What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of medicine originating in Asia that typically uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles to stimulate specific points on the body. It is a holistic form of treatment and may also include using techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, massage and electro acupuncture, all of which will be explained by the practitioner.
- Cancer related pain and treatment side effects
- Musculoskeletal pain and migraine
- Depression and other mental health disorders
- Fertility related issues and menopausal symptoms
- Childhood ailments and developmental issues
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Extensive research has shown that reported adverse events following acupuncture are incredibly rare and that most side effects are mild and pass very quickly. Serious side-effects following acupuncture are uncommon with research showing that on average only 1 in 10,000 treatments results in a significant side effect.
The most common side effects
- Minor bleeding
- Bruising
- Mild pain at the site of needling
- Sometimes aggravation of symptoms before improvement.
- Drowsiness, tiredness, feeling relaxed
- Fainting during treatment, although this is very rare and usually only on the first treatment
Most people feel pleasantly relaxed and experience no symptoms at all.
Private Medical Insurance
The Association of Acupuncture Clinicians is recognised by the following Private Health Insurers
Before agreeing on a course of treatment with your acupuncturist it is important that you check with your Private Health Insurer to confirm that your treatment will be covered by your policy as this information is subject to changes outside of our control.
“Research into acupuncture as a medical treatment has grown exponentially in the past 20 years, increasing at twice the rate of research into conventional biomedicine.”
What can I expect?
Before any course of acupuncture, your practitioner will conduct a full medical history. In addition to this, they may use other Traditional East Asian diagnostic techniques such as taking your pulse, looking at your tongue and palpating your abdomen. This provides your acupuncturist with the information they need to create an effective treatment plan that is tailored just for you. The consultation involves an element of physical examination, including any tender or problem areas. This diagnosis is relevant whatever your health issues may be, as it informs your practitioner about the way your individual system works and they can best help you.
It is important that you share with your practitioner if you:
- Are taking any anticoagulants, immunosuppressants or any other medication
- Have a damaged heart or any risk of infection
- Have ever had a fit, fainted or felt dizzy
- Have a pacemaker or any other electrical implant
Find an Acupuncturist
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Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that has a homeostatic effect. This means that by treating the individual person, many symptoms, which may not seem at first glance to be linked, are eased.
There is an overwhelming body of research that has been reviewed by the Australian department of Veteran Affairs and the American department of Veteran Affairs and most recently by John McDonald and Stephen Janz (the authors of the Acupuncture Evidence Project). These reviews have shown that for 117 conditions - acupuncture is considered to be effective.
- muscular skeletal pain
- women’s health
- mental health
- paediatric issues
Acupuncture is an evidence-based medicine that can be used to treat a variety of ailments. It has been practiced widely in China for thousands of years, as an integral part of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In recent decades, the practice of acupuncture has become increasingly prevalent world-wide, including in the UK, where it is increasingly being integrated into mainstream conventional medicine, such as within the NHS, as well as being provided in private practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture is a form of healthcare that originated in ancient China some 2,500 years ago, which is now widely practiced across the world.
The focus is on the whole individual rather than on a single ailment, since the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of a person are understood to be interconnected.
Acupuncturists use a range of diagnostic approaches including observing the tongue, taking the pulse, tuina/massage, cupping, guasha and moxibustion, but treatment predominantly involves the insertion of fine, single-use, disposable needles under the skin.
The body is thought to run on energy (otherwise known as qi) and the flow of this energy requires specific pathways (or meridians) for the body to run smoothly. These meridians affect specific organs so blockages can result in illness or dis-ease. Fortunately, each meridian has several acupuncture points, and ultra-fine needles are used in acupuncture to trigger the body’s healing response. This restores to body to its former equilibrium, and often creates an overall sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture is an evidence-based medicine that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, and these include but are not limited to:
Post-operative and chronic pain
Depression
Sciatica / lower back pain
Irritable bowel syndrome
Cancer-related fatigue
Insomnia
Fertility Issues
Chronic tension type headaches / migraines
A more extensive list is available at the Evidence Based Acupuncture website.
Your Acupuncture practitioner will use fine, sterilised, single-use needles for your treatment. The number of needles is kept to a minimum, and they may be inserted and removed immediately, or left in for a few minutes. Most people notice a slight tingling or slight dull ache only, and find the whole experience very relaxing.