We learned in the news this week that in the UK around one in four of us are taking prescription medications such as antidepressants, anti anxiety medications, painkillers and sleeping pills. Many people are using the drugs for far too long – they are no longer clinically appropriate. Professor Paul Cosford, medical director of Public Continue reading
The Placebo Paradox – and some thoughts about the placebo effect and healing
A fascinating Radio 4 programme about the placebo effect has given me food for thought about the nature of healing and medicine: The Placebo Paradox So often, when I was involved in health research, I was reminded of the parable of Nasruddin and the lost keys. It felt that rather like this sage/fool, the scientists Continue reading
The Social Engagement System, Autism & Craniosacral Therapy
I believe and hope that one day we will understand much better how to support and care for people with mental health problems or those who are not neurotypical with sensory processing difficulties such as autism. I hope we will also understand better how to support those who parent, care for and support children or Continue reading
Researching the benefits of acupuncture for depression, as an acupuncturist
This is a personal story about what happened to me when I was given a PhD fellowship award, as an acupuncture practitioner, to research depression in 2003, by the National Institute of Health Research My first experience of acupuncture was in the 1980s when a friend who suffered with depression had her life turned around Continue reading
Researching Complementary Therapies – Do these therapies work?
There is a great deal of clinical research conducted and vast sums are spent on it, yet what is learned does not necessarily get translated into changes in practice, especially in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. This is unless the research suggests the effects could be down to unexplained and none specific aspects Continue reading
Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture
Some acupuncturists work with an understanding that each person has one of the five elements of Chinese medicine as a ‘guardian’ or constitutional element, conferring on a person, from the moment of their conception, particular gifts and qualities. Identifying and supporting the guardian element with treatment can bring about healing benefits as well as potentially Continue reading