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.

Ear or auricular acupuncture was developed in the 1950s by a French doctor and taken up by Chinese practitioners. The ear is seen as inverted foetus, with the earlobe as the head. About 200 acupoints are claimed to treat corresponding areas of the body. It is particularly used to relieve stress, anxiety and depression and in treating addictions.

How does it work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the body as an integrated whole rather than dealing with a specific disease or condition. There are 12 main meridians, named after the main internal organs through which they pass, such as Kidney, Liver and Spleen. These are controlled by two further meridians, the Conception and Governing channels. Meridians run throughout the body from the head to the hands and feet. Disruption of chi on a meridian can cause problems at any point along it. For example, a disorder in the Stomach meridian that also passes through the gums could cause toothache.

Chi moves between yin and yang, opposing but complementary tendencies in the body. Movement to the centre is yin; outwards to the surface is yang. Various factors, including diet, environment, temperament, constitution and stress, determine the balance between yin and yang. Deficiency or excess of either can result in illness.

Practitioners use four methods of diagnosis:

• Asking questions about diet and other lifestyle habits
• bserving skin tone, eyes, hair and other physical conditions, including how you move and sit, and by examining the tongue
• Listening and smelling
• Touching, which includes pulse taking - there are 12 meridian pulses, six on each wrist and about 28 descriptions of their rhythm and strength
• You will be diagnosed not with a condition, but as having a 'pattern of disharmony' that is likely to affect your whole well-being. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, may be seen as an invasion of Wind, Cold and Damp, which blocks Blood. As well as acupuncture, practitioners may prescribe herbal medicine and advise on diet and lifestyle.

What is it good for?
As part of a complete medical system, acupuncture is used for a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary therapies in the UK, and even conventional medicine accepts its benefits. About 86 per cent of NHS pain clinics offer acupuncture, and almost half of GPs arrange treatment for patients. Last year the British Medical Association supported its availability on the NHS after reviewing trials that showed acupuncture was effective for back pain, nausea and vomiting, migraine and dental pain.

It is also widely used for tension headaches, neck pain, osteoarthritis, weight loss, giving up smoking and other addictions, stroke rehabilitation, high blood pressure, menstrual and menopausal problems, eczema, digestive disorders and stress relief.

What to watch out for
Always consult a qualified practitioner and ensure he or she uses disposable needles.Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant or on any conventional medication. Avoid alcohol, large meals, hot baths or showers and strenuous exercise immediately before or after treatment. Take care if driving or working immediately after acupuncture, as you may feel tired and lack concentration.

How much does it cost?
Sessions can be 30 to 90 minutes depending on how long the needles are left in for. The initial consultation is usually the longest. You should expect some improvement after five sessions. Fees vary according to where you live, but as a rough guide expect to pay £50-£80 for your first consultation, and £25-£70 for subsequent ones.

How can I find it?
The following have a list of practitioners:

British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9HQ
Tel 020 8735 0400
www.acupuncture.org.uk

British Medical Acupuncture Society
(Represents doctors who have trained in acupuncture techniques)
12 Marbury House, Higher Whitley, Wallington, Cheshire WA4 4QW
Tel 01925 730727
www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk

Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
Mere Complementary Practice, Castle Street, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6JE
Tel 01747 861151
www.aacp.uk.com

Society of Auricular Acupuncturists
Nurstead Lodge, Nurstead Church Lane, Meopham, Kent DA13 9AD
Tel 01474 813902
www.auricularacupuncture.org.uk