What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment method within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) . During treatment, the acupuncturist inserts thin needles at carefully chosen points on the body. The points used depend on your complaints and on the findings from your consultation and examination.
Acupuncture can be used for various types of complaints. The individual complaint pages explain what treatment may offer for your particular complaint.
How does an acupuncturist choose the points?
The practitioner considers your main complaint, but also its location and course, other symptoms and your health history. With pain, for example, its precise location, how it feels and which movements provoke it may be important.
This information helps identify a TCM pattern and determine which areas of the body and channels (meridians) are involved. Two people with the same Western diagnosis may therefore receive a different combination of acupuncture points.
Needles are not always placed at the site of the complaint. For shoulder pain, for example, a practitioner may also choose points on the arm or hand. The choice relates to the pathways of the relevant channels and the overall presentation.
What is the role of Qi?
In TCM, acupuncture points are stimulated to influence the movement and regulation of Qi . Qi is a broad concept describing activity, movement and the coordination of bodily functions, among other things.
This does not mean that every complaint involves a ‘blockage’. For one person, treatment may mainly focus on pain and restricted movement; for another, fatigue or complaints involving a TCM organ system may also play a role. The appropriate approach is determined from the overall picture.
What happens during treatment?
Before your first treatment, the acupuncturist discusses your complaints, health history and any questions. Your tongue and pulse may also be examined. The practitioner then explains which points will be used, and you can sit or lie down comfortably.
The practitioner uses thin, sterile needles intended for single use. Insertion often feels like a brief prick or is barely noticeable. Around a needle, you may then experience a tingling, heavy or warm sensation. Please say if a needle feels uncomfortable; the practitioner can adjust or remove it. NCCIH
The needles usually remain in place for a while as you lie quietly. The number of needles and how long they stay in place vary between treatments. They are then removed, and you can discuss your experience of the treatment if needed.
How is acupuncture's effect explained?
In TCM, treatment is described using concepts such as Qi, channels and TCM patterns. These concepts help the practitioner consider complaints in context and choose points.
Modern medical research investigates, among other things, how needle stimulation may influence the nervous system and pain processing. No single explanation fully describes all the possible effects of acupuncture.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?
Acupuncture can be used on its own, but is generally compatible with other treatments. For lower back pain, for example, you may see a physiotherapist and an acupuncturist at the same time. Each treatment may address a different aspect of your complaints.
Depending on your situation, the acupuncturist may also discuss Chinese herbal medicine , dietary advice or lifestyle advice. During your initial consultation, explain which treatments you receive and which medicines you use. Treatment can then be adapted accordingly.