Josh Barrow is a fully accredited acupuncturist and a member of the British Acupuncture Council, the Acupuncture Fertility Network, and the British Medical Acupuncture Society. He graduated with First-Class Honours from the International College of Oriental Medicine—one of the oldest and most respected acupuncture colleges—where he is now a teacher and part of the Senior Management Team.
Josh’s interest in acupuncture began with his own experience of chronic pain. He believes strongly in its ability to address not just physical symptoms but also mental and emotional wellbeing. Acupuncture views these aspects as interconnected and sees health as part of a broader relationship with the natural rhythms of life. It emphasises that we are not separate from the world around us but instead exist within cycles of time and transformation.
Areas of Focus
Acupuncture is a complete medical system rather than a treatment for specific conditions. However, Josh has particular experience in the following areas:
- Musculoskeletal Pain – From back, neck, and knee pain to sports injuries and chronic conditions, acupuncture can help with acute flare-ups and long-term pain management. As a triathlete, Josh understands firsthand how pain can affect daily life.
- Women’s Health and Fertility – A significant part of Josh’s practice focuses on women’s health, including menstrual pain, fertility (both natural and assisted), pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal balance. Acupuncture has been shown to support reproductive health and overall wellbeing.
- Mental and Emotional Wellbeing – In Chinese Medicine, the mind, body, and spirit are seen as inseparable. Many people seek acupuncture for stress, anxiety, grief, and depression. Having lost friends to mental health struggles, Josh has a personal connection to this area. Patients often describe acupuncture as helping to release emotional blockages without the need to revisit painful memories verbally.
- Chronic and Complex Conditions – Josh’s journey into acupuncture began after nearly two years of severe, debilitating pain. This experience shaped his compassionate approach to helping others manage conditions such as digestive disorders, long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. He understands the frustration and isolation that can come with long-term health challenges and aims to provide relief and support.
- Cancer Support – Acupuncture can help individuals undergoing cancer treatment and those in remission by alleviating side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and pain. It can also provide emotional support, helping to restore balance and wellbeing during and after treatment. While acupuncture does not replace medical care, it can be a valuable complementary therapy.
Josh also incorporates additional therapies such as remedial massage, cupping, and moxibustion to support treatment.
The Role of Acupuncture
Acupuncture empowers individuals to achieve their fullest potential by fostering true health—not merely the absence of illness, but a dynamic state of wellbeing tailored to each person’s unique constitution. While it can address existing ailments, acupuncture often works proactively, treating imbalances in the body’s signals long before symptoms arise. Its effectiveness lies in resolving immediate concerns and the deeper-rooted causes (ben 本 and biao 标).
The first stage of healing focuses on alleviating pain, restoring balance, and addressing illness. The next level goes deeper, preventing disease and helping individuals align with their natural state. At its most profound, acupuncture nurtures one’s destiny, supporting longevity, purpose, and alignment.
By integrating all three levels of healing, acupuncture offers a profound treatment modality.
hello@joshbarrow.com
Josh also offers a monthly Community Acupuncture session, a collaborative, cost-effective way to experience acupuncture. In this small-group setting, a few people are treated simultaneously, making it an accessible and relaxed alternative to one-to-one sessions.
There are three key reasons Josh is passionate about this approach:
- It’s ideal for anyone curious about acupuncture.
Community sessions provide a gentle introduction for people who want to explore acupuncture but may feel uncertain about committing to a full private appointment. - It makes acupuncture more affordable.
By sharing the treatment space, costs are reduced. This allows those who may not be able to access private clinic sessions the opportunity to receive high-quality care still. - It supports ongoing wellness and prevention.
Many patients who benefit from acupuncture choose to continue with regular sessions to maintain their health. Community acupuncture offers a practical, budget-friendly way to stay well and support the body before issues arise.
Community sessions are usually held on the last Saturday of every month. For specific upcoming dates, you can visit the Events page.