Effects of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate your immune system and affect your circulation, blood
pressure, the rhythm and stroke volume of your heart, secretion of gastric acid, and production of
red and white cells. It also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help your body to
respond to injury and stress.
What can Acupuncture do for me? The healing applications of Acupuncture
Though Acupuncture seems to be useful as a stand-alone treatment, it is increasingly being used
in conjunction with more conventional Western medical treatments. Doctors sometimes combine
acupuncture and drugs to control post-operative pain (esp dental) and alleviate
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Studies suggest that acupuncture may offer symptomatic relief for a variety of diseases and
conditions these include easing the symptoms of low back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia,
migraines, neck ache, and osteoarthritis. It also appears to offer relief for tennis elbow, bursitis,
psoriasis (skin disorders), allergies, and asthma, chronic menstrual cramps. Increasingly women
are choosing to have acupuncture to support them throughout pregnancy, labour and after giving
birth. The following is a list of disorders that can be treated by acupuncture (World Health
Organisation data):
Eye
Conjunctivitis (pinkeye), Nearsightedness (in children), Cataract (without complications).
Mouth
Toothache, post extraction pain, Gingivitis (gum disease), Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis.
Respiratory
Bronchitis, Bronchial Asthma, Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, and the common cold.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Hiccups, Gastritis, Gastric Hyperacidity, Ulcers, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea, Paralytic Ileus.
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, Paralysis following stroke, Meniere's disease,
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), Intercostal neuralgia (pain in
the ribs), Cervicobrachial syndrome (pain radiating from neck to arm), Frozen shoulder or Tennis
elbow, Sciatica, Low back pain, Osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture has also found to be effective for the treatment of mind-body disorders such as
anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, insomnia, PMT, menopausal
symptoms, and depression. Some modern applications of acupuncture lie in the treatment of
disorders such as alcoholism, substance addiction, smoking, and eating disorders.
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate your immune system and affect your circulation, blood
pressure, the rhythm and stroke volume of your heart, secretion of gastric acid, and production of
red and white cells. It also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help your body to
respond to injury and stress.
What can Acupuncture do for me? The healing applications of Acupuncture
Though Acupuncture seems to be useful as a stand-alone treatment, it is increasingly being used
in conjunction with more conventional Western medical treatments. Doctors sometimes combine
acupuncture and drugs to control post-operative pain (esp dental) and alleviate
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Studies suggest that acupuncture may offer symptomatic relief for a variety of diseases and
conditions these include easing the symptoms of low back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia,
migraines, neck ache, and osteoarthritis. It also appears to offer relief for tennis elbow, bursitis,
psoriasis (skin disorders), allergies, and asthma, chronic menstrual cramps. Increasingly women
are choosing to have acupuncture to support them throughout pregnancy, labour and after giving
birth. The following is a list of disorders that can be treated by acupuncture (World Health
Organisation data):
Eye
Conjunctivitis (pinkeye), Nearsightedness (in children), Cataract (without complications).
Mouth
Toothache, post extraction pain, Gingivitis (gum disease), Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis.
Respiratory
Bronchitis, Bronchial Asthma, Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, and the common cold.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Hiccups, Gastritis, Gastric Hyperacidity, Ulcers, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea, Paralytic Ileus.
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, Paralysis following stroke, Meniere's disease,
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), Intercostal neuralgia (pain in
the ribs), Cervicobrachial syndrome (pain radiating from neck to arm), Frozen shoulder or Tennis
elbow, Sciatica, Low back pain, Osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture has also found to be effective for the treatment of mind-body disorders such as
anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, insomnia, PMT, menopausal
symptoms, and depression. Some modern applications of acupuncture lie in the treatment of
disorders such as alcoholism, substance addiction, smoking, and eating disorders.
In the past 40 years acupuncture has become a well-known, reasonably available treatment in
most developed and developing countries. It is now widely used and accepted all over the world.
In the UK, acupuncture is a popular and well-established complementary therapy, with
approximately three million people undergoing this kind of treatment each year. in the UK there
are currently over 2800 qualified acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient but tried and tested system of Chinese medical traditional
(complementary) medicine. The Chinese and other eastern cultures have been using acupuncture
to restore, promote and maintain good health for thousands of years. Acupuncture is, believed to
date back to around 200BC. The earliest written reference to acupuncture is in the Yellow
Emperor's book of medicine, the Nei Ching.
Acupuncture is based on the Chinese belief that the human body is controlled by a life force, or
‘vital substance’, known as Qi or Chi (pronounced 'chee'). Qi flows through the body in channels,
known as meridians - When your Qi is disturbed or unbalanced it can make you unwell.
Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of Qi, and helps it to run smoothly through your body.
Acupuncture literally means 'needle piercing. It involves the practice of inserting very fine needles
at key points (called acupoints or acupuncture points) into the skin, to stimulate specific anatomic
points in the body to balance the movement of this energy in the body to restore health.
Practitioners of acupuncture may also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of
electromagnetic energy to stimulate these points.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The traditional Chinese theory behind acupuncture as medical treatment is very different from
that of Western medicine. Drawing on classical Taoist philosophy, acupuncturists believe that
health results from a harmonious balance between the complementary extremes (yin and yang)
and of the life force Qi. They postulate that illness is caused when the body's yin and yang
elements become unbalanced. [The word Yin refers to material substance, while the word Yang
signifies formless energy]. According to acupuncturists, the body should create a natural balance
between both yin and yang. Illness results from an imbalance of the forces. However, if an
imbalance does occur, acupuncture can help to re-work the balance.
n
Traditional acupuncture works to maintain the body's equilibrium by focusing on all aspects of well
being; physical, mental, and emotional. Good health is not just the absence of pain/disease.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating
energy moving in a smooth and balanced way through the meridians. The flow of Qi can be
disturbed by any number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, anger, or
grief, as well as poor nutrition, hereditary factors, infections, and trauma. When the Qi is
unbalanced, illness may result.
Historically, acupuncture points were believed to be holes that allow entry into the meridian
channels. These holes provided gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease the body's
Qi, thus correcting many of the imbalances. The insertion of needles into different parts of the
body is believed to influence the Qi that runs through invisible channels throughout the body.
Acupuncturists place their needles into specific acupoints that are thought to form patterns in the
body like constellations in the night sky. The body's acupoints are said to run along 12 main
meridians (channels) and the energy flow is accessible through more than 350 acupuncture points.
Not everyone who practises acupuncture believes in the theory of Qi. Furthermore, traditional
Western conceptions of the body do not directly correspond with the forms of the acupoints and
meridians. The Western explanation of acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of
neuroscience. For example, some practitioners take a more scientific approach to acupuncture
and focus instead on the way it helps the body release its natural painkillers, known as
'endorphins'. They also feel it can help stimulate nerve and muscle tissue. Indeed, Western
doctors recognise that the manipulation of the larger nerve fibres can be used to block pain. Many
practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective
tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's endorphins and increase blood
flow. Science cannot yet explain everything about acupuncture, and further research is required
before it can be fully understood.
most developed and developing countries. It is now widely used and accepted all over the world.
In the UK, acupuncture is a popular and well-established complementary therapy, with
approximately three million people undergoing this kind of treatment each year. in the UK there
are currently over 2800 qualified acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient but tried and tested system of Chinese medical traditional
(complementary) medicine. The Chinese and other eastern cultures have been using acupuncture
to restore, promote and maintain good health for thousands of years. Acupuncture is, believed to
date back to around 200BC. The earliest written reference to acupuncture is in the Yellow
Emperor's book of medicine, the Nei Ching.
Acupuncture is based on the Chinese belief that the human body is controlled by a life force, or
‘vital substance’, known as Qi or Chi (pronounced 'chee'). Qi flows through the body in channels,
known as meridians - When your Qi is disturbed or unbalanced it can make you unwell.
Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of Qi, and helps it to run smoothly through your body.
Acupuncture literally means 'needle piercing. It involves the practice of inserting very fine needles
at key points (called acupoints or acupuncture points) into the skin, to stimulate specific anatomic
points in the body to balance the movement of this energy in the body to restore health.
Practitioners of acupuncture may also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of
electromagnetic energy to stimulate these points.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The traditional Chinese theory behind acupuncture as medical treatment is very different from
that of Western medicine. Drawing on classical Taoist philosophy, acupuncturists believe that
health results from a harmonious balance between the complementary extremes (yin and yang)
and of the life force Qi. They postulate that illness is caused when the body's yin and yang
elements become unbalanced. [The word Yin refers to material substance, while the word Yang
signifies formless energy]. According to acupuncturists, the body should create a natural balance
between both yin and yang. Illness results from an imbalance of the forces. However, if an
imbalance does occur, acupuncture can help to re-work the balance.
n
Traditional acupuncture works to maintain the body's equilibrium by focusing on all aspects of well
being; physical, mental, and emotional. Good health is not just the absence of pain/disease.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating
energy moving in a smooth and balanced way through the meridians. The flow of Qi can be
disturbed by any number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, anger, or
grief, as well as poor nutrition, hereditary factors, infections, and trauma. When the Qi is
unbalanced, illness may result.
