How might acupuncture play a role in supporting the NHS with the mental health crisis?

A recent article in Healthcare Today by Alex Jacobs, Chief Executive of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), highlights how acupuncture could play a greater role in supporting mental health within the NHS. The BAcC represents over 3,000 professional acupuncturists in the UK, and Jacobs suggests that acupuncture has untapped potential to help bridge the growing mental health gap.

Jacobs points out that mental health concerns are rising, with government data showing that more than one in five adults in England are now assessed as having a common mental health condition. He asks whether allied healthcare professionals such as acupuncturists could be part of the solution—offering care that is both cost-efficient and effective for patients.

The article describes an innovative project in Inner Gloucester, where acupuncture was integrated into primary care services. Delivered by BAcC members, the programme included:

• ➤ Auricular (ear) acupuncture in group settings to support people with depression and anxiety, encouraging conversation and mutual support.
• ➤ Full body acupuncture sessions for chronic pain, offered one-to-one.

Jacobs reports that patients in this scheme experienced significant improvements in their anxiety scores. For example, average NHS GAD-7 scores (a measure of anxiety) reduced from 15.53 (severe anxiety) to 8.09 (mild anxiety) after completing the course. Some participants even shared that they were able to return to work or reduce reliance on medication.

The article also notes that acupuncturists across the UK are seeing more patients seeking support for mental health issues, with conditions such as generalised anxiety disorder, depression, social anxiety, ADHD, and addiction being commonly presented. Encouragingly, almost all practitioners surveyed reported that patients experienced positive results.

Jacobs suggests that one barrier to wider NHS adoption is a lack of awareness among some GPs about the evidence base for acupuncture. To address this, the BAcC has developed new digital resources to help healthcare professionals understand the research and feel confident in referring patients.

Why This Matters for Patients

For patients, the key takeaway is that evidence indicates acupuncture can make a meaningful difference for mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. While availability on the NHS is still limited, projects like the Gloucester scheme show what is possible when acupuncture is integrated into mainstream care.

At Shaftesbury Clinic, we have written extensively about the evidence for acupuncture in supporting mental health and related conditions. Jacobs’ article reinforces what research already shows: acupuncture is not only safe and well-regulated, but it can also be a valuable part of a holistic approach to wellbeing.

To read more:

➤ Alex Jacobs’ Article in Healthcare Today How acupuncture can bridge the mental health gap

➤ British Acupuncture Council “Collaborate with Confidence” referral and NHS information

➤ Our Anxiety information page

➤ Our Depression information page