What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the longest established forms of healthcare in the world. Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for thousands of years. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to affect the flow of your body’s qi, or vital energy. For a number of lifestyle and environmental reasons qi can become disturbed, depleted or blocked which can result in symptoms of pain and illness.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

A growing body of evidence-based clinical research is discovering how the body responds to acupuncture and its benefits for a wide range of common health conditions.

In traditional terms, the aim of treatment is to direct the flow of qi to trigger your body’s healing response and to restore physical, emotional and mental equilibrium. From a more scientific perspective, the insertion of needles has been shown to trigger the release of natural painkilling substances e.g. endorphins, and other biomolecules, as well as stimulating sensory nerves. There is much research ongoing into this area in the bid to explain exactly what happens when an acupuncture needle is inserted into a point, and we are gradually gaining more insight into its mode of action.

Acupuncture Treatments

Individual acupuncture treatments are aimed not only at the symptoms, but also at correcting the imbalances that caused them initially. Depending on the condition, your initial visit can last up to an hour and a quarter. The acupuncture consultation consists of taking a detailed case history, which includes questions about your medical history, digestion, sleep patterns and energy, so that an entire picture of you may be established.

Acupuncture treatment has a cumulative effect and initially you will need treatment on a weekly basis and then less frequently as symptoms improve. Acupuncture treatments may then be continued at intervals throughout the year to maintain optimal health levels. Most people find acupuncture a relaxing and pleasant experience.

A Holistic Approach

Treatment is designed to affect your whole being as well as your symptoms so, as the condition being treated improves, you may notice other health problems resolve, and an increased feeling of wellbeing. The focus is on you as an individual, not your illness, and all symptoms are seen in relation to each other.

Acupuncture can be used safely and effectively alongside conventional medical treatments.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complimentary, on offer in the UK. There are very few side effects from acupuncture when practised by a fully qualified practitioner of traditional acupuncture.

Membership of the British Acupuncture Council requires practitioners to meet their clinical safety, ethical and academic standards.