Historically, acupuncture points were believed to be holes that allow entry into the meridian
channels. These holes provided gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease the body's
Qi, thus correcting many of the imbalances. The insertion of needles into different parts of the
body is believed to influence the Qi that runs through invisible channels throughout the body.
Acupuncturists place their needles into specific acupoints that are thought to form patterns in the
body like constellations in the night sky. The body's acupoints are said to run along 12 main
meridians (channels) and the energy flow is accessible through more than 350 acupuncture points.
Not everyone who practises acupuncture believes in the theory of Qi. Furthermore, traditional
Western conceptions of the body do not directly correspond with the forms of the acupoints and
meridians. The Western explanation of acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of
neuroscience. For example, some practitioners take a more scientific approach to acupuncture
and focus instead on the way it helps the body release its natural painkillers, known as
'endorphins'. They also feel it can help stimulate nerve and muscle tissue. Indeed, Western
doctors recognise that the manipulation of the larger nerve fibres can be used to block pain. Many
practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective
tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's endorphins and increase blood
flow. Science cannot yet explain everything about acupuncture, and further research is required
before it can be fully understood.
So what does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests. For those
still nervous about the procedure here is one of our client’s description of exactly what the needle
feels like once inserted into an acupuncture point. “When the needle is inserted, the sensation is a
like a tiny tingling or dull ache. Something akin to a new mosquito bite, a minor sensation of tiny
bits of electric current shooting in different directions throughout your body”. Only a small
percentage of people would say it's painful.
In most practitioner’s experience, absolutely minimal pain is described, and this is most likely
caused by a psychological factor. Most first time people are more scared psychologically of the
physical sensation. There are sensations including tingling and local numbness, occasionally a
small amount of swelling, and some dull itchiness. However, all such sensations are short-lived.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Regardless of the pain aspect, another more important concern is that of safety. Acupuncture has
a very sound track record. The needles used are single-use, sterile and disposable. Responses to
treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and on occasion minor bruising may
occur. Acupuncture may cause swelling, tingling, or numbness, but it is perfectly safe, and rarely
painful unless a psychological condition or phobia exists.
Acupuncture may not be safe if you have a bleeding disorder or if you're taking blood thinners.
The most common side effects of acupuncture are soreness, bleeding or bruising at the needle
sites. It is very rare for a needle to break or an internal organ to be injured. If needles are
reused, infectious diseases may be accidentally transmitted. However, these risks are extremely
low in the hands of a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner.
Who has Acupuncture?
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, and some
because they simply feel generally unwell. Others choose acupuncture to enhance their feeling of
wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can
also be used alongside conventional medicine. Nowadays more and more people are finding this
long established therapy can offer an effective solution to all manner of today's ills.
What happens when I go for treatment?
You will be asked about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical
I history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The acupuncturist is
also likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, and may ask to look at your tongue. The
acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the
problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in
your foot or hand. Treatment is aimed at the root of your condition, as well as your symptoms.
This approach can lead to a more permanent resolution of your problems.
How many sessions will need?
Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. Some change is usually
felt after five treatments, although occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some
patients may need treatment over several months or long-term. Your acupuncturist will normally
ask to see you once or twice a week at first.
Should my doctor know?
If you have been prescribed medication it makes sense to tell your doctor that you are planning to
have acupuncture. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking
as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Don't be afraid to tell your doctor you're considering acupuncture. He or she may be able to tell
you about the success rate of using acupuncture for your condition or recommend an acupuncture
practitioner for you to try.
Choosing an acupuncture practitioner
Acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment, which has few side effects or complications.
However, it is important to make sure that the acupuncturist that you choose is fully qualified, and
practises the treatment under safe and hygienic conditions.
If you're considering acupuncture, do the same things you would do if you were choosing a doctor:
Ask people you trust for recommendations. Check the practitioner's training and credentials.
Interview the practitioner. Ask what's involved in the treatment, how likely it is to help your
condition and how much it will cost. Find out whether the expense is covered by your insurance.
Pros and Cons
As with most medical therapies, acupuncture has both benefits and risks. Consider the benefits:
Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests. For those
still nervous about the procedure here is one of our client’s description of exactly what the needle
feels like once inserted into an acupuncture point. “When the needle is inserted, the sensation is a
like a tiny tingling or dull ache. Something akin to a new mosquito bite, a minor sensation of tiny
bits of electric current shooting in different directions throughout your body”. Only a small
percentage of people would say it's painful.
