Gwen Stefani has been spotted heading to acupuncture treatments through her latest pregnancy, but what sort of benefits does it have on her?
Health on Female First
Traditional acupuncture has grown in popularity over the years with celebrity fans including Academy Award nominee Cate Blanchett, pop legend Gary Barlow and former X factor judge Danni Minogue.
So it's not just pregnant women who could use it, but what are the health benefits?
A lot of women experiment with alternative therapies when they are having babies, whether it is to help them get pregnant or to cure some of the nasty side effects of early pregnancy.
Acupuncture is one of the most popular and there are some scientific studies that seem to support its efficacy. The treatment is based on the belief that an energy, or life force, flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi. Practitioners believe that when Qi cannot flow freely, it causes illness and that by inserting fine needles at certain points on the body, they can restore the flow and so boost health.
While it is safe to use in pregnancy, Naava Carman, a fertility and obstetric acupuncturist in Harley Street warns that you should only be treated by a registered practitioner. “Acupuncture is a powerful tool,” she says. “Stimulating some points on the body can stimulate uterine contractions so it is important to see a professional with experience in obstetric acupuncture and someone who is registered with the British Acupuncture Council.”
Finding an acupuncturist
Where searching for an acupuncturist, make sure you find a fully qualified and registered member of The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). As the UK’s largest governing body of traditional acupuncturists with over 3,000 members, choosing a registered BAcC member guarantees high standards in professionalism, training and safety.
The British Acupuncture Council is also accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under its Accredited Voluntary Registers (AVR) scheme. Being accredited under the AVR scheme offers enhanced protection to anyone looking for an acupuncturist – people now have the option of seeking practitioners on a register that has been vetted and approved.
To find a registered acupuncturist in your area contact the British Acupuncture Council, an accredited member of the Professional Standards Authority on 020 8735 0400 or visit www.acupuncture.org.uk