What exactly is acupuncture?

From a Chinese medicine perspective, everything in life is composed and defined by its Qi and is the ultimate measure of one’s vitality. Qi, often referred to as vital energy, is the energy current that runs through our body, providing it with circulation, nutrients and minerals that we all need to be whole and healthy. When the Qi is unable to flow properly symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, hormone imbalance, pain, muscle weakness, depression, cramp and stress will occur. Also, certain lifestyle habits and environmental elements can disrupt or block the flow of Qi.

Acupuncture - which has been considered safe practice by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – is used by acupuncturist to restore the body to its natural, balanced state, and helps to promote physical and emotional harmony. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into specific points on the body to affect the flow of the body’s Qi. It is believed that the body comprises of several channels or merdians in which Qi flows through. Each channel is connected to a vital organ. This internal network of channels and organs sustain the body’s ability to function. When all these functions take place harmoniously, the body is healthy and in balance. Therefore, by stimulating the Qi in the channels somehow signals to the body’s system what it needs to do to resolve the condition. 

This is why acupuncture in a whole body approach to healthcare. No single sign or symptom can be understood except in its relation to the whole. A symptom, therefore, is not traced back to a cause, but is looked at through the spectrum of totality. If an individual has a complaint or symptom, as acupuncturists we want to know how the symptom relates to the individual’s entire being and behaviour. Illness is placed within the narrative of the individual’s life and biography. Treating the whole person and not just the symptom is the challenge of acupuncture. 

Are there any studies that show acupuncture is an effective therapy? Are there any health problems for which it is particularly effective?

Modern medical scientist have discovered that the channels in Chinese medicine correspond to the myofascial pathways in human anatomy and the concept of Qi seems to coincide with the emerging facts about how the body’s cells communicate. Furthermore, evidence showing acupuncture’s effectiveness as a therapy is growing and researchers are finding new ways of measuring the body’s response. In the UK, the focus on acupuncture’s effectiveness has mainly been on pain management. However, acupuncture has been known to successfully treat and manage many complex conditions and acupuncturists vary enormously in the kind of conditions they are able to treat. Therefore, it’s important to have a discussion with a fully qualified acupuncturist first to help you decide whether acupuncture is the right approach to your health needs. 

What other issues can acupuncture help with? What are the most common health issues you treat?

As a licensed Acupuncturist, I use the principles of Chinese medicine to heal a wide range of conditions including but not limited to insomnia, digestive issues, pain and endometriosis. Although, I have witness the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating many different health problems, my main passion is to use acupuncture along with Chinese herbs and dietary therapy to help prevent diseases before they even occur. By reading your body and emotions – even subtle imbalances reveal themselves. Using acupuncture not only realigns these imbalances and restores the body’s own self-healing mechanisms but also helps to preserve health and improve longevity. I find it so satisfying to be able to restore health and Qi back into the person’s body using the highly effective tools of TCM. 

Can you explain the link between acupuncture and pain – why is acupuncture so effective for pain relief?

Recurring pain is one of the main reasons people seek acupuncture treatments. Neck, shoulder, back, headache and migraine are often caused by debilitating and recurring pain that in most cases have not been treated at the core by conventional medicine. Recently, there’s been some really compelling evidence in the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. In some US states, a pilot acupuncture service has been implemented mainly for Medicaid recipients, mostly for chronic pain and largely prompted by the need to offer an alternative to highly addictive opioid drugs.  The opioid crisis as seen in the US is also a major concern for health officials here in the UK. The cost of opioid use to the National Healthcare Service (NHS) is in the millions although opioids offer little in the way of effectiveness in treating chronic pain. In comparison, acupuncture offers a much better alternative due to its effectiveness, low cost and its non-addictive quality. NICE recommends acupuncture for chronic tension type headache and migraine, however it still remains to be seen whether there is enough political will for acupuncture to be taken seriously within the much wider medical community. 

What about the link between acupuncture and stress – why is acupuncture so effective for stress relief?

Stress is a common condition that can present with a variety of possible associated symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Acupuncture is successful in working with the common symptoms related to stress, while providing a more compassionate and healing-based perspective in understanding emotional issues and what it takes to heal them. TCM principles also teach us that our emotional wellbeing is directly related to our ability to be at one with nature. This principle alone has the potential to transform our collective confidence in ourselves and in our emotional wellbeing. 

