Acupuncture Questions

Question: Does it work?

Answer: ‘Yes it does’.

I speak personally as a patient long before becoming a practitioner, indeed I am such an advocate and love to study the subject and its history because I felt and saw the amazing results for family members and myself.

Here I am writing about some of the basics of this ancient healing method and other related therapies - and it is my fondest hope it will give a new understanding and confidence through knowledge. I have been asked things like “Why didn’t it worrk for me?” in the past, I’m sorry to say that, to quote the famous song “It’s not what you do, but the way that you do it” ! There are many ways to train in this dicipline, and not all of them are comprehensive.

What will happen on my first visit?

Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment. You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far. You will also be asked about your medical history and that of your close family.

In China ten minutes is all a patient can expect each day; in western countries it is more usual to have thirty minutes to an hour each week.

The practitioner will also ask you about your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and your general emotional state. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the appropriate treatment.

The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

Can I prepare in any way for treatment?

Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment, as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and food and drinks, [which alter the colour of your tongue just before you have your treatment.] Arriving for treatment after work must not mean you have not eaten for a long period.

How long will I need treatment?

Chronic cases can take many years to develop, and it is therefore likely that they will also take quite sometime to respond to treatment and start improving. It is important to allow the treatment time to take effect rather than to expect an instant “miracle cure”. The total number of treatments will vary from patient to patient, and your practitioner will discuss your own specific case with you. The longer a problem has had to ’solidify’ in a physical system the longer it may take to overcome it.

Should I continue taking medicine prescribed by my GP?

Most certainly the answer to that question is YES. It is a complementary therapy not an alternative one. Your doctor should always be consulted if you are in any way uncertain. Chinese medicine in general does not conflict with Western medicine. However, please inform both your doctors about any current medications you are taking. I understand that there is a strong movement to include acupuncture in the public health system in the near future.

How does acupuncture work?

Fine needles are inserted at points around the body to stimulate or suppress the flow of “Qi” - the enigmatic life force - sometimes described as “electro-chemical” or “electro-magnetic” energy. There are about 500 acupoints along the 12 plus energy meridians. A 100 of these acupoints are most commonly used - also the alteration of energy at the beginning or end of flow line will affect the places between.

Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of Qi energy - a state of equilibrium when Yin and Yang are in harmony. Acupuncture may help to relieve pain (from injuries to a muscle, or a migraine, for example) and suppress cravings (food, alcohol, cigarettes etc). It is also widely used for stress relief.

What about needle sterilisation?

All members of the CMIR (Chinese Medical Institute Register) must observe a code of practice, which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation of needles and other equipment, and modern practitioners use disposable needles. These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases.

Below you see an illustration of an average acupuncture needle, four thousand years ago stone needles were used, and later bronze ones that were - as you can immagine - a lot thicker than this!

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to needles used in blood tests and injections. They are solid rather than hollow and so can be much finer. Most people find acupuncture and electro-acupuncture a pleasant and deeply relaxing experience. There should be no pain during the insertion of needles if the doctor is fully trained and experienced.

When the practitioner carefully inserts the needles, you may feel a slight tingling sensation, heat or coldness. This indicates that the treatment is beginning to have some effect; it is called ‘obtaining the Qi’. Some people may feel numbness at the point of entry or an energy transfer along the meridian to another part of the body.

Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required, and adding the electro therapy can take from 20 to 40 mins. After acupuncture, you will feel relaxed or even slightly sleepy, so please take care not to tackle anything strenuous for a few hours following your treatment.

I prefer patients to have a driver with them in the case of a troublesome illness.

How can acupuncture help me?

The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition, many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, improve appetite and sleep and gives an enhanced sense of overall well being. It is strongly advised that you make sure that the TCM doctor who treats you is fully qualified. There should be qualifications, Diplomas insurance Certificate on display at the clinic for study by all patients.

Below you see ‘Circle the Dragon’ treatment for a ‘frozen’ shoulder, this lovely name describes the pain as a ‘dragon’ and on the needle shank you will see a piece of Moxa, which is a herb to heat the needle.

Below are some of the problems and diseases commonly treated by acupuncture, not forgetting convalescence and rehabilitation.