What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other eastern countries for thousands of years. Although sometimes described merely as a means of pain relief, traditional acupuncture is actually used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall wellbeing of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

The skill of an acupuncturist lies in their ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony is unique to each individual and so following diagnosis, the acupuncturist puts together a personalised treatment plan.

Acupuncture is an integral part of the rapid growth of complementary therapy in the UK. With an increasing number of people seeking acupuncture treatment it is important for patients and healthcare professionals to understand the difference between the two styles most commonly on offer.

How does Acupuncture work?

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. The flow of qi can be disturbed by many factors, physical, mental and emotional: anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help to restore its natural balance.

Who has acupuncture?

Some people may have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being 'ill' in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. 

What does acupuncture feel like? 

Most people's experience of needles is those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.

Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience a tingling, heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as enhanced sense of overall well being.  

What will happen on my first visit?

Your first acupuncture consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to asses your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.

You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in the body, the acupuncturist s likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting for their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also give a good guide to your physical health.

Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

There are around 500 recognised acupuncture points on the body, of which 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.

The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment moxa, a smouldering herb which is used to warm the acupuncture points to encourage the body's energy to flow and circulate smoothly. Other methods of stimulating acupuncture points include using electro-acupuncture and cupping. Massage or tapping with a rounded probe are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.

How often will I need treatment?

In traditional acupuncture philosophy, each person is considered unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Some change is usually felt after five treatments. Normally you are recommended to visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week at first, although some conditions may need less frequent attention.

Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic, and only one of two treatments are required. While other patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment over several months.

Should my doctor know?

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor, then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription.

You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking, as this may affect your response to your acupuncture treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

All member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) observe a Code of Safe Practice, amongst others, which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and requires the use of sterile disposable needles. Patients who have been treated by a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.