I believe there are many questions around acupuncture even nowadays. I guess it is good to “go under the needle” and reply some questions in order to resolve doubts about the uncertainty of the benefits of acupuncture in our body.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine. Physically it is the insertion of time needles into specific points on the body that are said to have a kind of therapeutic benefit.
I always have patients asking me what it actually does and I always give them two options. The traditional viewpoint is that we are balancing yin and yang and we are moving energy blood freely in the body. In these different channels, we have meridians. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are channels where the qi, or life energy, flows. If people want a more Western approach, the closest thing you can work it into is the central nervous system.
But acupuncture lacks scientific support…
The notion that acupuncture, a cornerstone of alternative medicine, lacks scientific backing is a widespread misconception. Actually there is a substantial body of peer-reviewed research that supports the efficacy of acupuncture for a diverse range of health conditions. This research includes numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, which collectively demonstrate acupuncture’s significant positive effects on the body.
Renowned health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), endorse acupuncture as a valid therapeutic option for various ailments. These endorsements are not arbitrary; they are based on rigorous evidence that illustrates acupuncture’s ability to stimulate nerve fibers, influence neurotransmitter release, and improve blood circulation. Such physiological changes are concrete indicators of acupuncture’s therapeutic impact, far beyond mere placebo effects.
Moreover, the scientific community continues to explore and document the mechanisms behind acupuncture’s benefits. Recent studies delve into its role in reducing inflammation, boosting immune system responses, and regulating hormonal imbalances, providing further empirical support for its use in clinical settings.
Ok… what do you have to say about those who say acupuncture is a placebo?
While skeptics may dismiss acupuncture as merely a placebo, such a view overlooks the substantial physiological changes documented in patients who receive this form of alternative medicine.
Numerous research studies have rigorously compared authentic acupuncture treatments with sham (placebo) versions. These studies consistently demonstrate that real acupuncture produces more significant and lasting results than placebo treatments. This difference is attributed to acupuncture’s ability to induce measurable changes in the body’s biochemistry. For instance, acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation—a key factor in many chronic diseases—and enhance the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Additionally, acupuncture’s effect on increasing blood flow and stimulating nerve pathways has been well-documented, further supporting its efficacy as a genuine therapeutic practice rather than a psychological placebo. These physiological responses provide clear, scientific evidence of acupuncture’s capability to affect the body in specific and health-promoting ways.
By discounting these substantial clinical findings, the argument that labels acupuncture as merely a placebo fails to consider the significant scientific data that underscores its legitimacy and effectiveness. As more healthcare providers and patients become aware of this evidence, the acceptance of acupuncture within the medical community continues to grow, recognizing it as a viable and beneficial treatment option in modern healthcare settings.
Generally speaking, most patients who undergo acupuncture report experiencing minimal to no discomfort. Common sensations associated with acupuncture include a mild tingling or a sense of warmth at the insertion points, which are indications of the body’s response to the treatment rather than signs of discomfort.
Ok, I am convinced. What acupuncture can do for me?
The main things I would say are mood-related: stress, anxiety, low mood and PMS. The next one is probably pain in general. That can be things like endometritis, period pain or just an injured shoulder – any kind of pain. Acupuncture helps regulate the body – regulating periods, regulating digestion, regulating your sleep. So there are three groups: Mood, regulation and pain.
But are needles painful? I am so afraid of them…
The most common concern I’ve been asked. Assuming you’re not a trypanophofic (medical condition related to “fear of needles”), needle’s sensation is common during an acupuncture session. It is even a positive effect as the more you feel them, the more therapeutic effect have on you. Now, if you’re coming with a common pain condition such as arthritis or muscle and joint condition, the sensation of needles is less perceptible. Also if you’ve an underlying condition (such as tiredness, insomnia, chronic anxiety), the needles are less perceptive. Therefore, pain is not what you feel but a reflex reaction.
Is acupuncture only useful for pain management?
Apart from the fear of pain during treatment which is inexistent, another misconception is that acupuncture is only useful for pain management which is not true. Ongoing research continues to uncover new areas where acupuncture can provide relief and promote health, solidifying its role as a versatile and invaluable treatment option. As a core component of alternative medicine, acupuncture offers extensive health benefits and serves as an excellent choice for individuals seeking comprehensive and holistic approaches to health care. By understanding its full range of applications, patients can better appreciate acupuncture as a multifaceted treatment option that goes well beyond pain management.
Another common misconception I find is some people just think it is a one-off treatment, which is an issue, it really is kind of each treatment builds on the last. So it is kind of something you need to commit to. Often people come in and nothing major happens, so they think it didn’t work.
How can you use acupuncture during pregnancy?
This is a protocol which has been very heavily researched. There is a treatment that you can undergo one to two times a week from week 36 which is called cervical ripening. It is basically preparing the cervix to soften and dilate for labour, to help to encourage labour to start on time. Studies have shown that it reduces the need for induction or emergency C-section and epidural.
There is a pressure point on the leg where I can feel what stage the cervix is at. Sometimes if people come in near their due date and say “Do you think it will come on time?” I can answer because of that pressure point. If the cervix is softening, the point on the leg is meant to feel like it is full of water, it’s so strange. Sometimes it is a tight leg muscle and I’m like that is going to be overdue.
How often should you get acupuncture?
I never want people to be relying on acupuncture. The goal is usually we get to a point where you are coming in for maintenance treatments every month or every other month just to boost your immune system. We balance out any niggles, but usually in the beginning, especially if we are working with any kind of fertility or period issues, I suggest six weeks in a row minimum. Because then we have seen every stage of your cycle. Then we just reassess, and people start spacing out to every two weeks, then three and then once a month.
I often get a kind of thing where people quit too soon, especially with muscular things. So, when they get 99 per cent better they think great I don’t have to come again, and three weeks later I see them again and they’re like: “No I shouldn’t have stopped I’ve gone back like a few steps”. It is preventative so you always need to do it a little bit more than you think. I do communicate a lot with people and say what I think they need.
Ok, I am convinced. How can I book an appointment?
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When are your opening times?
We’re open Monday to Saturday 10am – 7:30pm and Sundays are available for pre/post IVF sessions. Bookings by appointment only.
