so glad Sue found treatment beneficial - not just for specific symptoms, but for her overall wellbeing. It was such a joy and a privilege to watch her recover her vital spirit over her six sessions of acupuncture treatment.

My mission is to increase awareness of the challenges people with a diagnosis of cancer face, both during and after cancer treatment. And to increase awareness of how acupuncture can be used in the supportive care of people with a diagnosis of cancer. As part of this, I work to increase awareness of this by building bridges between healthcare communities to improve the multidisciplinary care of people living with and beyond cancer.
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If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, find out more about how acupuncture can be supportive. Bridge to Health in Uxbridge is proud to host one of only two Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinics in the UK, where Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc brings her 26 years' experience as an acupuncturist and researcher to help manage the consequences of cancer treatment.

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Book an appointment with Beverley de Valois online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking or contact Kate Daley on 01895 200050

08/02/2026

04/02/2026

4 February is World Cancer Day. Dr Beverley de Valois writes:
"World Cancer Day 2026 started for me with a query from a colleague. Two people had approached my colleague - they were feeling desperate after a cancer diagnosis and wondering if acupuncture could help them. Both were waiting for dates for treatment to begin.

This stage, between diagnosis and the start of treatment, can be one of the most challenging stages of the cancer pathway. It can also be a time of opportunity. "Prehabilitation" is a time to develop a proactive, personalized program that has the potential to improve a person's physical and mental health before cancer treatment (surgery, chemo, or radiotherapy) begins.

Acupuncture is an integrative therapy that can provide support during this time. It can help absorb the shock of diagnosis, address the anxiety of an uncertain time, and help with any attendant new symptoms such as sleeplessness. It can help a person to cope and can foster the resilience needed to deal with this life-changing event.

So my reply to my colleague was YES! Acupuncture can help these newly diagnosed people, even before their treatment begins. And it can continue to support them throughout treatment, and when cancer treatment ends and they face the task of establishing the "new normal" of life after cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Acupuncture can be safely used through all stages of the cancer pathway - from prehab to rehab.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, find out more about how acupuncture can be supportive. Bridge to Health in Uxbridge is proud to host one of only two Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinics in the UK, where Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc brings her 26 years' experience as an acupuncturist and researcher to help manage the consequences of cancer treatment.

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

To book an appointment online: https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking
OR call 01895 200050 and speak to Kate.