Regular Acupuncture for Elderly Patients Can Take Pressure Off Already-Taxed Healthcare System

A recent report out of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) says that elderly patients with more than two chronic conditions should receive regular acupuncture sessions to help alleviate pressure on the NHS, which is the National Health Service in England. The review was published in BMJ Open, showing significantly fewer deaths among patients with half the risk of an emergency hospital admission.

This continuity of patient-centered care offered by regular acupuncture, when delivered by the same doctor over a long period of time, can help to relieve symptoms, cut down on medication reliance and boost the wellbeing of elderly patients. In turn, this can reduce their risk of hospital admission.

Evidence suggests acupuncture is ideal for relieving pain in a variety of conditions such as:

• Back pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Other musculoskeletal conditions

Acupuncturists, say researchers, should play a much bigger role in this endeavor. National health services struggle to deal with increasing numbers of elderly people suffering from chronic illnesses, stretching conventional health and social care resources that feature taxing side effects and interaction complications. Acupuncture can offer an additional helpful resource.

The study involved 15 patients over the age of 60 who suffer from at least two chronic conditions. When given acupuncture, these participants reduced their medication intake and had an easier time of maintaining physical and mental health. As a side note, they also developed a strong bond with the clinic’s ability to support their total health, viewing the clinic as a central health hub where they could get a diagnosis and treatment, as well as social and emotional support.

So, in addition to the actual use of acupuncture, participants witnessed a big effect on their symptoms thanks to being treated by friendly and attentive staff. It’s this whole-person approach that should be integrated more fully within complementary medicine and conventional medicine.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), comprised of 3,000 professionally qualified acupuncturists, is the UK’s largest professional body for practicing acupuncture. BAcC members follow a traditional, holistic method of acupuncture diagnosis and treatment based on a system that has faced development and refinement over the last 2,000 years. To become a member of the BAcC, practitioners have to go through extensive training in traditional acupuncture, including physiology, anatomy and other biomedical sciences.

Contact Metro Detroit Acupuncture

Here at Metro Detroit Acupuncture, we believe acupuncture is part of a whole-person healthy lifestyle. We hope to enlighten you more on the benefits of acupuncture in the elderly and for all ages. Contact us today at 248-432-2846. Marino Moutafis, the founder and owner of Metro Detroit Acupuncture, is nationally certified and licensed by the Michigan Board of Acupuncture.