What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other eastern countries for thousands of years. It is used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy-known as Qi (pronounced "Chee") - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities-Yin and Yang-and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance.

Who has Acupuncture?

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These might include:

• Allergies e.g. hay fever
• Arthritis and musculo-skeletal pain e.g. tennis elbow
• Asthma (long term symptom control only, not acute asthma)
• Back pain and sciatica
• Depression
• Digestive problems (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome)
• Headaches
• Menstrual problems
• Neuralgia e.g. trigeminal neuralgia
• Skin Conditions

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used for injections and blood tests. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. Needles are sterile and disposable after single use. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted for a few seconds or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required.

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture.