What is it? Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine in which needles are put in place at specific points on nerve or energy pathways called meridians. It is based on the principle that chi (energy) moves along these meridians and when blockages occur, pain or illness results. The needles stimulate points along the meridians to reduce or increase the energy flow, remove blockages, tone and restore balance in the system. The addition of heat (moxibustion) at the acupuncture points is believed to enhance the flow of energy.
What does it treat? In theory, virtually any complaint can be treated with acupuncture although caution should be taken by those suffering from cancer. In practice, it is considered good for relieving back pain, shoulder pain, neck and arm pain. It is also deemed an appropriate treatment for asthma, excema, headaches, menstrual and gastro-intestinal problems. Acupuncture is also sometimes used as a replacement for chemical anaesthetic during surgery, childbirth and dental treatment.
A first-timer's experience: With detailed personal and family medical history taken, lifestyle discussed, tongue examined and pulse taken: my treatment began. Squeamish about injections and even the occasional misplaced sewing needle, I was nervous and not at all looking forward to the sensation of the acupuncture needles crossing the subcutaneous layer of my skin. So, I decided not to watch but I did feel all nine needles as the acupuncturist pierced my skin and twisted the fine needles anticlockwise (the direction believed to reduce pain) into place along four different energy pathways of my body. Yes, it does hurt and you do feel the blood rush to the spot when the needle is in place. But, it is a dull pain. While the needles were in position for 20 minutes or so, the acupuncturist burned a moxa stick (rolled Chinese herb) around the area most prone to pain. A comforting feeling. Then, once the needles were removed, she oiled the skin of the surrounding areas. A short neck and shoulders massage concluded the one-hour session. I left feeling tingly and exhilarated.
An advocate's view: Public relations consultant Carmel White had her first acupuncture treatment six years ago and continues to have acupuncture three or four times a year. "I had got to the stage that I couldn't lift a teacup, my arm was so weak. I had previously had a cortisone injection which worked immediately but the pain came back again six months later. I went for four or five acupuncture treatments on the advice of my GP. The pain just disappeared.
I work quite a lot at a computer and I don't have very good posture which gives me back ache. I now go for acupuncture to relieve this. I use it in a preventative way in that if I get a twinge I don't let it develop. However, I did go for some treatment recently when my back was knotted and my muscles were in spasm and it took away the pain. Basically, I find acupuncture is very relaxing. It doesn't hurt. There are no side effects and it takes away pain and soreness.
The medical view: Dr Muiris Houston, The Irish Times Medical Correspondent, says there is good evidence from randomised trials that there is a greater pain relief from the positioning of needles on recognised acupuncture points than the placing of them just anywhere on the body. However, any research that has been done is hospital-based for acute conditions such as post-operative pain rather than for chronic conditions. That said, there is other evidence which supports the use of acupuncture in pain conditions such as migraine, the treatment of nausea and substance misuse (eg drug abuse). Trials of acupuncture in asthma and hayfever produce conflicting results, and acupuncture has not been shown to work for those with tinnitus, obesity or those quitting smoking.
The Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Organisation can be contacted at tel: 01- 6794216. There are currently 130 practising acupuncturists affiliated to this body, which requires members to have a minimum of three years' training. A single acupuncture treatment costs between £20-£30. BUPA Ireland gives £15 towards treatments by registered acupuncturists. VHI gives £15 towards treatments by GPs who practice acupuncture. Both operate excess clauses.
