First of all, the acupuncturist will build up a detailed view of you and your medical history. This will help them to determine what type of care you may respond to. Chinese medicine traditionally looks at the tongue and the pulse to help diagnose your ailment and the cause of your symptoms. Therapy will begin once the practitioner is happy they have identified the optimum course of treatment. Most appointments take between thirty minutes and an hour.
Most people feel only a little pain when the needles are first inserted. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and designed to produce as little pain as possible. Each individual experiences the sensation differently, some people feel excited, while others feel relaxed. However, if you do find it very painful, tell your practitioner immediately. It could be an indication of a problem with the procedure.
There are a number of theories put forward as to why acupuncture works. One suggests that acupuncture stimulates the body to release its own pain-killing hormones, endorphins. While, another argues that acupuncture actually stops the pain impulses from reaching the brain.
A study by the University of Exeter (see news article) found that when practised by a recognized professional acupuncture is both safe and effective. Strict hygiene protocols are followed, with many practitioners using disposable needles. Common sense rules should apply, if you are a haemophiliac or have a history of bruising easily, it might be sensible to consider another form of therapy.
