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AcupuncturePublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, July 2007. This factsheet is for people who would like information about acupuncture. Acupuncture is a complementary treatment which involves puncturing the skin with needles to relieve pain and reduce the symptoms of certain conditions.
What is complementary medicine?In the UK, complementary medicines are generally viewed as treatments which are given alongside conventional treatments. What is acupuncture?Acupuncture is a complementary medicine that has been used for thousands of years, but has only recently started to become integrated into general medicine. Acupuncture has existed as part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for many years. Practitioners of TCM believe that energy called Qi flows around the body in channels (meridians). Equal and opposite properties called yin and yang are thought to become unbalanced, causing illness. The needles used in acupuncture aim to restore this balance. The way acupuncture works is being increasingly understood in general medicine. When is acupuncture used?There is good scientific evidence for acupuncture's effectiveness in relieving:
Acupuncture is also used in many other common illnesses such as depression and asthma but the evidence is not clear and more studies are needed to prove the effect of acupuncture. Where can I find an acupuncturist?The British Acupuncture Council has a listing of all its members (see Further information). Members will have had at least three years training in acupuncture. Acupuncture is remarkably safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. What will happen during a treatment session?Before having acupuncture, you should see your doctor to diagnose your problem and to ensure that acupuncture is an appropriate treatment for you. At an acupuncture consultationYour first visit may be the longest session. The acupuncture practitioner will ask you questions about your problem and examine you in a similar way to your GP. If following traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, particular attention may be paid to your tongue and pulse. Practitioners of TCM use this is to assess your physical health and flow of energy. Don't eat or drink anything immediately before your consultation that may cause discolouration of your tongue, such as coffee. Alternatively, the acupuncturist may feel for tender "trigger" points in the tissues under the skin. There are approximately 500 "trigger" or acupuncture points in the body which can be targeted for specific treatment. Having acupunctureYou are likely to have a number of needles, up to twelve, inserted half a centimetre to several centimetres into your skin. They are usually left in for up to 30 minutes, but some practitioners leave the needles in for only a few seconds. Acupuncture needles are very thin and don't hurt in the same way as an injection. Manual twirling or a small electrical current (electro-acupuncture) may be used to stimulate the needles. Some acupuncturists attempt to produce a sensation called "de Qi" which is a heaviness, soreness or heat around the needle - it is believed to be a sign that the acupuncture point has been correctly needled. People often feel relaxed after a treatment, and it may be advisable not to drive yourself home. MoxibustionTraditional acupuncturists may use additional techniques such as moxibustion; the burning of a herb just above the surface of the skin. It is either attached to an acupuncture needle or held in a cigar shaped stick. This is thought to move the Qi and warm the body. CuppingCupping is another technique where special cups are placed or tapped on the skin to stimulate the acupuncture point. Some practitioners also use a low energy laser beam to stimulate the acupuncture point without the use of needles. How many sessions do I need?Typically, a course of acupuncture will consist of four to six treatments, or more for longstanding problems. You should notice some benefits after four to six sessions. If there is no improvement after 6 to 8 treatments, it's unlikely that acupuncture will help you. Deciding on treatmentSide-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of successful acupuncture. Side-effects of acupuncture include:
Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after acupuncture. Most people are not affected. One complication of acupuncture is a punctured lung, but this is very rare. Special precautions need to be taken if you are pregnant so it's important to tell your acupuncturist if you are or suspect that you might be pregnant. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and doesn't replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: July 2007. Expected review date: July 2009.
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