Many people come for acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose acupuncture to maintain health, or just because they feel generally below par. Acupuncture is considered safe for all ages and may of course be used alongside conventional medicine. Patients new to acupuncture are often surprised as to the scope of the consultation.
The chart opposite summaries research conducted in 2006 by a team led by Hugh Macpherson at the University of York (Hugh teaches on our MA13 Advanced Research Design module, part of CTA's postgraduate programme).
Conditions commonly treated fall into the following categories:
- eye, ear, nose and throat;
- circulatory;
- gastrointestinal;
- gynaecological;
- genito-urinary;
- immune;
- musculo-skeletal;
- neurological;
- respiratory;
- emotional and psychological;
- addiction.
Many women choose to have acupuncture throughout pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, it is increasingly used by couples dealing with problems of fertility or to support IVF treatment.