WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE ?
Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. Some practitioners also use a smouldering herb called 'moxa' to warm these points.
WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?
Medical acupuncture is acupuncture that has been successfully incorporated into medical or allied health practices in Western countries. It is derived from Asian and European sources, and is practiced in both pure and hybrid forms. Therapeutic insertion of solid needles in various combinations and patterns is the foundation of medical acupuncture. The choice of needle patterns can be based on traditional principles such as encouraging the flow of qi (pronounced chee), a subtle vivifying energy, through classically described acupuncture channels, modern concepts such as recruiting neuroanatomical activities in segmental distributions, or a combination of these two principles. The adaptability of classical and hybrid acupuncture approaches in Western medical environments is the key to their clinical success and popular appeal.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?You need to be aware that:
drowsiness occurs after treatment 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 treatment;
pain during treatment occurs in about 1% of treatments;
existing symptoms can get worse after treatment (less than 3% of patients). You should tell your doctor about this, but it is ususally a good sign.
fainting can occur in certain patients; particularly at the first treatment.