Acupuncture Fact File

Acupuncture means to puncture with a needle from Latin Acus (“needle”) and puncture.. It is widely accepted that acupuncture originated in China and spread through the east. However, the story goes back even further to Neolithic times in Europe. Academic research on Europe's oldest preserved human, a 5,300-year-old Tyrolean (Austrian) nicknamed “Otzi”, was found to have tattoos indicating acupuncture points along with puncture marks from needles likely made from stone or bone. Acupuncture could be said to be as old as humanity.

Over time numerous variations have developed but Traditional Chinese (TC) acupuncture persists in popularity, likely due to its holistic approach meaning outcomes can be transformative for patients whole (mind-body-soul). The theory behind TC acupuncture is that the healthy functioning of the body is governed by the flow of “Qi” (pronounced Chee and often translated as “energy” or “life force” in English) through a system of channels beneath the skin. The flow of Qi can be disrupted in many ways: emotional upset, physical trauma, poor diet and overwork are all common examples. When the flow is compromised, pain and disease can occur. The practice of inserting ultra-fine, single use, sterile needles at various points along the channels allows the body’s balance and health to be restored.

Research into acupuncture as a medical treatment has grown exponentially in the past 20 years, increasing at twice the rate of research into conventional bio-medicine. A wide-variety of clinical areas have been studied, including pain, cancer, pregnancy, stroke, mood disorders, sleep disorders and inflammation, to name a few. The World Health Organisation has reviewed published data and summarised a list of 100 disorders and diseases that have been shown, through controlled clinical trials, to be treated effectively. Many healthcare insurance companies will now accept treatments under registered and insured practitioners allowing people to access this safe form of medicine. Although we may not have grown up with this medicine in the UK its is becoming more widely known, used and accepted. One of the huge benefits being its lack of any significant negative side effects, but don’t be surprised if you get acupuncture for joint pain that your sleep and digestion are also improved!

Despite acupuncture being an ancient modality it remains suited to modern life and it does not need to operate in isolation it can work well alongside and offer complimentary treatment of patients receiving more conventional allopathic medicine for example cancer care support or assisted fertility.

If you are interested in finding out more about acupuncture please don’t hesitate to get in touch.