Traditional acupuncture is a healthcare system which was developed nearly 2000 years ago focusing on pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. By inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points the traditional acupuncturist’s aim is to restore the body’s equilibrium, focusing on the individual and the circulation of “qi”. When the body’s “qi” or vital energy cannot flow freely pain and illness develops. For further information visit the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) www.acupuncture.org.uk . All members of the BAcC are qualified to degree level.
Western medical acupuncture is a therapeutic modality involving the insertion of fine needles using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology and principles from evidence based medicine. It is practised by conventionally trained healthcare professionals working within the Western health service predominantly for musculoskeletal pain relief. Further information can be found on the British Medical Acupuncture Society www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk A more detailed definition of Western medical acupuncture can be found in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine: aim.bmj.com/content/27/1/33.full.html