What Does Acupuncture Involve?
So, what does acupuncture involve? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that patients prior to having acupuncture treatment. Since first being introduced in the West in the early 1970’s, the demand for it has steadily grown, until it is now one of the mainstream complementary therapies practised in the United Kingdom.
Q: What is it?
A: Practised for thousands of years, it is one of the oldest methods of healing. It is believed to have originated in China and the fact that it is still widely used today gives some indication of its great value in treating many conditions.
It is soundly based on the laws and principles that underlie the creation of all natural phenomenon. In the practice of traditional Five Elements acupuncture these laws are closely observed and treatment is based upon working with them.
There is a vital life force (Qi energy) that flows through subtle channels forming a network throughout the body. When this energy is free flowing and balanced then health and wellbeing are experienced. In any disease condition this energy has become disturbed and both its strength and quality are impaired. ‘Dis-ease’ occurs when the ease with which this energy would normally flow is affected. Our emotions and feelings, adverse climatic conditions and trauma all have a powerful impact on the Qi, especially if they are extreme or prolonged.
The use of fine needles (usually stainless steel) gently inserted into specific points along the affected channels or meridians affects the Qi and begins to re-balance it. Blockages in the flow can be detected and released, stagnation or excess energy dispersed and energy improved where there is deficiency. As harmony and balance are once again restored, symptoms of illness disappear. Together with needles, a herb called moxa ( artemesia vulgaris latiflora) may also be used in the form of very small cones placed on the acupuncture point or wrapped around the needle, ignited and removed when heat is felt. This invigorates the Qi and is especially useful when symptoms arise due to cold.
Q: What can it treat?
A: Five Elements acupuncture views a person holistically as body and spirit. The body reflects the state of the spirit and likewise what is happening to the body can affect the spirit. If there is anger, anxiety, fears, depression, grief, panic, sadness or worry these can create imbalance in the Qi and affect the functioning of the body. Poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma can also affect the energy.
Many conditions can be treated including anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrositis, high blood pressure, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions or ulcers. Treatment is aimed towards restoring harmony once again. As all aspects are part of the whole person, imbalance can manifest on any or all levels – mentally, emotionally and physically.
Q: Who has it?
A: There is no age limit for having treatment. Even very young children can have it. For them, moxa alone may be all that is required and a minimum of needles. If a patient is sceptical this will not affect the benefits of treatment.
Q. What does it feel like?
A: The needles are very fine like a hair and solid, unlike the ones normally used in blood tests. When the needles are inserted the sensation felt can be slightly tingling, a dull ache or hardly anything is felt. The needles may be inserted for a second or two, or left in for up to 20 minutes depending upon the desired effect. Often there is the experience of relaxation or having more energy after treatment.
Q: What will my first visit be like?
A: This would take up to two hours and entail a detailed medical and personal history and a physical examination to assess your general state of health and ascertain the underlying patterns of disharmony. The Chinese pulses are taken, usually in the wrist from which the condition of the energy in the twelve main meridians can be determined. Other diagnostic tools of Chinese medicine are to analyse the predominant facial colour, sound of the voice, emotion and odour. By these methods the condition of the Qi can be revealed as well as the underlying cause of the condition.
There are about 500 recognised acupuncture points. Needles may be inserted in different part of the body to where the problem is experienced. For instance points on the feet and hands may be used to treat headaches. The acupuncturist needs to know of any medication you may be taking and it can be helpful to let your doctor know you are having acupuncture. Treatment may enable you to stop or reduce medication and this would need to be done in consultation with your doctor.
Q: How frequent is treatment?
A: This varies from person to person and the needs of the individual. Some change should usually be felt after five treatments and often much sooner. Treatment is usually recommended once or twice a week or even less depending on the condition. Effects of treatment can be sometimes dramatic and only one or two are needed. In other cases the effects may be more subtle and felt over a period of months.
Q: How Safe is it?
A: Make sure that you have treatment from an acupuncturist belonging to a recognised professional body that observe a Code of Practice that lays down stringent standards for equipment, sterilisation and hygiene. Many acupuncturists now use disposable needles.
Please ensure that your practitioner is professionally qualified.
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council whose headquarters are at:
63 Jeddo Road, London, W12 9HQ Phone: 020 8735 0400
Email: info@acupuncture.org.uk Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk/
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