This is a BBC 2 acupuncture documentary that was released a few years ago.  I watched it when it was first released and I think it is probably the best feature on acupuncture that has ever been on television.  It runs for around an hour so watch it when you’ve got time to put your feet up with a nice cup of tea.

If you don’t know much about acupuncture this documentary is very informative and thought provoking but it is really worth watching for devotees and practitioners too.  Since this was first released we know much more about the mechanisms of acupuncture and the quality of clinical trials is slowly getting better and better.  Itwould be great to see an up to date documentary lavished with the same care and attention as went in to this one.

When this was first released acupuncturists around the UK noticed a substantial increase in the numbers of new patients seeking acupuncture.  With acupuncture receiving only limited funding or recommendation from within the NHS it is very vulnerable to how it is reported in the media.  Of course this vulnerability works both ways and good reportage can be incredibly helpful.  I think with time, as we see more recommendations from bodies such as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), the popularity of acupuncture will become more and more stable.