What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of complementary therapy in which fine needles are inserted into strategic points around the body. The techniques used in acupuncture are thought to have been around for over 5,000 years, deriving from traditional Chinese medicine. While many practitioners draw on these practices today, acupuncture continues to be studied in the context of modern science.
Traditional acupuncture (also called Chinese acupuncture) aims to bring balance to the body’s energy flow, known as qi (pronounced "chee"). According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy flows through meridian channels, much like a network of rivers within the body. When the body’s energy becomes blocked or stagnant, it is believed to cause physical and mental illnesses. Stimulating certain meridian points on the body with needles is thought to help unblock this energy, helping to restore balance and flow.
Western acupuncture (also referred to as medical acupuncture) is an adaptation of traditional acupuncture. It still uses fine needles to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, however, it does not adhere to concepts of qi or yin/yang. Rather than an alternative medical system, Western acupuncturists regard their practice as part of conventional medicine.
What is dry needling?
Both dry needling and acupuncture use similar techniques, but they do differ in their philosophies. Dry needling has been developed more recently and entirely focuses on the muscles, whereas acupuncture looks at the musculoskeletal system and the wider body. Dry needling involves inserting the needles into knots and pressure points (also known as trigger points) within the muscles to relieve pain and tension. For this reason, this approach is predominantly used in sports and physical therapies.
In this video, acupuncturist Ben Carrigan (BSc Hons. Lic. Ac. AFN FEA MBAcC) walks us through what acupuncture is, what you can expect from sessions and the importance of working with a professional.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is most commonly used to aid pain relief, but it can also support overall well-being.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) currently recommends acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic pain in people over 16 years of age (when delivered by a qualified professional). Acupuncture is also recommended by NICE for tension headaches and migraines.
Other conditions that are not officially recommended by NICE, but where acupuncture is thought to help, include:
- neck/back pain
- joint pain
- dental/jaw pain
- post-operative pain
- nausea/vomiting
- fibromyalgia
Many practitioners also believe the treatment can support mental health (such as anxiety and stress) and can work as a preventative to future illness.
How does acupuncture therapy work?
Inserting needles into specific points of the body is thought to help stimulate nerves and muscles in the central nervous system. This process is thought to encourage the body's production of natural painkillers – namely endorphins and serotonin. These painkillers are released in the pain pathways within the brain and the spine and change how pain is perceived. The biochemical changes that can occur from acupuncture therapy are believed to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities.
Can I get acupuncture on the NHS?
Sometimes acupuncture is available on the NHS, but access is limited. Within the NHS it is available from GPs or physiotherapists. Most people go down the private route to get treatment and the cost of this will vary depending on the practitioner. If you are considering getting treatment privately, it's still recommended to run this past your GP.
What to expect in an acupuncture session
In your initial session, you’ll discuss your medical history and general health with your acupuncturist, and have a short physical examination. This consultation usually lasts anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour. Following this, the acupuncture will begin.
You'll first be asked to sit or lie down, either on your front or back (depending on where the needles need to be inserted). Keep in mind that it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing as this might need to be removed during your session.
Based on your symptoms and what you want to gain from acupuncture, the practitioner will insert sterilised needles into corresponding acupuncture points around the body. These needles are very thin and up to a few centimetres long, so they can be inserted just underneath the skin, or deeper to reach the muscles.
After insertion, the needles may remain in the skin for a few minutes, up to half an hour or so. During this time, your acupuncturist might manipulate the needles to target specific muscles. Following insertion, the needles are safely removed. Once you're ready, the practitioner will usually run through any aftercare advice and offer guidance on whether you require more sessions. The number of treatments needed will vary based on your condition and objectives.
Will it hurt?
You may feel a dull ache or tingling when the needles are inserted, but you should not feel pain. If you do, be sure to tell your practitioner.
If carried out by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. If you have a bleeding disorder, do discuss this with your GP and acupuncture practitioner. If you are pregnant, you can still have acupuncture, just be sure to let your practitioner know as certain points on the body are not safe to use during pregnancy.
How will I feel after?
Most people report feeling very calm and relaxed after an acupuncture session. Some even fall asleep during treatment, so do keep this in mind and avoid any vigorous activities following your session to manage fatigue. It's also very normal to experience heightened emotions in the days after acupuncture – you might notice you're more tearful or irritable, for example. These are signs that your body is emptying its emotional load. Light pain or bruising at the needle insertion sites is also common. Ideally, you should give your body time to rest and reset up to a few days after sessions.
How do I find an acupuncturist?
As there is currently no statutory regulation for acupuncture in England, it's important to check the practitioner you see is suitably qualified and insured. Many practitioners will join a professional organisation. These organisations ensure suitable qualifications have been achieved and hold practitioners to a code of ethics.
On Therapy Directory, all members have shown us proof of qualifications and insurance or proof of membership with a professional body. So, you can comfortably browse our acupuncturists' profiles knowing you're in safe hands.
Once you've found a few professionals you're drawn to, reach out to them to gather some more information. Professionals should be able to clearly explain how their sessions work, what their fees are and provide evidence of their qualifications and experience. If you feel like they could be a good fit for you and your needs, book an initial session and take it from there.
