Eight Branches Acupuncture

07/07/2025

09/06/2025

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture have been used for centuries to help people manage stress and restore balance.

By stimulating specific points along the body’s energy pathways, acupuncture can:
✨ Shift the nervous system into a relaxed state
✨ Promote deep calm and emotional well-being
✨ Balance stress hormones like cortisol
✨ Improve sleep quality
✨ Ease physical tension in areas like the neck and back

At the Northern College of Acupuncture, we're leading the way in the study of acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese herbal medicine.

You can learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/3EsOpGV

14/05/2025

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we want to talk about how much BAcC practitioners can help those in our communities struggling with mental health issues.

Traditional acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a holistic discipline, and treats the whole person rather than the ‘disease’. The aetiology for depression, anxiety, and stress can be complex and varied from person to person.

In this fascinating members-only article from the recent edition of Acu Magazine, Peter Mole, Dean Emeritus of the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, explains his integrated approach to treating anxiety combining the wisdom of Five Element theory and TCM protocols.

Follow the link to sign in and read more. https://acupuncture.org.uk/acu/articles/anxiety-why-are-we-seeing-more-how-can-we-approach-it/

02/04/2025

✨ New Cochrane Review Confirms Acupuncture Helps with Chronic Low Back Pain!

A newly published Cochrane review of reviews has examined non-drug and non-surgical treatments for low back pain. The results? Acupuncture effectively reduces pain and improves function for those with chronic low back pain! 🎯

🔸 Acupuncture is already integrated into mainstream healthcare in several countries:
✅ Statutory regulated in Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal
✅ Covered by healthcare insurance in Germany and New Zealand
✅ Recommended in clinical guidelines when seeking out a PSA registered practitioner (BAcC)

However the study highlights that many clinical trials underestimate the real benefits of acupuncture because they don’t reflect the personalised treatments given by traditional acupuncturists.

⚡ Traditional acupuncture:
✔️ Is a safe intervention when provided by trained professionals
✔️ Can be a long-term solution for pain management

🔍 Looking for a trusted acupuncturist? The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) ensures the highest standards of training, safety, and professional conduct. Find a qualified practitioner near you today!
📖 Learn more about the research & find a practitioner here: https://acupuncture.org.uk

29/01/2025

Happy Chinese New Year 🎊🎉🥳

Today marks the start of the Lunar New Year, and as I’ve been in London all day what a perfect opportunity to visit Chinatown… Looking resplendent with lanterns as you can see!

The date changes slightly each year as it’s always aligned with a new moon, usually the second one following the winter solstice. It is also known in China as the Spring Festival, and the celebrations end with the Lantern Festival on February 12th.

Chinese New Year heralds the arrival of a new zodiac animal, of which there are twelve. It is the Year of the Snake this year, the Wood Snake to be precise. Among these twelve animals, the Snake holds a special place, symbolising profound transformation, wisdom, and intuition. Looking forward to that in 2025!

The Snake is the sixth animal, and in Chinese culture, is often associated with qualities of intelligence, charm, and elegance. It is revered as a creature of mystery and depth, representing a keen sense of observation and a profound understanding of the world's complexities. The Snake is also linked to the element of Fire, which signifies transformation, passion, and dynamism. This combination makes the Year of the Snake a time for insightful reflection and strategic action.

People born in the Year of the Snake are often seen as wise and enigmatic individuals who value privacy and independence. Snakes are known for their analytical minds and ability to think critically, making them excellent problem solvers. They approach challenges with patience and precision, often preferring to work behind the scenes rather than seeking the spotlight. They are also adept at adapting to changing circumstances, much like their animal counterpart that sheds its skin to embrace new beginnings. This adaptability is a hallmark of their resilience and resourcefulness, allowing them to navigate life's ups and downs with relative ease.

23/12/2024

The warmest of festive greetings to you all, and your loved ones. And very best wishes for a healthy and peaceful 2025.

Thank you for your company during 2024, and I look forward to welcoming you back in the new calendar year.

Eight Branches fully re-opens on 6th January 2025. Emails and messages will be responded to from 30th December, so please feel free to get in touch. Alternatively you can book an appointment anytime using the following link: https://Scheduleappointment8branches.as.me/

🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄

26/11/2024

I can't believe there's only 4 weeks to go until Christmas 🎄🧑‍🎄🎄🧑‍🎄.

