A systematic review by American authors of 31 separate studies looking at acupuncture for chronic headache, has found that the majority of trials comparing real with sham acupuncture as a control, suggest true acupuncture is significantly more effective. This remains true at both early and late follow-up. The combined data showed acupuncture to be superior to medication for headache intensity, frequency, physical function and overall treatment response rate.
(Acupuncture for the Management of Chronic Headache: A Systematic Review. Anesthesia & Analgesia Journal, December 2008.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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