What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Chinese art of medicine. Chinese medicine holds that any symptom or illness is a imbalance in a persons energy. This energy is called, QI (pronounced "chi" in Chinese, "kee" in Japanese). QI travels in pathways known as channels from the surface of the body to very deep in the body. It is the imbalances in the energy which produces the symptoms. Acupuncture balances the imbalance in the person's energy.

History of Acupuncture

The history of acupuncture can be traced back to the stone age. It has been practiced in china for at least five thousand years. In the 6th century A.D, it was introduced in Japan and other countries. At present there are forty countries practicing acupuncture. Modern medicine is only one hundred and fifty years old. In 1928, the Chinese advocated the use of acupuncture and modern medicine. In 1949, research organizations and colleges specialising in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, were established. In 1958, acupuncture anesthesia was achieved combining Chinese medicine and western medicine. This was a great success towards the science of acupuncture.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture works by stimulating the various points in the body which
are pathways for "Chi" to flow. There are different mechanisms of action of acupuncture. Commonly used explanations are:

Do the Needles Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin and not hollow like injection needles. They are pre-sterilised, individually packed, disposable and used once and discarded.

With proper placement techniques, the needles do not hurt and are painless after the placement. A feeling of tingling or heaviness may be felt after the placement, and occasionally after the removal for a few minutes. Some people notice a feeling of relaxation, well being and find themselves either sleeping or smiling.

The pressure points

What Conditions Can it Treat?

The rule of thumb is that acupuncture can treat anything that has not caused gross organ changes, however, this is not a hard-fast rule. In the western medicine circle, acupuncture is best recognised for its role in pain management. It may be used as the only treatment against pain or as part of a programme involving other approaches. The type of pain that can respond well to acupuncture includes:

Long standing chronic types such as arthritis, scar pain and back pain. Acute pain such as sciatica, shoulder, neck, back and muscular.

Other conditions in which acupuncture has been studied with good results include: -

How often are the Treatments?

The response to acupuncture varies from person to person. The number of treatments needed and the frequency depends on the persons response. In general, long standing conditions, such as pain of many years, will require two to three treatments a week for the first few weeks. As a response develops and holds, treatment will be spaced increasingly once a week for several months.

Acute problems such as sprains usually require fewer visits. The number and frequency of treatments are decided on individual basis following consultation of your condition, and on going response.

Are there any side effects?

Most people experience no unpleasant side effects. However, any time a needles is placed in the body, there is a risk of bleeding or infection. With the use of disposable needles, the risk of infection is remote and in the hands of good acupuncturist, the risk of bleeding is minimal. Occasionally, a small vessel under the skin maybe pricked, resulting in a black and blue mark. Occasionally people may feel dizzy, especially at
the start of first treatment and more commonly when haven't experienced
acupuncture before.

Can it be used with modern medicine?

Yes. Acupuncture does not interfere with existing drugs therapy eg. Asthmatics can continue there medication. People seeking physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment can combine these with acupuncture. However you should not cease conventional medical treatment without consulting your doctor

Acupuncture is like any other kind of medicine-it suites some people better then others. When administered by a qualified acupuncturist the success rate is high (around 90%). Acupuncture can be used to treat the condition itself, or in cases where the condition is incurable it can be used to vastly reduce the symptoms without the use of drugs. So even if a complete cure is not achieved a 90% improvement will permit the patient to return to a basically normal life style.

Acupuncture treats some conditions better then others. The conditions which will be most effectively treated with acupuncture are:

Acupuncture can treat the following conditions, but for there to be a vast improvement many sittings are needed and at regular occurrences:

Most conditions can obtain relief of symptoms from acupuncture if not be cured.