Originally practised in China and other Eastern countries, acupuncture has been used as a method of encouraging the body to heal and repair itself for thousands of years. Based on the belief that the life force – Qi or Chi - of the human body flows between the organs along twelve pathways or meridians, this energy must run in the correct strength for us to remain healthy. Any blocking or reduction in the Qi results in an imbalance and illness.

Treatment is provided by the insertion of very fine needles, varying in number from just one or two to twenty, at acupoints found along the body’s meridian lines. There are some 500 acupoints on the body. The selection of which ones to use will be done by the acupuncturist, following a detailed interview and examination of the patient.
Typically the acupuncturist, having asked you to describe your symptoms, will examine your tongue and use the colour to guide them in their diagnosis. A tongue with a white coating, for example, indicates too much heat in the body, whilst a yellow coating suggests too much moisture. The body has twelve meridian pulses, six in each wrist, which will be taken to inform the treatment decisions.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nerves at the acupoints causing the brain to release natural pain killing substances known as endorphins. The needles, usually stainless steel and more rarely gold or silver, need only be in position for a few moments, although they can be left in place for up to an hour if required. Some acupuncturists will spin the needles manually whilst others provide the stimulation via electrical stimulation.

Immediately following the treatment most patients report either a feeling of enhanced energy or very slight dizziness caused by the body as it tries to free itself of the toxins. A series of treatments may be only a few sessions of 30 minutes to an hour, or it may be extended to up to twenty sessions on a weekly basis.

There is still some debate as to whether acupuncture really works or is effective only as a result of a placebo effect. Research has not been conclusive. Some patients have apparently benefited from the process because they believe that they will become better. Of course positive thinking is one of the outcomes of the treatment according to supporters and is nothing more than the rebalancing of the Qi. Acupuncture treatments appear to be safe for just about every body, regardless of age, and to have virtually no side effects.

All qualified acupuncturists seek to work alongside modern medicine, complementing the advice and input of their patients’ GPs. Unfortunately it is still possible for anyone to call themselves an acupuncture therapist with no training or qualifications. This is a matter of great concern to many, not least of all those therapists who spend much time and effort to gain qualifications. To make sure that you are safe you should refer to your GP for advice. An increasing number of surgeries are providing complementary treatments, but if yours does not they will certainly be able to advise you of the nearest acupuncture therapist. Failing this your Primary Health Trust will have a list of qualified practitioners in their area.

If you are considering acupuncture treatment make sure your therapist is a member of either the British Medical Acupuncture Society or the British Acupuncture Council.