Governing Body for safe practice of Chinese Herbal Medicine

The possible uses of CHM are very wide, and people of any age or constitution can benefit from it. The following conditions are commonly treated · Skin disease, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea. Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs ; allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis. Digestive complaints, including irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, ulcerative colitis. Gynaecological problems, including pre-menstrual syndrome, painful periods, menopausal syndromes, endometriosis, some forms of infertility. Urinary conditions, including chronic cystitis. Rheumatological conditions, including rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis. Headaches and migraines. Chronic fatigue syndromes. Anxiety and depression. Hepatitis and HIV : some promising results have been obtained for Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial for HIV. Some metabolic disorders, including diabetes and thyroid conditions, may benefit from supportive treatment.

The length of treatment will vary greatly depending on the condition. Anything between one and six months would be common, though in certain cases treatment outside this range may be suggested. Your practitioner will discuss with you how long you may need to take the herbs before an assessment can be made of their efficacy. There are no standard prices for treatment or herbs, which will depend on the individual practitioner and the part of the country you are in. You should enquire about charges when making your appointment. Some health insurance companies may now cover herbal treatment, so do contact your insurance company to check.

Serious adverse effects from CHM are very rare, and it has a very good safety record. However, natural does not in itself mean that no side-effects are possible. It is therefore essential that you are treated by a practitioner who is trained to a high standard, who monitors each case carefully to ensure that the patient has no unusual reactions to treatment, and uses suppliers that are committed to quality. It is also important that your practitioner takes notes of any drug treatment that you may be receiving, in order to assess if there is any incompatibility between such treatment and particular ingredients in the CHM prescription . The RCHM Demands high standards for admission, imposes stringent rules on its members, and is actively engaged in initiatives to assure the quality of herbs and herbal products. The public is therefore well advised to seek help from RCHM Members.

The RCHM has always condemned the illegal trade in endangered plant and animal species, and its members are subject to strict rules which prohibit the use of any such material.

Evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness is growing as researchers evaluate the best ways to measure how the body responds to it. To date the focus has been on pain management. Around the world, clinical studies are being conducted to understand how acupuncture can be beneficial for many more conditions. You can read factsheets about the latest acupuncture research at www.acupuncture.org.uk

Acupuncture is considered to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions. NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends acupuncture on the NHS for back pain, migraines and headaches. The respected Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) recommends acupuncture for chronic pain. Because an acupuncture treatment is designed to affect your whole body, not just your symptoms, you may notice other niggling problems resolve during a course of treatment. Your local BAcC acupuncturist will be happy to discuss how acupuncture can help you in a free consultation over the phone.

A lot of people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, TMJ, headaches and low back pain, or for common health problems like an overactive bladder. Some pregnant women have acupuncture throughout their pregnancy. Other people choose acupuncture when their bodily functions are out of balance, but they have no obvious diagnosis. And many have regular treatments because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.

A BAcC acupuncturist will use many diagnostic methods to put together an individual treatment plan based on your state of health and lifestyle. They will take a complete medical history, read your pulses, may examine the site of your symptoms and look at your tongue. Acupuncture needles are inserted at points selected to affect your whole body, as well as your symptoms, and you will be left to rest for a while before they are removed. The single-use sterile needles come in sealed packs that should be opened in front of you and are safely disposed of after each treatment.

Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the acupuncturist adjusts the needle to direct qi. Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment.in 2001 (MacPherson et al, White et al, both BMJ September 2001) concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. The needles used are single-use, sterile, and disposable. Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and very occasionally minor bruising may occur. However, all such reactions are short-lived.

Two research studies conducted in 2011 and 2012 concluded that when practiced by properly trained and qualified traditional acupuncturists, such as members of the BAcC, the risk of adverse events from acupuncture is extremely low.

Sometimes a small bruise can appear at a needle site. Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or tired after a treatment but this passes quickly.

If you have been prescribed medication we recommend you tell your doctor that you plan to have acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should tell your acupuncturist about any medication and supplements you are taking. BAcC acupuncturists are trained to recognise potentially serious underlying health conditions and will refer you to your GP if they consider it appropriate.

Your BAcC acupuncturist will discuss this with you. Weekly treatments are normal to begin with, reducing in frequency as your body responds. The effect is usually felt within five or six treatments. Occasionally just one or two treatments are sufficient.

Prices vary around the country, between practitioners and clinics. Your BAcC acupuncturist will be happy to discuss fees with you before booking a treatment.

Many BAcC members work within the NHS in specialist clinics and GP surgeries. Acupuncture is recommended for the treatment of back pain, migraines and headaches on the NHS. However, not all GPs refer patients for acupuncture treatment.

Most health insurance policies cover the cost of treatments with BAcC registered acupuncturists. You should check with your insurer directly