The benefits of acupuncture

Western medical acupuncture is a type of complementary or alternative medicine. ^{Footnote [1]} The treatment, which comes from ancient Chinese medicine, is thought to be beneficial for a range of conditions and is used in many GP surgeries, pain clinics and hospices. ^{Footnote [1]} It’s also used as part of a combination of treatments for support in holistic care.

Acupuncture involves placing fine needles into specific parts of the body, which are known as acupuncture points.

Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that your energy, or ‘life force’, flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). ^{Footnote [1]}

In western medical acupuncture, it’s believed this therapy stimulates sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscle. This is thought to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, called endorphins.

Acupuncture is used as an alternative therapy to help manage  a range of health conditions, but not all of these are officially recognised because of a lack of research.^{Footnote [1]}

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which advises the NHS on the treatment and care of patients, only officially recommends acupuncture for tension headaches and migraines and for chronic primary pain, which is pain that lasts for more than three months  and has no clear underlying injury or disease.^{Footnote [1]}

For chronic primary pain, NICE guidance states that people over the age of 16 may be considered for a single course of acupuncture, so long as it’s delivered in a community setting by a healthcare professional with the right training. This course of treatment should be no more than five hours in total.

However, western acupuncture is also used for a range of other problems, including:

• joint and muscle pain
• jaw pain
• post-operative pain
• to relieve nausea and vomiting in some situations^{Footnote [1]}

At the moment acupuncture isn’t regulated in England, so anyone can call themselves a practitioner and provide treatment.

When picking a practitioner, the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) recommends you check they’re either a regulated healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse or physiotherapist, or a member of a national acupuncture organisation.

You can also find an accredited register of acupuncture practitioners on the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care website.

At your first session you’ll get a general medical check-up, where you talk about your medical history and current symptoms.

If acupuncture is a treatment that is agreed to be started, your practitioner will then then insert thin sterilised needles into various points on your body, depending on what your symptoms are.^{Footnote [1]}

These are added just under the skin, or deeper into the muscle. Once the needles are in place, they’ll either be left there for a length of time or be adjusted.

You shouldn’t feel any real pain when the needles go in. If you do, let your practitioner know straight away.

When carried out by a properly trained health care professional, acupuncture is extremely safe.

Some people experience mild, short-lasting side effects, such as: ^{Footnote [1]}

• slight pain
• some bleeding or bruising where the needles enter
• feeling tired or dizzy
• feeling sick
• a worsening of symptoms

It’s normally safe to have acupuncture if you’re pregnant but let your practitioner know because there are some acupuncture points that can’t be used in pregnancy.

You’re advised not to have acupuncture if you have a metal allergy or a skin infection where any needles will be inserted.

Remember, acupuncture won’t cure a serious underlying problem, such as lung disease, heart disease, tumours or cancers. You should always seek regular medical advice and continue with any other treatment advised by your doctor.