One of The Best Acupuncture Articles You'll Ever Read

Tell Me About Acupuncture? Developed in the Far East over 3000 years ago, it is a holistic treatment. This means that it addresses the whole body, as well as the symptoms, to establish the root of their illness. As a result, the incidence of relapse is greatly reduced.

How Does it Work? The concept of Qi is central to acupuncture because it is this vital energy which motivates and determines our physical and emotional health. When this energy becomes unbalanced, we may begin to develop 'disease'.

Qi flows through the body along pathways known as meridians and at certain points on each meridian the energy can be accessed and rebalanced.

Acupuncturists rebalance the body's energy by inserting needles into points chosen according to the patient and their condition. The body can begin to heal itself when its energy has been rebalanced.

Patients are actively encouraged by their acupuncturists to contribute to their own healing by dealing with lifestyle issues that may be having a detrimental effect on their health.

What Conditions can Benefit? Acupuncture effectively alleviates the symptoms of many conditions, including anxiety and stress-related illnesses; arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain; asthma; tinnitus, headaches, neuralgia and migraine; constipation, piles and irritable bowel syndrome (ibs); menstrual problems, morning sickness and post natal illness; frozen shoulder, sciatica and other back pains;

What is the Treatment Like? Almost half the treatment involves detailed questioning of the patient about their lifestyle and health issues. The practitioner takes the pulse and observes the tongue to build up a complete picture of the patient and their condition. A diagnosis is then made, before appropriate points are selected and treated with acupuncture.

What Does It Feel Like? Insertion of the needles is painless, but patients usually experience a sensation when the needle makes contact with the energy at the point. This can feel different for each patient, but may be a numbness, tingling or heaviness. This initial sensation lasts a few seconds and indicates to the practitioner that the Qi has been influenced.

Needles are usually left in for up to twenty minutes, during which time most patients experience a feeling of calm and relaxation. It is quite common to feel very tired after the treatment has finished, particularly if it is the first session.

This is usually followed over the next few days by the beginnings of change in the patient's condition as the energy starts to rebalance. After the treatment, feelings of general relaxation or increased energy can be experienced.

About Your Acupuncturist. Practitioners are required to be members of the British Acupuncture Council to ensure that insurance liabilities are covered and codes of practice, ethics and conduct followed.

Only sterile disposable needles are used and these are properly discarded after use.


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Keira Benson recently discovered the benefits of regular acupuncture for a whole swathe of long-term health problems. To receive any of the treatments mentioned in this acupuncture article, email: withersla@hotmail.com