Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate or relax the body. Acupuncture is one of a number of different types of treatment that your physiotherapist may offer. Acupuncture has been used in China for over 3000 years.

Traditional belief is that energy flows freely throughout the body via channels. However, when there is a problem the energy stagnates. Stimulation by acupuncture at various points helps to restore the healthy flow of energy in the body. Recent science has shown that it stimulates the brain to produce natural pain-relieving substances. These give pain relief and help the body to heal itself.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally very safe. Serious side effects are very rare – less than one per 10,000 treatments.

Does acupuncture have side effects?

Acupuncture is safer than many drug treatments, but occasionally it does have side effects:

• Drowsiness in a small number of patients, and, if affected, you are advised not to drive.
• Minor bleeding or bruising occurs after acupuncture in about 3% of treatments.
• Discomfort during treatment occurs in about 1% of treatments.
• Feeling light-headed or fainting can occur in certain patients, particularly at the first treatment.
• Existing symptoms can get worse after treatment (less than 3% of patients). This is often a sign that acupuncture is having a good effect. You should tell your therapist about any of these.

What does acupuncture treatment involve?

Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific points of the body or around the body. The physiotherapist will select points that are:

• close to the painful area or away from it, for example hands and feet; and
• in some cases, on the opposite sides of the body.

The needles are sterile and disposable. You may feel a mild ache, numbness, warmth and heavy sensation as the needle is inserted. This is referred to as ’DeQi’. This is also a good sign that the body is reacting to the acupuncture. The needles may be stimulated by a twisting motion at regular intervals throughout your treatment or by using a mild electrical current. Treatment lasts for 10-20 minutes. The number of needles may vary according to your symptoms. Usually a course of between 3 and 6 treatments may be required.

How long after acupuncture do you feel the benefit?

Whilst the effects of acupuncture differ from person to person, many people will begin to experience benefits after 1-2 sessions. In some cases, this can take longer, to which some acupuncture professionals recommend giving it at least 5 sessions before deciding that it doesn't work.

When should acupuncture not be used?

If you suffer from any of the conditions below then acupuncture is not a suitable treatment for you:

• Metal allergies.
• Needle phobia.
• Known infection or poor skin condition in the area to be treated.
• Heart valve disease.
• Unstable diabetes.
• Uncontrolled epilepsy.

When should it be used with caution?

It is also important that you inform your physiotherapist if you are affected by any of the following:

• Are pregnant or trying to conceive.
• Suffer from epilepsy (seizures) or faints.
• Deficient or weakened immune system.
• Heart pacemaker.
• Blood donors.
• Anticoagulant (blood thinning medication).
• Diabetes.
• Blood disorders: Haemophilia, HIV or hepatitis.
• Previous adverse reactions to acupuncture.

These conditions do not exclude you from having acupuncture, but they will influence your treatment.

Dr Ehab Georgy

CONSULTANT PHYSIOTHERAPIST & CLINICAL LEAD

Graduating in 2000, Ehab has been working as a specialist neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapist for over 23 years. He has worked and conducted research in a number of prestigious and internationally renowned hospitals, universities and institutions in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Egypt. His main areas of specialties are complex neurological diseases, pain management and movement disorders ... Read more