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Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture has been practised in China for thousands of years, and it's growing in popularity in the West as a treatment for pain relief and other disorders. Anne Woodham explains why.

Acupuncture is an important treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient system of healing at least 4,000 years old. Symptoms of illness are regarded as signs of 'disharmony,' or a disruption in the flow of 'chi', or 'vital energy,' which is said to run through the body in a network of invisible channels known as 'meridians.'

In order to restore the flow of chi, acupuncturists insert fine, stainless steel sterile needles into the 365 or so specific points ('acupoints') on the meridians where chi is concentrated and thought to enter and leave the body. The needles are inserted to a depth of 4-25 mm and may be left in place for a few seconds, a few minutes or very occasionally as long as an hour, depending on the diagnosis.

What to expect
Usually a number of acupoints are used, and you may have 6 to 12 needles inserted at different acupoints at the same time. The procedure is usually painless, though you can feel a slight tugging sensation when the practitioner tweaks the needle for additional stimulation.

Some practitioners use electro-acupuncture, which sends a low intensity electrical impulse through the needles. Because it can reach a large number of acupoints simultaneously, it is especially useful as an anaesthetic during surgery. Another method is laser acupuncture. This directs a fine, low-energy laser beam on to the acupoint, and is helpful for people who have a needle aversion. Occasionally a practitioner will burn the herb moxa over the acupoints to create a stimulating heat.

Needle-free therapy
Acupressure is acupuncture without needles. Because it relies on finger and thumb pressure to stimulate the acupoints, you can use it to treat yourself. Tuina is a vigorous form of body massage that works on the acupoints without using needles. Techniques include rubbing, kneading and a unique rolling action to recharge energy.

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