Therapy Name: Acupuncture
Regulatory Body: British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
Efficacy: anxiety/depression, arthritis, asthma, pain, eczema, sports injuries, allergies, hayfever, migraine, menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal problems, pregnancy management and delivery, preventative therapy, bronchitis, strokes, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel, skin conditions, breathing difficulties, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), bladder and bowel dysfunctions, stress related illnesses, hormone imbalances, women’s health
Overview: Acupuncture was developed in China and other Eastern countries. Treatment primarily involves inserting fine needles into carefully chosen points, based on detected disharmonies within the body and mind.
How it works: There are around 500 acupuncture points on the body. Stimulating particular points with needles affects the function of particular organs. The area stimulated is not necessarily close to the organ it affects.
The needle treatment may be supplemented with moxa. This is a smouldering herb used by acupuncturists to encourage the energy of the body to flow smoothly. Acupuncture points can also be stimulated using lasers or electro-acupuncture. For those people with a fear of needles or for small children, massage or tapping with a rounded probe can be used to stimulate the points.
What to expect: The acupuncturist will ask about any symptoms you have, medical history, diet, sleeping patterns and emotional state in order to assess your general state of health. They will feel the pulses on both of your wrists and look at your tongue.
Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used in injections and blood tests, they are much finer and they are solid. The needle can be inserted for a few seconds or for up to twenty minutes, the sensation is often described as a tingling.
The number of treatments required varies according to individual.
Known Contraindications: Nausea, Syncope, Septicaemia. Risk of Hepatitis C infection through unsafe practice