Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin, or applying various other techniques to the acupuncture points, to restore balance and encourage the body to heal itself.

The History and Philosophy

Acupuncture has been part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. The foundation of Chinese acupuncture is the belief in an energy force called Qi (pronounced ’chee’). This circulates around the body through invisible channels called meridians.

If the flow of Qi in the meridians is disrupted, then disease may follow. By inserting fine needles into particular acupuncture points, the disruption can be corrected and the flow of Qi restored. The treatment can be effective even if you don’t believe in the underlying philosophy.

How it can help you

Research has found that acupuncture may be effective in treating a range of disorders in areas including:

• Digestive — colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, gastritis, ulcers
• Emotional — anxiety, depression
• Gynaecological — heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, menopausal symptoms, pre-menstrual syndrome
• Musculoskeletal — back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tennis elbow and whiplash
• Neurological — Bell’s palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, Meniere’s disease, migraine, pain, paralysis, shingles
• Respiratory — asthma, bronchitis, common cold, hay fever
• Vascular — haemorrhoids, high blood pressure, varicose veins
• General — chronic fatigue syndrome, giving up smoking, muscle injuries, obesity, stress management, tiredness, travel sickness.

The Evidence

Clinical guidelines published in many different countries have found that acupuncture is moderately helpful in a wide range of conditions, particularly those which involve pain.

The British National Health Service carried out a systematic review of the evidence for the use of acupuncture to treat or manage a range of disorders. They found that there was evidence that acupuncture is effective to treat dental pain, jaw pain and to control nausea after operations and chemotherapy treatment.

Choosing an Acupuncturist

Use a qualified acupuncturist rather than someone who has only completed a short course since acupuncture is complex. All Victorian acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists now have to be registered; however, the other states are slow to follow.

You don’t need a referral from your doctor to see an acupuncturist but you may check through the following:

How it’s Performed

Pre-sterilised disposable needles should be used. Depending on the location of the treatment, you will either sit or lie down. Properly done, acupuncture is painless because the needles are very fine (around 0.2 mm wide). When the needles are inserted, you may feel mild tingling around the site, warmth or heaviness, or even nothing at all.

An acupuncturist may use other techniques including:

• Cupping — suction designed to bring Qi and blood to the acupuncture point
• Chinese herbs — either mixed by the acupuncturist or in pre-prepared tablet or granulated form
• Laser — used instead of the needles to activate acupuncture points
• TCM remedial massage — techniques applied to specific acupuncture points or meridians
• Moxibustion — burning herbs held over or applied to acupuncture points.

What to Expect

You will normally feel relaxed and refreshed after a session of acupuncture, but this may vary from person to person. Some may feel energised, while others feel sleepy. Occasionally, the symptoms get a little worse before they improve.

The number of treatments you need depends on your condition. In most cases, people experience a reduction in symptoms within a few sessions. The idea of acupuncture is to restore the natural balance of energy inside your body. Once the balance is restored, the body can take care of itself and no further treatments should be necessary.

Risks

In the hands of an unskilled practitioner, acupuncture may lead to a number of problems including:

• Allergic reactions to moxibustion. Herbs are as powerful as pharmaceutical medications and need to be treated with the same respect and caution
• Infection if the needle is unsterile. Bacteria can cause local infection. There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or any other bloodborne disease if the needles are reused
• Injury to the skin can be caused by clumsy insertion, or entry of a needle into a blood vessel. There may be bleeding, bruising and pain.
• Unexpected side effects such as an increase in pain, depression, convulsions or insomnia. Acupuncture can produce significant changes within the nervous system and it is vital that the correct points are stimulated in the right way.