Prime Therapy
Private
26 St Loyes Street, Bedford MK40 1EP
Shaftesbury Acupuncture Clinic
Private
14 Shaftesbury Avenue, Bedford MK40 3SA
Superbalance
Private
14 Church Arcade, Bedford MK40 1LQ
Bedford, Bedford MK41 9RX
Bedford Reflexology
Private
Bedford, Bedford MK40 1LQ
42 Pembroke Street, Bedford MK40 3RH
So Healthy Wellness Centre
Private
160 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BH
Complementary and alternative therapies
Complementary therapies — such as acupuncture, nutrition and dietetics, homeopathy and massage therapy — are used by some people alongside conventional healthcare. Regulation varies: registered dietitians are regulated by the HCPC, while many other complementary practitioners belong to voluntary registers and professional bodies (for example the British Acupuncture Council or BANT for nutritional therapists) rather than statutory regulators.
Using complementary therapies wisely
Complementary therapies are not a replacement for medical care. If you have a health condition, it is sensible to keep your GP informed and to continue any prescribed treatment. Tell your doctor and your therapist about everything you are using, as some supplements and treatments can interact with medicines.
What to look for
- Registration — membership of a recognised professional body or voluntary register.
- Clear information — honest descriptions of what a therapy involves, without claims to cure illness.
- Insurance and standards — appropriate professional indemnity and hygiene standards.
An informed choice
HealthWise lists complementary providers so you can find and compare them; it does not endorse any therapy or make claims about its effects. This page is information only and not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician about your health, especially before stopping or changing any treatment.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulation varies. Registered dietitians are regulated by the HCPC, while many complementary practitioners belong to voluntary registers and professional bodies — such as the British Acupuncture Council or BANT for nutritional therapists — rather than statutory regulators. Look for membership of a recognised body.
Some people do, but complementary therapies are not a replacement for medical care. Keep your GP informed, continue any prescribed treatment, and tell both your doctor and therapist about everything you are using, as some supplements can interact with medicines.
Look for membership of a recognised professional register, honest descriptions of what a therapy involves (without claims to cure illness), and appropriate professional insurance and hygiene standards.
HealthWise does not make claims about the effects of any therapy. If you have a health condition, speak to a qualified clinician — and never stop or change prescribed treatment without medical advice.