Acupuncture is mainly useful for…

Pain relief & anaesthesia
Musculoskeletal problems
Arthritis
Addictions
Asthma
Hay fever
Anxiety & depression
Migraines
Nausea
High blood pressure
Digestive disorders
Skin complaints
Women’s health

What is it?

Acupuncture has been practised in China for more that 3,500 years. It was brought to Europe in the 17th century by missionaries and soon gained a foothold. Its popularity grew in the 1970s when convincing cases of its use as an anaesthetic were reported. It’s now one of the world’s most well known and widely accepted Eastern therapies.

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which follows the principle that the opposing forces of Yin and Yang within the body must be in kept in balance. Their interaction gives rise to chi – the “life energy” that flows through 12 meridians or channels around the body. Acupuncturists believe that an even flow of chi is essential for health. Any disruption disturbs the balance of Yin and Yang and leads to illness.

How does it work?

There are around 365 acupoints along the 12 meridians at which chi is concentrated, and through which it can enter and leave the body. Acupuncturists use fine needles inserted into specific points to affect the flow of chi.
Research is still taking place to find out how acupuncture actually works. Some researchers have tried to establish links between meridians and electrical currents in the body, but their efforts have so far proved inconclusive. Others think the meridians may be a system of information transmission linked to neuro-chemicals. Another theory is that acupuncture may work by releasing the body’s natural painkillers, called endorphins, or that it acts on the nervous system to stop the body registering pain.

What’s the result?

Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to treat certain conditions successfully. Research from Queen’s University in Belfast in 1988 and 1989 proved its effectiveness on nausea both in early pregnancy and after chemotherapy.

Other studies have found it useful in treating addiction, post surgical pain, and neck and lower back pain. The World Health Organisation has identified more than 40 conditions that are treatable by acupuncture.

What happens at a consultation?

On your first visit, your condition will be assessed by the methods of TCM, including the checking of all 12 pulses (six on each wrist). Chinese herbs, acupressure, moxibustion and cupping may be suggested as treatment options, as well as acupuncture.

Acupuncture needles vary in length and are made from stainless steel, tipped with steel or copper. They are inserted in various points most commonly on the back, feet, arms, hands, leg, abdomen and shoulders. The needles are generally inserted to a depth of 4mm-25mm, and the number of needles used is usually between six and twelve. The needles may be left in position anything from a few seconds to as long as an hour, and are then taken out swiftly – usually without pain or bleeding.

An aching or tingling sensation often occurs after treatment. Some people feel tired and need to rest, and painful conditions sometimes worsen before feeling better. Treatment times vary from 30 to 90 minutes and 10-20 sessions are usually recommended.

For some conditions, such as lower back pain, the herb moxa is burnt to generate heat on an acupoint. This is called moxibustion. Moxa cones may be placed on the body to smoulder until they become uncomfortable, or a moxa stick, lit like a cigar, is held over the acupoint.

Modern Developments

Electro-acupuncture was developed in China in the 1950s and is sometimes used as an anaesthetic during surgery. A light electrical current is passed through the needles via electrodes to further stimulate the acupoints. Another development is laser acupuncture, where a low-energy beam is used instead of needles.

General Advice

Make sure you see a qualified practitioner. Make sure that needles used are either disposable or sterilised in an autoclave. Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, as certain acupoints should not be used during pregnancy. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths or showers, large meals and alcohol immediately before or after treatment.