About acupuncture

The earliest records of acupuncture date back 2,000 years, but some claim that it has been used in some form for at least 4,000 years. The main text providing the philosophical basis for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the Huang Di Nei Jing which lays down the concepts behind disease and health which are as applicable today as 2,000 years ago.

TCM is based on the Taoist concept of health, which is to attain balance between various opposing forces of the natural world. The natural effects of diet, lifestyle, emotions, environment and age all fluctuate in a natural rhythm and imbalance between them and the body bring disease.

Acupuncture points are specific locations on the body that are stimulated either by needles, heat, electricity, or massage. These points are often tender on palpation, and stimulation of them influences disease processes in the body. Acupuncture points are linked together by meridians or channels, which are used by practitioners to influence the whole body as well as a local area such as a painful joint.

The needles used in acupuncture are sterile, single-use, solid and disposable. They are far smaller in diameter than a hypodermic injection needle, hence do not produce the same pain response. Other methods of stimulating acupuncture points include moxibustion (the burning of Chinese mugwort over points to provide local heat), electro-acupuncture (using small electric currents) and cupping (the use of glass cups and a flame in order to create suction and movement).

From a Western medical perspective acupuncture releases endorphins (natural painkillers) into the bloodstream, thus providing pain relief and a feeling of well-being. There is currently much interest in how acupuncture works, and many studies are being undertaken to clinically research the mechanism behind acupuncture and its efficacy.

Acupuncture can be highly effective when used alone or in conjunction with western medication and treatment protocols.

I encourage you to seek medical advice from a suitably qualified health professional regarding any condition you have concerns about.

Strong evidence suggest acupuncture can treat the following conditions:

  • Dental pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee

The WHO has recognised the efficacy of acupuncture for a number of conditions.

Acupuncture may also benefit a wide range of health problems, including the following conditions:

  • Acne
  • Allergies
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis (including gouty arthritis)
  • Asthma
  • Back pain and sciatica
  • Chronic fatigue and tiredness
  • Circulatory problems
  • Cold recurrence
  • Breathing difficulties e.g. bronchitis, emphysema
  • Constipation
  • Cystitis
  • Depression
  • Digestive disorders
  • Diarrhoea
  • Drug and alcohol addiction
  • Eczema and skin disorders
  • Emotional problems
  • Facial rejuvenation/cosmetic acupuncture
  • Gynaecological conditions
  • Headaches/migraines
  • High blood pressure and low blood pressure
  • Infertility
  • Insomnia
  • Joint pain
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Morning sickness and support during pregnancy and childbirth
  • Period pain and premenstrual tension
  • Smoking cessation
  • Sports injuries
  • Weight control