What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing that was developed as part of the traditional medicine of China, Japan and other Eastern countries. Its spread to the West has been relatively slow but steady, and in recent years acupuncture has found increasing acceptance in Western medical practice, particularly in pain relief.
The practice of acupuncture began with the discovery that stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs of the body. The current practices have evolved into a system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles into points (called acupuncture points or acupoints) just below the surface of the skin. These points are in very specific locations and lie on special channels of energy that are called meridians. Another part of the treatment is called moxibustion, which is the warming of the acupuncture points with smouldering herbs. The needles can also be stimulated using a small electric current. This is called electro-acupuncture.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is just one part of the broader system of treatment known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is based on the concept of an energy flow through the body called Qi or Chi. This energy is circulated through the body via 14 main energy pathways called meridians. Each one of these pathways or channels is thought to be linked to an internal organ. It is believed that if this flow of energy is blocked, imbalances occur which in turn lead to health problems. This block in the energy flow can be cleared away with the insertion of acupuncture needles at special acupuncture points along the meridians. When the needles are applied to the points the organ function is stimulated. There are 1,000 acupuncture points within the meridian system. Acupuncture and acupressure (the stimulation of the points with the fingers and hands) treatments are aimed at unblocking the meridians, easing muscle tension, and stimulating the energy and blood flow so the natural healing mechanisms of the body are adjusted, striking a balance in the body.

Acupuncture treatment

When the patient is seen for the first time, the practitioner will take a complete history and then may take a strictly Chinese approach to medical examination or they may use a combination of Eastern and Western techniques. Palpation or testing of the meridians is often done prior to needle insertion. When the acupuncture needle is inserted, a slight, dull pain, tingling or electrical-like sensation may be felt which is called the 'De Qi' sensation and this indicates the Qi has been accessed. Once the needle is in place, no further discomfort should be felt. In actual fact, often there will be an occasional agreeable, tingling or warm feeling experienced along the meridians. The needles are usually left in place for between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the conditions being treated. The removal of the needles usually causes no discomfort and only rarely is there any very minor bleeding from an insertion point.
The inserted needle may also be stimulated by manually rotating the needle or heating with a moxastick to enhance the effect. The needles can also be stimulated electrically using various frequencies and intensities. Some patients may require only one or 2 treatments, but others may require many sessions to achieve a successful outcome.

Professional Body:

The British Acupuncture Council
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
63 Jeddo Road
London
W12 9HQ
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 8735 0400
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 8735 0404
E-mail: info@acupuncture.org.uk