From a physiological perspective, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurotransmitter molecules. This results in biochemical changes that directly influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, which promote overall physical and emotional well-being.

What about fertility? I’ve read studies that say it can help you get pregnant? Why is this?

Fertility problems and disorders reflect deeper rooted imbalances and dysfunction in the body. Acupuncture therapy can be very useful in restoring healthy fertility function by supporting and regulating fertility hormones and by increasing blood to the reproductive organs. I love to use an inside and outside approach by applying medicine internally via Chinese dietary therapy and herbs, while helping the body directly through the surface with acupuncture. Acupuncture is especially useful when it is part of an integrated medical/complementary approach for women undergoing IVF or ICSI. 

What can you expect to happen in a typical acupuncture session? How does the session work?

My philosophy is that there is rarely ever a ‘one size fits all’ solution, which is why I work on a one to one basis to create a tailor-made holistic plan based on the wisdom of ancient Chinese medicine. Therefore, it’s important to me to first get to know my clients personally in order to gain a full understanding of their health needs. The first consultation usually involves an in depth exploration into medical history and any current symptoms. I also get into the details of a woman’s menstrual cycle, bowel regularity, stool states, daily diet, exercise regime, emotional state, stress levels, sleep, social relationships, living conditions and energy levels; Every little detail counts. But it’s all crucial information that enables me to understand the person as a whole working system. It is a process that identifies what your body is trying to tell you, taking into consideration all signs and symptoms – and how to best assist its natural ability to heal. This is the essence of Chinese medical diagnosis and pathology. 

I then decide the right combination of acupuncture points that are right for the whole body as well as the symptoms. I love using acupuncture along with cupping, gua sha and Chinese dietary therapy. I really appreciate the time my clients take out of their busy day to come and have their acupuncture treatment so I create a space that inspires calm.

How do you feel after acupuncture? Or does it depend on the issue you are treating? Are you able to give any insight here?

Most of my clients feel deeply relaxed during their acupuncture session and feel a sense of rejuvenation when leaving. 

Are there any risks associated with acupuncture?

Some side effects such as small bruising may appear when a needle is removed or people may on an occasion feel dizzy or tired for a brief time after treatment. However, a recent survey in the UK and Germany concluded that when practiced by a fully trained and certified acupuncturist, the risks of serious adverse side effects are extremely low.  

Is there anything you can to do maximise your session? 

In general, I always recommend to my clients to avoid coffee at least 2 hours before their acupuncture session because coffee is a stimulant that increases the fight or flight response, which isn’t ideal scenario when trying to read your body signs. Eating an appropriate portioned meal approximately 2 hours before also helps to avoid feeling uncomfortable during the session. Opting for loose fitting comfortable clothing is also helpful as this will make it easier for the acupuncturist to place the needles in the right places. 

How many sessions do you need to see results?

Most acupuncture treatment plans involve at least 6 sessions (one session per week for 6 weeks). I also give my clients a personalized health plan based on the principles of Yang Sheng, which they can practice in between their acupuncture sessions. It’s important to me that my clients get to achieve their health goals with ultimate success and support to help guide them through. So I created the personalized health plans to empower my clients not only to continue the therapeutic effects of their acupuncture sessions but also to help them to make the decisions that are right for them, by replacing bad habits that may have caused their illness in the first place with positive ones. 

What would your advice be to people who are sceptical about acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is truly a beautiful form of healing as it works with you and not against you. It offers a completely natural, holistic approach to health with little to no side effects – unlike the majority of pharmaceutical drugs. It is widely used around the world, and people of all ages can benefit from having it. My advice to anyone who is skeptical about acupuncture is to first start with finding a acupuncture regulatory body such as the British Acupuncture Council in the UK, as they guarantee high standards of training, safe practice and professional conduct. They have a register with all properly qualified acupuncturists in your local area. 

As acupuncturist, we understand the scepticism people may feel and are always happy to discuss any questions you may have. I would also say that acupuncture is not necessarily a quick fix solution. It’s a commitment. It requires time and dedication from you and your acupuncturist. But your health and wellbeing deserves the quality time and resources it needs to get back on track.