"These cases include nausea and vomiting,
back and dental pain as well as for migraine," she added.
The report's recommendations include that acupuncture
be integrated into the National Health Service, that
further research be conducted into the cost of acupuncture
and investigation into which other medical conditions it
can be used to treat. The BMA also recommends a system of
self regulation among physicians and a national regulatory
body.
The report calls for improved communication between physicians,
acupuncturists and patients. Physicians should inform their
patients about complementary therapies suitable for their
condition and acupuncturists should not alter physicians'
prescriptions without consultation with the issuing practitioner.
Finally, the report recommends undergraduate training in
acupuncture at medical schools.
"Because patients and doctors are turning to acupuncture
in increasing numbers," said Nathanson, "doctors need more
information about its safety and medical students need better
training while at university to give patients advice."
"The cost of acupuncture may be lower than conventional
medicine but many visits are needed for treatment," Nathanson
noted.
"At the moment, acupuncture is available on the National
Health Service irregularly throughout the country. We need
to create a standardized national service."
The BMA research found that acupuncture has indirect effects,
such as making patients drowsy and so driving after a therapy
session should be avoided.
Currently the Department of Health spends 0.08% of its
research budget on complementary medicine research.
