Acupuncture has been practised in China for over 2,500 years but it took until the 1970s, when it was used for surgical anaesthesia, to bring the technique into mainstream western medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine states that health is dependent on energy, known as qi, moving smoothly through meridians, or channels, beneath the skin. If this energy flow is disrupted by infection, pain or anxiety then physical symptoms are triggered. By inserting fine, solid needles into these channels, the flow of energy – and the patient’s health – is restored.

As these channels are not mappable according to conventional western ideas of anatomy, acupuncture is sometimes considered unscientific. However, studies show it can trigger the release of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers – as well as stimulate some nerve fibres that block pain. In skilled hands, acupuncture is safe and relatively painless. Most practitioners recommend six to eight treatments. Western medicine accepts its benefits for relief of pain-related conditions, such back problems and migraines, but it is also commonly used for other ailments, such as sinus and bladder conditions. A practitioner should be registered with the local health authority.

There are specific points best avoided in pregnancy although acupuncture is effective for morning sickness. It is often cited as helping people to quit smoking, and though there is little consistent evidence, withdrawal symptoms from other harder drugs may be lessened. More controversially, a report earlier this year in the British Medical Journal reported that women treated with acupuncture could increase IVF success by 65%.

TAKING IT FURTHER

www.acupuncture.org.uk
The British Acupuncture Council, the country’s main regulatory body of traditional acupuncture, can help you locate a local practitioner

www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk
The British Medical Acupuncture Society is a group of doctors and health professionals that encourages the use of acupuncture within more mainstream medicine. Its site contains useful information for patients and professionals alike

tinyurl.com/6apx7w
NHS Direct has a good page on acupuncture that provides an overview of how it works

ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR ACUPUNCTURE

Electric Acupuncture Pen Plus
£20 from www.betterlifehealthcare.com
This pen gives electric acupuncture stimulation without piercing the skin. Its three modes aim to improve blood circulation, muscle stimulation and pain relief, and an accompanying booklet shows the body’s main acupuncture points.

Stick-on mini-moxa
£5 for 200 from www.acupuncturedirect.co.uk
Acupuncturists burn a herb called moxa to create heat to stimulate acupoints. Moxa comes in various forms, such as cones or sticks, but these stick-on moxa capsules can be used at home.

Sea-Band wristband
£8 from www.sea-band.co.uk
By stimulating the body’s acupuncture points via a plastic stud, this washable, elasticated wristband, which is available in child and adult sizes, claims to reduce symptoms of travel sickness.

Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial
£10.20 from www.amazon.co.uk
Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst’s recently published book, which is both credible and readable, examines the benefits of more than 30 popular complementary medicine treatments, including acupuncture.