If you're still looking for present ideas for friends and loved ones, an Eight Branches voucher may be the answer 🤩

Gift vouchers are available for any amount, and redeemable as part, or full payment, for your recipient's treatment of choice. This includes reflexology, always a popular option for a welcome treat at this time of year 👣 🎁👣🎁.

For further details please feel free to get in touch 😀☯️🌟

16/11/2024

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆.
Acupuncture is a 5000 year old system of medicine that is backed by strong scientific evidence. It may be able to help you but...

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲, 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁?

You can check the British Acupuncture Council Practitioner Directory.
https://acupuncture.org.uk/find-an-acupuncturist/

The British Acupuncture Council is the 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 UK membership organisation for Acupuncturists that has standards independently checked by the government backed Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This standard guarantees that you will find an acupuncturist who is
a) degree level trained and
b) subject to independently verified standards of good governance

This means that when you choose a BAcC member you know they are independently assessed to be well trained, safe and subject to ongoing professional standards.

17/10/2024

Great news! Reflexology is now available at Eight Branches.

After 18 months of study, I have qualified as a level 5 practitioner in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine. The qualification is recognised by the NHS within the Skills for Health sector, and is currently the highest level of reflexology training available in the UK.

For more information, check out the new page on my website here: https://lincolnacupuncture.co.uk/reflexology

Not only is reflexology a treatment choice for relaxation and wellbeing it may also be used to support the symptoms of many conditions. With agreement, acupuncture can also form part of any treatment. Or why not choose a Bespoke Extended Appointment and combine a reflexology treatments with Lifestyle Consultations. Booking details can be found here, or contact for further details: https://scheduleappointment8branches.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Reflexology

20/08/2024

Acupuncture and chronic pain.

⚡️Traditional acupuncture can work for anyone, at any stage of life. Why not talk to a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) about how they can treat you and your whole body, not just your symptoms.

📋BAcC Members are recognised by over 20 different private health providers.

🥼Acupuncture on the NHS is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for managing chronic pain, migraines and
headaches. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) also recommends acupuncture for chronic pain, including lower back pain and knee pain.

The aim of the British Acupuncture Council is to establish the highest standards of professional practice for the traditional acupuncture profession in the UK.

We are committed to ensuring all patients receive the highest standard of professional care during their acupuncture treatment. Visit our website to find your local highly trained practitioner.


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References:
[1] A.J. Vickers, E.A. Vertosick, G. Lewith, H. MacPherson, N.E. Foster, K.J. Sherman, D. Irnich, C.M. Witt, K. Linde, C. Acupuncture Trialists, Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis, J Pain 19(5) (2018) 455-474.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5927830/

31/05/2024

It's really pleasing to see that the journal, Supportive Care in Cancer , has recently published new guidelines around acupuncture and integrated oncology. To read, please click on the link at the bottom of this post.

Thank you to all the authors for their work in producing this review, and the comprehensive recommendations for safe practice for acupuncture in supportive cancer care.

Thanks also to the British Acupuncture Council for highlighting the importance of ensuring that when choosing a practitioner for supportive cancer care, they should be highly qualified, registered with a professional body and be fully insured.

https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s00520-024-08386-6?sharing_token=ZB_HfkeOCyM4LLSeYjAFUPe4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY6nIs5hHv2y-BZUtexf7CDczXxHQa6taBFeVKNVur1It2Gybsv9nwH8wfbg4-2WUUVEXkmg4ZdsWZhcy9BStOnGBCj-cbnx6EQb09AF3QJSsTuMzHggfqffz_0mcSGRpCI%3D

Questions around treating people who have had a cancer diagnosis are among the most common reasons members contact the BAcC for support. Therefore, we are delighted 'Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice' has been published in Supportive Care in Cancer.

20/05/2024

Mental Health Awareness Week might have been and gone, but it's always worthwhile talking about acupuncture and anxiety.

If you're wondering about trying acupuncture, a good place to start is by checking out one of the British Acupuncture Council research based fact sheets for more information ☯️

Research has shown that acupuncture treatments may specifically benefit anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety