What is acupuncture? Benefits, science, and how it works
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1. What is acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the use of very fine needles that are inserted into specific points on the body, along meridians or channels to activate the Qi (pronounced chee - energy) to restore good health.
It is still used in East Asia today to treat a variety of health care problems. Over the last 20-30 years, this ancient holistic therapy has gained increased popularity in western countries. It is now used in western countries as an alternative medicine to treat common conditions, such as pain, anxiety, stress, digestive disorders and male/female infertility.
Even though this is an ancient therapy, it is classified in western countries as a complementary or alternative therapy. There are now several different types of acupuncture practised in western countries. A new style is dry needling, which was invented in the last few decades by western medicine doctors and doesn't exist in East Asia. Medical acupuncturists don't believe in the flow of qi (life force) or the flow of energy.
2. History of acupuncture
It's been used in the Far East to restore, promote and maintain good health for over 2,500 years. The earliest known texts describing acupuncture goes back to 198 BCE that were found in the Ma-Wang-Dui tomb in China. The ancient Chinese have used it to treat a wide range of conditions.
The original form was likely to have been developed from Shamanism and is now a part of traditional Chinese medicine. The first needles were made from stone and then later from bronze, gold and silver.
It's likely that it originated from massage, where people would massage a point on the body and notice an affect in another part of the body. Over thousands of years before the written word was invented this developed into a form of medicine with its own theory and channels of movement. Countries that use this ancient system of healthcare include China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and other Asian countries.
The first known medical textbook was 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine', which dates from around 300 BC. It continued to develop without interruption for the next 2,400 years into a complete system of healthcare that can treat many health problems.
The most important theories are yin and yang and the flow of energy around the body, called qi (energy). Energy moves from one organ to another throughout the day, known as the Chinese body clock. Each organ moves energy to the other in the Five Element sequence of energy transformation.
3. Types of acupuncture
Traditional (oriental) acupuncture
The different types of traditional acupuncture all originate from East Asian countries and believe in regulating the flow of energy to aid good health. Traditional acupuncture involves the regulation of blood flow and the flow of qi within channels called meridians.
Practitioners of traditional acupuncture follow similar theories of acupuncture, but expressed in slightly different ways. They use fine needles, finer than those used by western style acupuncturists.
- Shamanic acupuncture is a spiritual guided form of treatment that uses spirit healers to guide the acupuncturist in their selection of points to stimulate.
- Ancient Chinese type (TCM) acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of acupuncture practiced in the world today with an unbroken tradition dating back thousands of years. As China is so big, it had the greatest influence of the development of acupuncture.
- Five Element acupuncture was created by the Englishman JR Worsley and is a western type of acupuncture. Five Element acupuncture doesn't exist in East Asia and isn't recognised in China or Australia, where acupuncture is regulated. A lot of members of the British Acupuncture Council practice this style of acupuncture.
- Stems and Branches acupuncture is based on the astrological movements of heaven and earth. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine theory is greatly based upon the cycles of Nature. There are five elements which correspond to the number of planets visible with the naked eye, twelve acupuncture channels which correspond to the number of months and 365 acupuncture points, which correspond to the number of days in a year.
- Dr Tan type acupuncture is a form of Chinese acupuncture with its roots firmly in acupuncture theory. Additional theories by Dr Tan are then layered on top. Aspects of Master Tung acupuncture are also used.
- Master Tung type acupuncture is a form of Chinese style acupuncture that's based on a family lineage tradition dating back hundreds of years. It uses different acupuncture points to the TCM type.
- Microsystems of acupuncture are based upon specific areas of the body, such as auricular (ear) acupuncture, Korean hand acupuncture and Dr Bo's abdominal acupuncture.
- Japanese acupuncture is as old as Chinese style acupuncture and is heavily based on acupuncture practiced in China.
- Vietnamese acupuncture is as old as Chinese style acupuncture and again is heavily based on acupuncture practiced in China.
