Cumbria Osteopathy

The British Medical Acupuncture Society

The British Medical Acupuncture Society is a registered charity established to stimulate and promote the use and scientific understanding of acupuncture within medicine for the public benefit. We seek to enhance the education and training of suitably qualified practitioners, and to promote high standards of working practices in acupuncture. Members are regulated healthcare professionals who practice acupuncture within the scope of their professional practice.

Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphin and serotonin – in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received.

Acupuncture-like techniques may have been used for over 5000 years, if evidence from Ötzi the iceman is considered; however, the most well known system of acupuncture was developed in the Far East from around 2000 years ago. This was first introduced into Europe in the 17th Century, but widespread interest in the technique did not develop until the political events of the early 1970s allowed travel restrictions between East and West to be eased.

In the past thirty years, because of the huge public interest in the subject, considerable scientific research on acupuncture has been carried out

The distinction between complementary or alternative medicine and conventional medicine is becoming blurred as acupuncture is accepted in medicine. Acupuncture is already available in most hospital pain clinics and it is provided by an ever-increasing number of GPs and hospital doctors.

What can you expect?

  • Does acupuncture hurt? You might be more sensitive in certain areas, but it shouldn’t hurt.
  • Acupuncture needles are usually not painful on areas of thicker skin and muscles.
  • The needles are sterile, disposable and as thin as a human hair.

Niki Matthews is a Registered Acupuncturist with the BMAS

“I initially started seeing Niki in November 2020 for a chronic shoulder issue that I had suffered with for a number of years. I had been suffering with both neck and shoulder pain which I could not get rid of even though I’d tried various therapies.

I am a midwife within the NHS and the shoulder pain was causing real misery, no amount of anti-inflammatories or analgesia worked. Within 3 sessions with Niki I started to see improvements and had significantly less pain. Day to day tasks were becoming much easier at work and I was sleeping better. The use of traditional osteopathy combined with acupuncture has been a revelation.

I now see NIki every 4 weeks or so as part of general maintenance for my body. Niki is worth every single penny and I would highly recommend. Don’t suffer with pain, make an appointment with Niki.”

TINA NARDONE

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