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Acupuncture is the use of different types of needles on various presssure or energy points of the body to treat many common ailments. It is especially useful to relieve pain.
It is believed to have originated many thousands of years ago in the Far East, especially China but has only been recognised in the West as an accepted form of treatment in the past 30-40 years.
Acupuncture can be divided into 2 types:
1. Chinese: this is the traditional Chinese method and is of ancient origin. Practitioners of Chinese acupuncture follow the philiosophy of "Yin and Yang" where an imbalance in body energies or life forces causes illness. Therefore, needles are used to correct the imbalance by insertion at specific points in the body. The energy formed when Yin and Yang are in unison in the body is called Qi ("Chee") and this concept lies at the heart of the Chinese method. Therapists claim that there must be a balance between Yin and Yang for well being. Qi is thought to flow through channels called Meridians that run from hands and feet to the body and head and there are thought to be 14 such major Meridians. An obstruction or blockage of these channels causes ill health and disease. Qi is thought to enter and exit the body at particular points along these channels and it is at these points where needles are inserted to unblock the flow of Qi returning the body back to normal functioning.
2. Medical or Western: this more modern approach focuses on the science of inserting needles into various parts of the body and its subsequent physical and chemical effects. As such it is practiced much more frequently by conventional doctors. Needles are inserted into Trigger Points (Acupoints) which are sensitive spots for example where nerves enter or exit muscles or other soft tissues. Stimulation of these trigger points by needles is thought to release endorphins which are the body's natural pain killers. It is also thought that natural anti-inflammatory chemicals may also be released further aiding recovery.
Many doctors believe that acupuncture works by stimulating nerves and these are often located along the same paths as Meridians described by traditional Chinese acupuncturists.There is some evidence that acupoints exist and these coincide with areas which become tender when people are unwell or in pain. These points may be manipulated by conventional therapists such as physiotherapists.
Generally before starting acupuncture treatment a full assessment of the patient is carried out to ascertain the patient's problems and his/her suitability. The therapist will usuallly then use a few small needles which are much thinner than the standard needles to probe various tissues. This is usually a near painless process and some patients may even find it pleasant. The therapist can then either pass electric currents to increase the effect or use herbs on needles to increase warmth. Other therapists may use different needle free methods to heat up trigger points such as using "Moxa burners" or "Moxa sticks".
There may be some slight bruising at needle insertion points but despite this most patients are relaxed and comfortable after the first treatment. Depending on individual circumstances up to 8 sessions may be required, although this is not always the case. The following conditions and illnesses are thought to respond well to acupuncture:
- allergies;
- anxiety and stress symptoms;
- athritic pain or rheumatism;
- back pain;
- depression;
- hay fever;
- high blood pressure;
- knee pain;
- labour pain;
- migraines;
- period pains;
- pre-menstrual tension or syndrome;
- sciatica;
- shingles pain;
- sinus pressure or pain;
- skin conditions;
- tooth ache.
Further information in the UK can be obtained from:
- The British Acupuncture Council; and
- The British Medical Acupuncture Society ("BMAS").
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