From a Western perspective acupuncture has been shown to have an effect on the functioning of the endocrine (hormonal), nervous and gastrointestinal (digestive) systems. This enables acupuncture to treat a very wide variety of ailments.
Personally I believe acupunctures’ effects to be more than the above and I don’t say that lightly. Traditional acupuncture views the effect of acupuncture through interaction with a subtle part of the bodies energy, called ‘qi’ (pronounced “chee”) along a network of channels in the body called ‘meridians’. Such talk is often met with a ‘thanks but there must be another explanation’ look however when I started studying acupuncture I was sceptical of this view too! I have a Biology degree and my mind was quite unaccepting of such alien concepts, however what I have seen in practice over the years has led me to a view that the traditional Chinese explanation is a very viable one.
A recent example of this was when needling a point in a patients foot in their ‘liver channel’ she reported that she felt an immediate sensation in her liver. This patient was a recovering alcoholic and did not know what point was being needled. Such comments are not uncommon with needles placed in ‘Stomach’ points on the lower leg often resulting in an immediate gurgling in a patients stomach! Western understanding cannot explain such reactions and similar occurances are common.
Acupuncture works best when used in a framework of traditional acupuncture theory with points selected based on these teachings. Whatever the explanation for its effect there is no doubt that acupuncture works and I have treated patients very successfully for stress, panic attacks, migraines, infertility, back/joint pain amongst others based on traditional theories, diagnosis and points. Chances are you already know people who tried acupuncture with good results. Why not give it a try yourself?
Caution: Always seek treatment from a member of The British Acupuncture Council who have the letters ‘MBAcC’ after their name. This is the largest professional body for acupuncturists in the UK and guarantees standards of excellence in safety and training. CGV5NFCXSMBR