- Marmapuncture is a type of acupuncture practised in Ayurveda medicine from India.
Western medical acupuncture
More recently, physiotherapists, chiropractors, nurses and doctors have started performing 'acupuncture' after doing a short course. This is because there is no regulation of acupuncture at present.
- Dry needling or trigger point accupuncture is a western form based upon a limited understanding of how traditional acupuncture works. It's popular for pain management. A needle is inserted into a muscle to release a tight area thereby reducing pain and muscle restriction.
- Western medical acupuncture was invented by western medicine doctors in the believe that acupuncture only works on the nervous system.
4. How does acupuncture work?
Ancient Chinese theory believes acupuncture treatment works by regulating the body's flow of energy and bodily fluids such as blood flow and yin and yang on the human body.
The acupuncture points are located across the whole body, from head to toe. Each acupoint is connected to another by a channel called a meridian. By stimulating specific points with a needle or finger, it elicits a healing response somewhere else in the body.
Scientific evidence suggests that it works by regulating neuromodulation, such as vagus nerve stimulation and has been used for inflammation control and uses body natural pain killers for pain treatment. It also stimulates the immune system to produce a healing response.
A more modern theory that originated in Korea using advanced science has found these meridians within the lymphatic system. They were missed by anatomists hundreds of years ago. It's believed that the insertion of a needles along the lymphatic system creates a healing response within the immune system.
Additional techniques such as electroacupuncture, heat therapy or moxibustion may be used together with accupuncture during your treatment to enhance the effects for a quicker recovery.
Watch my animated video below, which explains how my acupuncture works.
5. What are the benefits of having acupuncture?
It is a complete medical system and has been used in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc) for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health problems. In western countries, it is fast becoming an alternative treatment option for a variety of health complaints.
The benefits of this traditional holistic therapy is to restore a natural balance within the body by regulating energy and blood flow and balancing yin and yang. It does this by using sterile needles into specific acupoints on the body.
Evidence based research has shown that it has a benefit upon the immune system, regulating hormones, including stress and fertility and act upon the brain to reduce pain.
What can acupuncture treat?
It is an effective treatment for a multitude of chronic conditions commonly seen today. For example, studies show it can help with:
- Relieve pain to reduce the need for pain medication
- Relieve insomnia
- Improve male and female fertility
- Relieve tinnitus
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- Improves libido
- Reduce menopausal symptoms
- Is anti-inflammatory
- Helps clear acne
- Restores sense of smell
- Relieves IBS
- Reduce dementia and improve cognitive behaviour
- Improves type II diabetes
- Relieves carpal tunnel syndrome
There is more and more research published on the national institute of health website that supports the use of this ancient treatment for modern health problems.
6. Does acupuncture hurt?
Generally no, treatment doesn't hurt. The acupuncture needles are so fine, like the width of a hair. You can fit 20 acupuncture pins into a syringe.
Some people may feel the acupuncture needles go in, but it's not painful, you just notice it, like a little prick and others will feel nothing. That's how it's been for thousands of years. The needle is inserted very quickly. Once the needle is in, you may feel a dull ache or a tingling sensation, which is normal.
Having a needle inserted into the fingers or toes may feel sharp but this will only last a second or two. Removing the needles doesn't hurt either.
7. What happens during an acupuncture session?
During your acupuncture session, you will start with a consultation where you will be asked questions about the problem and all aspects of your life. You will then be asked to lie down on a couch and roll up your sleeves and trousers legs.
Very thin needles, the size of a human hair will be inserted stimulating the body's energy points. The pins are inserted from 2mm to 4cm depending on the area.
Normal sensations include a dullness, tingling or electrical sensation. Sometimes you may feel a sharp sensation which is the needle breaking the skin badly.
You'll then be allowed to rest with the needles left in position for around 20 to 30 minutes. Normally, relaxing music will be played to you.
After 25 to 30 minutes, the healthcare professional will remove the pins and they will be placed in a sharps box, which when full will be incinerated.
After finishing the treatment you can return back to your normal life.
8. Is acupuncture safe?
A large-scale study published in 2009 found traditional acupuncture to be very safe after reviewing over 229,230 treatments.
According to the evidence from 12 prospective clinical trials which surveyed more than a million treatments, the risk of a serious side effects with is estimated to be 0.05 per 10 000 treatments and 0.55 per 10,000 individual patients. This is very low in complementary medicine. It is safe to have if you have a bleeding disorder.
It is not safe when acupuncture is given by a poorly qualified practitioner who hasn't had enough training, for example physiotherapists, sports masseurs, osteopaths and chiropractors who perform dry needling.
Is acupuncture safe to have in pregnancy?
It is safe to have in pregnancy when given by a properly qualified healthcare professional. In actual fact it can help your baby, ensuring it grows healthy and can be used at the end of the pregnancy to ensure a better labour.
Always make sure that your acupuncturist is qualified to treat pregnant women.
Experienced acupuncturists will never insert a needle on your abdomen or in points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, for example Sanyinjiao - SP 6.
Is acupuncture regulated?
In the UK acupuncture is not statutory regulated. Healthcare professionals can practice acupuncture after attending a weekend course.
In the United Kingdom, accredited regulatory bodies such as the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) regulate the acupuncture profession and are in favour of statutorily regulated acupuncturists of different styles of acupuncture. Members of the BAcC are the closet to a professional governing board that regulates acupuncture and are regulated by the professional standards authority. Some Chinese medicine practitioner are members of other working groups such as the acupuncture society.
Western medical acupuncture is governed under existing western medical associations such as the GMC. For this reason some insurance companies will only allow their members to have acupuncture treatment from a western medical acupuncturist even though they have just done a weekend course.
Countries where acupuncture is regulated
In Canada, Australia and East Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and Vietnam acupuncture is regulated and certain standards of training must be meet in order to practice acupuncture. Only regulated healthcare professionals that practise traditional Chinese medicines can practice in these countries.
Does the NHS recognise acupuncture?
Yes, the NHS recognises acupuncture treatment in the UK. Acupuncture is used in many NHS GP practices, as well as in most pain clinics and hospitals in the UK.
9. How can I find a qualified acupuncturist?
As acupuncture isn't regulated in the UK, most people are unaware of how to find a reputable acupuncturist. Always choose one from a bona-fide acupuncture association, where acupuncturists have done over 3000 hours of training, for example the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
In the UK, where acupuncture is not regulated, there is an increased risk to people. Healthcare professionals with basic training of just 300 hours are often the ones who cause most of the serious side effects reported about acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncturists need only apply to join a accredited register which isn't governed by the department of health or secretary of state, such as the health professions council (HPC). Instead local authorities regulate traditional acupuncture practitioners.
Personally, I support the statutory regulation of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in the UK.
Training to be an acupuncturist
The time is takes to train in the different styles of acupuncture varies greatly, from 30 hours for western style to 3,500 for traditional styles of acupuncture.
10. Are there any side effects from having acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatment generally has minimal side effects. These minimal side effects include minor bruising, itching or redness where the needles was inserted. All of the minor side effects will go after a few days. However, there can be more serious side effects when acupuncture is performed by someone not properly trained like a physiotherapist. There have been cases of physios causing a pneumothorax when inserting the needle too deeply into a person's body.
11. Commonly asked questions about acupuncture
Below are some commonly asked questions about acupuncture.
How much acupuncture costs in the UK
The cost of acupuncture varies from clinic to clinic and ranges from £60 to £85.
How long does acupuncture take to work?
Upon your first visit, your acupuncture practitioners will recommend a course of treatment based upon their diagnosis. The course of treatment can vary from twice weekly sessions to weekly sessions for 6 weeks to several weeks. Generally after 30 minutes of treatment you should feel something working.
