Woman's Weekly Wellbeing: Cystitis

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Each week we team up with sister magazine Woman's Weekly and look at ways of helping you with different health conditions. This week we look at cystitis.

Acupuncture

The worst symptom of cystitis (bladder inflammation) is the painful burning when you go to the loo. By placing needles in specific points, acupuncture aims to free blockages of energy (chi) that may be affecting the bladder. A Norwegian study offered a group of women acupuncture or no treatment at all for 6 months - 85% of those who had acupuncture were free of cystitis during the trial period and had fewer episodes afterwards.
Try: British Acupuncture Council - or call 020 8735 0400

Naturopathy

A naturopath takes a detailed medical history, including diet and lifestyle, and examines your tongue, nails and eyes. A plan will then be suggested which will include complementary treatments, including herbal remedies and homeopathy. You may be referred to other practitioners.
Try: General Council and Register of Naturopaths - or call 01458 840072

Cranberries

There's some evidence that cranberry juice may soothe cystitis symptoms, and a recent trial at the University of Dundee had more favourable findings. It compared a group of women taking a low-dose antibiotic treatment for six months with those who took 500mg of cranberry extract daily. The results showed that taking cranberry extract was almost as effective as the antibiotics, but with fewer side effects, such as rashes and itching.
Try: Boots Cranberry Capsules (400mg)

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