Researchers in Brazil have shown that acupuncture may help relieve indigestion in pregnancy. Forty-two pregnant women aged 15 to 39, and with dyspepsia, were randomly allocated to receive either acupuncture or standard care. Acupuncture was given once a week, or twice if the symptoms were severe, for an eight week period. The acupuncture group exhibited significant improvements, and also used less medication. The authors conclude that dyspepsia in pregnancy is a very common problem. The use of medication is always a concern. Acupuncture, as was demonstrated in this study, seems to be an effective means of reducing the symptoms and improving quality of life.
(Acupuncture for Dyspepsia in Pregnancy: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Study. Acupuncture in Medicine, June 2009.)
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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