The length of time needed for it to work depends on what medical problem is being treated and the type of accupuncture being used. For example, people suffering from pain, anxiety or stress will normally notice a reduction in their symptoms after the first 1-2 sessions. For more chronic disorders such as skin problems, chronic pain or infertility, treatment may take several weeks.
To help it work quicker, you can optimise your lifestyle and dietary as well as take supplements. Your acupuncturist should be able to give you this advice.
How long should needles be in for acupuncture?
Acupuncture needles inserted from 2mm to 4cms into acupuncture points on the body for between 20-30 minutes, depending upon the type of acupuncture being practised and the health problem being treated.
In Japanese acupuncture, the needles are inserted briefly and then removed. In Western medical acupuncture, which isn't recognised in China, the nerve is stimulated to relieve pain. In Chinese acupuncture, the needles are left in for around 20-30 minutes.
Fine needles which are pre sterilised are inserted into areas of the body where the energy can be influenced. Traditional acupuncture treatment has made a beneficial effect upon the body as soon as the acupuncture needle in inserted into the channels called meridians.
Generally, most traditional acupuncturists who are members of the British Acupuncture Council leave the needles inserted for around 20-25 minutes. Having the acupuncture needles left in for longer than this can help person who are feeling stressed or anxious. Most people like to spend between 30-45 minutes relaxing on the treatment couch with the acupuncture needles in.
If a person's energy is weak, it's better for them to have less treatment time, so as to not damage their energy (qi).
How long should you wait between acupuncture appointments?
The effects of acupuncture last for around 3-4 days. It is recommended to have acupuncture weekly or every 3-4 days if the problem is acute.
What happens when acupuncture needles are left in for a long time?
Nothing bad will happen to you if acupuncture needles are left in for a too long. You might feel tired as over stimulation of the points can drain your energy. Currently there is no statutory regulation of acupuncture so anyone can pick up a needle and insert it and call it acupuncture.
The cost of acupuncture in the UK
The cost of having acupuncture in the UK varies depending upon location. My follow up treatment costs vary from £70 to £55.
Acupuncture needles that stay in for days
No, acupuncture needles don't stay in for days in western countries. In China, they can be left in for days whilst a person is in hospital. There are ear seeds and tacks which can be placed on specific points on the body for several days.
Is acupuncture and dry needling the same?
No, acupuncture and dry needling are not the same. They are very different types of acupuncture.
Acupuncture originates from East Asia, whereas dry needling is a modern western invention that uses different theories to traditional acupuncture treatment.
Dry needling uses trigger points to release muscle spasms. It doesn't stimulate acupuncture points on the acupuncture channel and is therefore completely different to acupuncture.
During a dry needling session, a thick acupuncture needle is inserted into the spasming muscle to locate the trigger point. Once the trigger point has been located and stimulated by the acupuncture needle, the patient takes 2-3 breathes which helps to release the muscle spasm and pain.
Unfortunately, there is a higher risk of side effects whilst using dry needling, as practitioners are poorly trained in needling and often push the needle too deep into the body looking for the trigger point, which can then puncture a internal organ.
How often should you have acupuncture?
How often you get acupuncture treatment depends upon what is being treated and your budget. Having acupuncture once a month will not be enough to help with your health problems.
Treatment frequency will depend upon your medical conditions and any other underlying health issues. Generally speaking, 6 sessions is considered a course of treatment. However, some people will need less sessions whilst others with chronic condition more.
Acupuncture has a short term effect. The period of time you will feel its therapeutic benefits is around 3-4 days. If you are having it only and your problem isn't chronic, you can have it once a week. For acute problems and if your budget allows, you would benefit from having treatment two times a week. Your acupuncturist will advise you of the best possible treatment plan.
Once your symptoms has reduced in intensity and you feel better, you can have maintenance acupuncture sessions every 1-2 months depending upon your condition. If it's one of a chronic conditions you may need maintenance sessions more frequently.
Can you have acupuncture twice a week?
