What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an integral part of the rapid growth of complementary therapy in the UK, and with an increasing number of people seeking acupuncture treatment it is important for patients and healthcare professionals to understand the difference in the two styles most commonly on offer.

Acupuncture as practised by members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is an holistic approach to health based on over 2000 years of developments and refinements in the Far East. Western-style or medical acupuncture is a more recent development practised predominantly by doctors and physiotherapists which uses a more limited range of acupuncture techniques on the basis of a western medical diagnosis. Traditionally, acupuncture is an holistic approach to the management of disease as well as the maintenance of health. The skill of an acupuncturist lies in their ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony is unique to each individual and with traditional acupuncture will be treated as such with a personalised treatment plan.

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact 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 - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (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. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma. The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.

What does it feel like?

Most peoples experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those. Acupuncture needles are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.

Who has acupuncture?

Many people with specific symptoms or conditions. These might include anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrosis's, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, ulcers, skin conditions to mention a few.

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and relief of pain in childbirth. It has also been helpful for addictions like smoking, alcohol etc.

Q:  Can I give blood after acupuncture treatment – I thought that I wouldn’t be able to?

A:  Yes, you can give blood immediately. Your practitioner will provide you with a signed certificate which certifies that you have received acupuncture from a fully qualified and trained practitioner who operates to the highest health and safety standards. The Blood Transfusion Service will happily accept this as proof that you can safely give blood.

Q:  Is acupuncture hygienic?

A:  Absolutely! All the needles used are disposable and are used once only. They are manufactured to the highest standards in terms of hygiene. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, your practitioner is required to uphold the highest ethical and health and safety standards.