Is There Any Point To Acupuncture?
This article was written by Linda Taylor Western Medical Acupuncturist at The Totalcare Clinic.
Linda Taylor qualified with the Society of Biophysical Medicine and then gained my Licentiate with the British Academy of Western Medical Acupuncture. Both professional bodies offer a very high standard of training and observe a strict Code of Practice.
What is Acupuncture?
7000 years ago in China, it was found that soldiers recovered from long term pain and disease once they had been wounded in battle. One soldier had a frozen shoulder which his doctor could not cure, but once he had been wounded in the leg during a battle the stiffness and pain in his shoulder disappeared.
From these observations, the principal of piercing the skin to cure disease was evolved. It was later noted that it was not the size of the wound that was important, but its location and the depth of the penetration. The Chinese followed this as they began to simulate the action of the arrow by penetrating the skin artificially.
To begin with, pointed wooden sticks and fish bones were used and then later the needles were made of bronze and iron. By 3,000 B.C. it had been observed that different metals produced different effects. This was then disproved, when it was shown that the various needling techniques and not the composition of the needle was what caused the changes.
Today, acupuncturists use individually packaged single use sterile needles made of specially processed stainless steel. Acupuncture needles can also be made from silver and gold.
Auricular or Ear Acupuncture
It was Dr Paul Nogier, a French physician, who introduced modern acupuncture to the world, and he is referred to by the Chinese as the ‘Father of Auricular Acupuncture’.
In 1957, anatomical similarities of an inverted baby in the womb and the anatomy of the ear were discovered. Every point in the body has a corresponding acupuncture point in the ear so patients can be treated by using the ear alone, instead of using body points, thus bringing about Auriculotherapy, or Auricular Acupuncture.
Why should I try acupuncture?
Why not?
People often use acupuncture treatment as a last resort and are then surprised at how effective it can be.
It is a natural therapy with no drugs involved and it can stimulate the body to heal itself.
Indications for the use of acupuncture can include:
- Digestive problems, constipation, I.B.S.
- Nervousness, anxiety, depression, worry.
- Gynaecological problems, infertility, morning sickness, breech babies, menopause, hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, low energy levels
- Hay fever
- Skin problems
- Weight loss
- Migraines, headaches
- Arthritis, chronic pain
- Sinusitis
Does it work?
Yes!
Many celebrities sing the praises of acupuncture including Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kirsty Gallagher and Julie Walters. They use it for anything from stress, weight loss and hot flushes to shoulder, neck and back issues.
Many sports personalities including Daniel Kowalski (Olympic gold medallist in swimming), Jermaine Jenas and Dame Kelly Holmes are also great followers of acupuncture for stress and back and joint pains.
Is it safe?
Yes!
Acupuncture is a safe way of relieving pain. Pain is a difficult word to define, but can be thought of as a complex experience affected by different components, such as –
- the organic lesion producing the pain
- the personality of the patient
- the patient’s rapport with the treatment team
- the patient’s insight into the disease
- prognosis of the disease and
- personal pressures (social, religious, and economic)
Does it hurt?
Most patients are surprised that they feel nothing. Some areas of the body are a little more sensitive and some people experience a tingling or a dull ache.
The face can be a bit tender, but patients who feel the relief as the sinuses drain when treating sinusitis say it is worth it.
After treatment
Following the treatment, the effects of the acupuncture can be those of feeling tired, relaxed, warm and the patient can have a general sense of wellbeing. Some people feel re-energised and that their spirits have been lifted. If the patient is feeling sleepy after treatment, then a rest and a cup of tea may be a good idea before driving home.
About The Totalcare Clinic
The Totalcare Clinic offer a range of treatments and classes is conveniently located at 92 Winchester Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2AA, or reach out to us at 01489 788844 or get in touch via our contact page
Helpful external resource
World Health Organization (WHO) – Acupuncture: The WHO has published reports and articles on the use of acupuncture in treating various health conditions. The link below provides you with a global perspective on how acupuncture is viewed and utilised in different parts of the world.