In acute cases when the problem is bad or during IVF stimulation, it is recommended to have acupuncture twice a week. This is because the effects generally twice 3-4 days, so repeating them twice a week will have greater benefit to the person.
Where on the body do the acupuncture needles go?
Acupuncture points cover the whole body, from head to foot and number over 400. Only a handful of these acupuncture points will be selected for stimulation during a treatment.
The acupuncture points selected for stimulation with an acupuncture needle will vary with acupuncture practitioners. Generally, however, the most common areas where acupuncture needles are inserted include; the head, ears, hands, the problem area, lower legs and the feet.
I use a variety of techniques taught by different masters of acupuncture, utilising various theories and techniques for each individual, giving people a tailor-made acupuncture treatment.
Some acupuncturists like to strongly stimulate the acupuncture needle to get a strong response from the acupuncture point. I don't do this as many people find it uncomfortable. Instead, I use a gentle stimulation with ultra-fine acupuncture needles to make it as pleasant and as relaxing as possible and safe for people with a bleeding disorder.
Where do the needles go for fertility?
Although acupuncture and oriental medicine is a alternative medicine and a complementary medicine, it's used more and more for infertility treatment in men and women. It uses sterile needles to regulate a person's life force and balance their mind body.
The insertion of acupuncture needles for fertility vary location depending where you are on your menstrual cycle. Extra points are used before ovulation to help the egg grow and mature and increased blood flow to the uterus. After ovulation, additional points are used to reduce anxiety and aid implantation.
Generally, for fertility treatment, acupuncture needles are inserted on the top of the head, ears, hands, lower abdomen where the ovaries are, the lower legs, ankles, and the feet.
Can you eat before having acupuncture?
Yes, you can eat before having treatment
It's best not to have treatment on an empty stomach as you may feel dizzy or light headed afterwards, so eat before if you're hungry, but don't eat a heavy meal.
It's also not ideal to have acupuncture on a full stomach, although it shouldn't cause you any problems. Eat 1- 2 hours before your session starts.
What should I avoid eating before having treatment?
The acupuncturist will look at your tongue as part of a Chinese medicine diagnosis. You should not drink any liquids or food including sweets (candy) that can stain your tongue before seeing your acupuncturist as it will make the tongue diagnose more difficult.
Can I eat after having acupuncture?
Yes, you can eat after your treatment. Having treatment can increase your appetite making you feel hungry after your treatment.
Preparing for your acupuncture session
24 hours before your session your acupuncturist may have emailed you forms to fill out. If not, then you may be asked to fill them out when you arrive.
What to wear to your acupuncture session
It's ideal to wear loose clothing to your acupuncture treatment to make it easily accessible to parts of the body. Clothing should be able to be rolled up to the elbows or knees to get easy access to where commonly used acupuncture points are located.
Most acupuncturists will want to stimulate some points below the elbow and knees with fine needles.
If you are having your back pain treated, then you will be asked to remove all your upper body clothing. Most of the time women can leave their bra on.
During your session, you'll be asked your medical history and your tongue and pulse will be examined. You will lie on the treatment couch for up to 30 minutes, so it's important to wear clothing that will be comfortable during this time.
Don't arrive to your acupuncture appointment with an empty stomach as you may feel dizzy afterwards. Hours before it's good to stop drinking coffee as it can change the colour of your tongue coating and affect the pulse diagnosis.
Try not to take any medications or have a heavy meal before your appointments because it may affect your energy flow.
Many acupuncturists will use a heat lamp which can make you feel a bit warm so you may not need to wear a sweater or jumper.
Ear seeds and tacks
A tack or ear seed is a small object that's stuck onto specific points on a person for them to stimulate in between sessions. They are left stuck on the body using sticky tape night and day, until they lose their stickiness and fall off.
Tacks and ear seeds work by stimulating points a person might need to help rebalance their health. This reinforces the treatment allowing for greater effect. A common use of ear seeds is on the 'mind' point on the ear (shenmen) to help calm the mind and treat anxiety.
