Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin, or applying other techniques to those points, to restore balance and encourage the body to heal itself. Scientific trials around the world have found that, when acupuncture is performed by a skilled practitioner, it can be a safe and useful treatment for many different disorders.

Evidence of effectiveness#

Systematic reviews of the evidence have found that acupuncture is effective for treating dental pain and jaw pain, and for controlling nausea after operations and chemotherapy.

For many other conditions, the evidence has not been systematically reviewed, or the current scientific evidence is not yet strong enough to confirm that acupuncture is effective. Clinical guidelines published in many countries have found that acupuncture is moderately helpful for a wide range of conditions, particularly those that involve pain.

Laws and regulations#

Rules covering acupuncture vary from country to country, but several types of regulation may apply. These commonly include:

• standards that emphasise strict hygiene, such as using pre-sterilised, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles
• manufacturing rules requiring good manufacturing practice for any product that claims to be sterile, including acupuncture needles
• controls on access to herbs and herbal substances known to be toxic
• skin-penetration regulations

In many places, acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists must be registered to practise. Check the requirements that apply where you live.

Choosing an acupuncturist#

Some healthcare practitioners offer acupuncture after completing a short course. However, the philosophy and practice of acupuncture are complex, so you should only use a fully qualified acupuncturist. You do not usually need a referral from your doctor to see one.

Risks of acupuncture#

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

• Allergic reactions – herbs are sometimes burnt over the skin near acupuncture points. Herbs can be as powerful as pharmaceutical medicines and need to be treated with the same respect and caution.
• Infection – if a needle is not sterile, bacteria can cause a local infection. There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or another bloodborne disease if needles are reused.
• Injury to the skin – clumsy insertion, or a needle entering a blood vessel, can cause 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, so it is vital that the correct points are stimulated in the right way. Pre-sterilised, disposable needles should always be used.

How acupuncture is performed#

Depending on where the treatment is, you will either sit or lie down. Done properly, 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 also use other techniques, including:

• moxibustion – burning herbs held over or applied to acupuncture points
• cupping – suction designed to bring blood to the acupuncture point
• Chinese herbs – either mixed by the acupuncturist or supplied as pre-prepared tablets or granules
• laser – used instead of needles to activate acupuncture points
• TCM remedial massage – techniques applied to specific acupuncture points or meridians

After a session, you will normally feel relaxed and refreshed, though responses vary from person to person. Some people feel energised, while others feel sleepy. Occasionally, 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 aim of acupuncture is to restore the natural balance of energy within your body. Once that balance is restored, the body can take care of itself and no further treatment is needed.

Key points#

• Depending on the location of the treatment, you will either sit or lie down.
• Done properly, acupuncture is painless because the needles are very fine (around 0.2 mm wide).
• Occasionally, 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.

Where to get help#