Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine which involves the insertion of very fine needles at key points (known as acupuncture points) into the body. In the UK, acupuncture is one of the most popular and well-established complementary therapies, with approximately three million people undergoing this kind of treatment each year. Acupuncture is based on the Chinese belief that the human body is controlled by a life force known as Qi (pronounced 'chee'). Qi flows through the body in channels, known as meridians. When your Qi is disturbed, or unbalanced, it can make you unwell. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of Qi, and helps it to run smoothly through your body. Not everyone who practises acupuncture believes in the theory of Qi.

Some people take a more scientific approach to acupuncture and instead focus on the way it helps the body to release its natural painkillers, known as 'endorphins'. It can also help stimulate nerve and muscle tissue. Science cannot explain everything about acupuncture, and further research is required before it can be fully understood.

Acupuncture is primarily used to ease symptoms of pain and discomfort. Studies suggest that there are a number of conditions which acupuncture can help to treat, including post-operative pain, migraines, and nausea. More high-quality research is needed into the effectiveness of acupuncture on other conditions.

Acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment, which has few side effects, or complications. However, it is important to make sure that the acupuncturist that you choose is fully qualified, and practises the treatment in safe and hygienic conditions.

How is it performed?

At your first acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will carry out an assessment of your general health and medical history. They will normally ask about your symptoms, and will also enquire about the type of treatment you have received up until now. They may also ask you questions about your lifestyle, such as your sleeping and eating habits. After assessing your health and symptoms, your acupuncturist may look at your tongue, as many acupuncturists believe that the colour and coating of your tongue can be a good indication of what is happening inside your body. You may also have your pulse measured in both wrists. Your acupuncturist will be looking to measure the quality, rhythm, and strength of your pulse.

Inserting the needles

There are over 500 acupuncture points on the body. Acupuncture points are places on your body which are thought to affect the way that your organs and tissues function. During an acupuncture session, normally 10-12 acupuncture points are used. The points your acupuncturist uses may differ from session to session, as your treatment progresses. During an acupuncture session, you will normally be asked to sit, or lie down. You may also be asked to remove some parts of your clothing, so that the acupuncturist can access the relevant acupuncture points on your body. Once your acupuncturist has identified which points are going to be used, a number of ultra-fine needles are placed into the points. They are normally inserted between half a centimetre, to several centimetres into your skin. These needles are single-use, pre-sterilised needles, which are disposed of immediately after use.

Is it painful?

When the needles are inserted, you may feel a tingling sensation, or a dull ache. You should not experience any significant pain. If you do experience pain, let your acupuncturist know straight away, as they may have to readjust the position, or depth, of the needle. The needles used for acupuncture are very different to those used in injections, or blood tests. They are much finer and solid (rather than hollow), making them less painful to insert.

How long does an acupuncture session last?

Once the needles used in acupuncture are inserted, they will be left in place for between 5-30 minutes, depending on the type of treatment you require. In some cases, acupuncture needles will be inserted and then removed a few seconds later. Most acupuncture sessions last between 20-40 minutes. You will normally require approximately 6-12 sessions of acupuncture in order to feel the full benefits of the treatment.


WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE USED FOR

Acupuncture and conventional medicine

A lot of people use acupuncture when they find conventional medical treatments do not work for them. Others use acupuncture alongside more conventional treatment, as a way of enhancing their existing treatment, and speeding their recovery. Some people find that their medical treatment is causing unwanted side effects, and therefore they may try acupuncture as an alternative. If your GP is treating you for a condition or illness, it is advisable that you inform them about your acupuncture treatment. This means that they can  take it into consideration when working out how best to treat your condition.

Some people who have acupuncture find that they are able to reduce, or eventually stop taking, certain forms of medication. However, under no circumstances should you stop taking any prescribed medication, unless your GP specifically advises you to.

Which conditions can acupuncture help treat?

It is very hard to compile a definitive list of conditions that acupuncture can treat. Some acupuncturists suggest that acupuncture can treat a very wide range of conditions, from diarrhoea and the common cold, to drug addiction and insomnia. However, because there is a lack of high-quality research into the effectiveness of acupuncture, it means that it is very difficult to be certain which conditions and problems acupuncture can successfully treat. It has been proven that acupuncture does encourage the body to release natural pain killing substances (endorphins) which means that it is most effective in easing your symptoms of pain and discomfort.

Studies have shown that acupuncture is most effective in helping ease the symptoms of the following conditions: * migraine, * headache, * dental pain, * neck pain, * chronic (long-lasting) back pain, * post-operative pain, and * nausea (particularly chemotherapy-induced nausea).

Although these are some of the only conditions which studies have conclusively proven to be affected by acupuncture, many people have found that the treatment has helped them with other conditions and health-related problems. Studies have shown that acupuncture may have a limited effect on other conditions, although further research is needed before its effect can be proven. These conditions include: * fatigue, * digestive disorders, * anxiety, * depression, * insomnia, * asthma, and * hay fever.

Acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment that has few side effects. Although some studies have not produced conclusive evidence about its effectiveness, many people are still willing to try acupuncture, particularly as there are few risks involved. Acupuncture should not make your condition worse and, following treatment, your symptoms should either remain the same, or they should improve.