Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles under the skin at specific points on the body to free the flow of energy or ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’). Acupuncturists treat each person individually as each case is unique.

Acupuncture is considered to be very safe. Two surveys were conducted in 2001 and published in the British Medical Journal. They concluded that the risk of severe adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. Acupuncture has very few side effects when carried out by a qualified practitioner and all members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) observe a code of safe practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and requires the use of sterile disposable needles. 

How does acupuncture work?

To understand how acupuncture works, it is important to be aware of its principles. The Chinese believe that ‘qi’ flows through every living being and is responsible for life. This energy flows through the body through what are referred to as ‘meridians’. These meridians influence different organs, so for example there is a meridian that influences the heart and another that influences the lungs and so on. Some of the meridians are negative and some are positive in orientation, these are referred to as the ‘yin’ and ‘yang’. The yin meridians include hollow organs, such as the stomach, the intestines and the bladder. The yang incorporate solid organs, like the heart, lung, liver and kidneys. 

The belief is that if a person is healthy the yin and yang are in equilibrium and energy will flow through them equally. However, in a person that is ill, less energy will flow through the meridians and the yin and yang will become unbalanced. Acupuncture works by clearing the obstruction and allowing the energy flow to be restored which helps the person to become healthy again. 

Acupressure, like acupuncture, stimulates pressure points and meridians. The difference is that acupressure does not use needles. The therapist uses their fingers and other parts of their body to skilfully apply pressure to the required areas. Acupressure can be taught and used at home, there are a number of books and instructional DVDs available on the market if it is something that you wish to learn more about. 

History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is steeped in history; it emerged from the Far East around 2,500 years ago. The first needles used were reportedly made from stone. Later gold, silver and bronze were used, today the needles are made from steel. Acupuncture was documented in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which is dated at around 300 BC. 

During the 1970s, traditional Chinese medicine was given new opportunities to develop. Acupuncture continues to be used extensively in China where it is practised in hospitals alongside conventional medicine. 

Physicians and missionaries introduced acupuncture into Europe in the 17th century. A journalist for the New York Times called James Reston was responsible for spreading the word about the therapy in the West. He had been given acupuncture when he had an emergency appendectomy while in China in 1972. Acupuncture is now gaining popularity across the globe and is practised throughout the world.

Extract taken from Complementary Therapies - The Essential Guide. For more information on acupuncture, take a look at the book - available now in eBook and printed book formats. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!