In most practitioner’s experience, absolutely minimal pain is described, and this is most likely
caused by a psychological factor. Most first time people are more scared psychologically of the
physical sensation. There are sensations including tingling and local numbness, occasionally a
small amount of swelling, and some dull itchiness. However, all such sensations are short-lived.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Regardless of the pain aspect, another more important concern is that of safety. Acupuncture has
a very sound track record. The needles used are single-use, sterile and disposable. Responses to
treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness, and on occasion minor bruising may
occur. Acupuncture may cause swelling, tingling, or numbness, but it is perfectly safe, and rarely
painful unless a psychological condition or phobia exists.
Acupuncture may not be safe if you have a bleeding disorder or if you're taking blood thinners.
The most common side effects of acupuncture are soreness, bleeding or bruising at the needle
sites. It is very rare for a needle to break or an internal organ to be injured. If needles are
reused, infectious diseases may be accidentally transmitted. However, these risks are extremely
low in the hands of a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner.
Who has Acupuncture?
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, and some
because they simply feel generally unwell. Others choose acupuncture to enhance their feeling of
wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can
also be used alongside conventional medicine. Nowadays more and more people are finding this
long established therapy can offer an effective solution to all manner of today's ills.
What happens when I go for treatment?
You will be asked about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical
I history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The acupuncturist is
also likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, and may ask to look at your tongue. The
acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the
problem. For example, although you might suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in
your foot or hand. Treatment is aimed at the root of your condition, as well as your symptoms.
This approach can lead to a more permanent resolution of your problems.
How many sessions will need?
Frequency and length of treatment depends on your individual condition. Some change is usually
felt after five treatments, although occasionally only one or two treatments are required. Some
patients may need treatment over several months or long-term. Your acupuncturist will normally
ask to see you once or twice a week at first.
Should my doctor know?
If you have been prescribed medication it makes sense to tell your doctor that you are planning to
have acupuncture. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking
as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Don't be afraid to tell your doctor you're considering acupuncture. He or she may be able to tell
you about the success rate of using acupuncture for your condition or recommend an acupuncture
practitioner for you to try.
Choosing an acupuncture practitioner
Acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment, which has few side effects or complications.
However, it is important to make sure that the acupuncturist that you choose is fully qualified, and
practises the treatment under safe and hygienic conditions.
If you're considering acupuncture, do the same things you would do if you were choosing a doctor:
Ask people you trust for recommendations. Check the practitioner's training and credentials.
Interview the practitioner. Ask what's involved in the treatment, how likely it is to help your
condition and how much it will cost. Find out whether the expense is covered by your insurance.
Pros and Cons
As with most medical therapies, acupuncture has both benefits and risks. Consider the benefits:
- Acupuncture is safe when performed properly.
- It has few side effects.
- It can be useful as a complement to other treatment methods.
- It's becoming more available in conventional medical settings.
- It helps control certain types of pain.
- It may be an alternative if you don't respond to or don't want to take pain medications.
| © Copyright 2008 - Active Recovery - All Rights Reserved. The Gaia Centre for Holistic Therapy, 17 Frederick Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3BH email: admin@gaiaholistics.co.uk Tel: 01509 551513 |
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| About Acupuncture |
Caroline Hathaway MBAcC
Gaia Acupuncture Practitioners:
Of all the questions and myths that have been answered about acupuncture
over the years, whether or not acupuncture is painful is probably the most
notable. Many potential clients to acupuncture shy away from the treatment
simply because of the images of other acupuncture patients pricked full of
tiny needles. But as hurtful and painful as those images may appear, most
who have visited an acupuncturist will agree that there is very little pain
involved.
Acupuncturists report that only a very small fraction of people complain of
pain; some 95 - 98 % of people feel no pain. Yet, if you ask people if they
can feel the needle, 80% will say yes. They feel something, but it's not
painful. It would seem though that psychological images that potential
clients have about acupuncture can sometimes affect their first session.
Our advice is, go into your session with an open mind about the entire
process.
over the years, whether or not acupuncture is painful is probably the most
notable. Many potential clients to acupuncture shy away from the treatment
simply because of the images of other acupuncture patients pricked full of
tiny needles. But as hurtful and painful as those images may appear, most
who have visited an acupuncturist will agree that there is very little pain
involved.
Acupuncturists report that only a very small fraction of people complain of
pain; some 95 - 98 % of people feel no pain. Yet, if you ask people if they
can feel the needle, 80% will say yes. They feel something, but it's not
painful. It would seem though that psychological images that potential
clients have about acupuncture can sometimes affect their first session.
Our advice is, go into your session with an open mind about the entire
process.
Is Acupuncture painful?