What is acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy used to encourage natural healing and improve functioning of the body. Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Acupuncture is safe, effective and is becoming more popular in the West. Furthermore, doctors are increasingly recognising the validity of acupuncture treatment as a complementary therapy to conventional medicine. In fact, a BBC documentary shown in 2006 showed it’s effect in reducing pain but it’s influence on the limbic system of the brain on an MRI scan.

The ancient Chinese described the aim of acupuncture as a means of regulating the channels of the body and unblock stagnation of vital energy (Qi). It is believed that when Qi gets blocked or deficient, we feel unwell physically or emotionally.

I carry out acupuncture with very fine, disposable needles. You may feel a slight tingling sensation or dull ache when the needles are inserted. Various methods of manipulating needles can be applied to create subtle sensations. In certain conditions, some other techniques are used as part of treatment:

• Electro-acupuncture applies electric pulses to the needles.
• Moxibustion uses a Chinese herb to heat points or needles.
• Cupping involves attaching a cup to the skin surface, creating a low pressure that increases circulation, diminishes pain and creates other results. It can prevent the development of colds in the early stages.
• Plum Blossom Needling uses the principles of bleeding certain points to expel impurities.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The initial consultation will involve taking a case history in order to be able to make a diagnosis in Chinese Medicine and formulate an effective treatment strategy. Case taking involves finding out (in detail) about your condition and many other aspects of your health, lifestyle and medical history will also be taken. There will be a point where the pulse will be examined and the tongue will be looked at.

Frequency of Treatments

This will depend on the individual and their condition. For an acute condition, a few treatments may be sufficient. As far as possible the number of anticipated treatments will be advised but this can be difficult to predict. Treatment is once/twice a week although this may be less frequent depending on the condition.

Are there any adverse effects from treatment?

One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of side effects. Occasionally an acupuncture point may bleed very slightly after being needled and this stops almost immediately. Bruising is another rare occurrence. Sometimes a patient may feel a little worse after treatment but this should only be a temporary aggravation, followed by a stronger improvement.

Advice before and after treatment

Acupuncture treatment can be done at any time, however it is best to eat a light meal before treatment and avoid an unusually large meal immediately after. Alcohol and sedatives should be avoided for the day. Patients should advise the acupuncturist if they are feeling particularly tired on the day that they attend clinic.