Acupuncture could be added to the armoury of options doctors use to treat depression, thanks to a project being undertaken by York scientists.
Dr Hugh MacPherson, of the Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been given a share in a £1.3 million pot of Government cash to fund complementary therapies.
The money has been made available to develop alternative health treatments, such as the Chinese practice of acupuncture, which places fine needles beneath the skin.
Dr MacPherson and his team, who are based in Acomb Road, plan to stage randomised trials comparing the use of acupuncture with more mainstream methods.
Health Minister Hazel Blears said: "Increasingly, the population is turning to complementary and alternative medicine sources as well as utilising mainstream medicine.
"The development of a solid evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is therefore important.
"I anticipate it will underpin the future integration of all forms of therapy towards improving the nation's health."
Dr MacPherson will also look at the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture with other therapies, with a view to streamlining NHS treatment and reducing costs.
The project will be funded by the new National Complementary and Alternative Medicines Award (CAM) scheme.
The cash will pay Dr MacPherson's salary, research fees and other costs as well as supporting a PhD researcher in complementary and alternative medicines to work alongside him.
Updated: 10:05 Monday, April 21, 2003
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