A straight-up answer to the question: is acupuncture effective?

You may have heard of it, and you’ve definitely seen it (it’s the one with the needles): acupuncture is a treatment derived from Chinese medicine. The main goal of the treatment is to relieve physical and mental tension, through balancing qi (pronounced ‘chee’) in the body. It’s an oldie, but a goodie, as the ancient technique has been practiced over the centuries, and is still hugely popular today. Ready to give the needles a try? Here’s what’s involved, the benefits, and the answer to the question you’re all wondering: how much does it hurt?

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 What does acupuncture actually do?

  Acupuncture works by inserting needles into certain sites of the body for therapeutic relief and prevention purposes. They’re known as ‘acupoints’ (got to know the lingo); and the inserted needles stimulate sensory nervous in the skin and body to produce pain-relieving endorphins. Pressure, heat or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Through research is still looking into all areas of acupuncture, when working alongside other treatments, the process provides longer-lasting relief.
• 2 What happens during a treatment?

  Following a consultation on your health history, your acupuncturist will do a physical examination (including feeling your pulse), these assessment tools allow for the most appropriate treatment to be administered. FYI, they’ll probably check your tongue – it corresponds to organs in the body. The acupuncturist will then place the small needles along ‘meridians’ on the body (where the ‘qi’ is located). They’ll get to work, you’ll relax, then once the needles are removed, you’re good to go about your day (with less pain than before). Remember to drink lots of water – detox, folks.  
• 3 Is it painful?

  Nope, it doesn't actually hurt (say the experts). A little like cupping, it’s that ‘self-healing’ process again, as the body responds to the insertion of the fine needles. You may feel minimal discomfort as the fine needles are gently placed on the skin, they’re usually kept in place for between 5-30 minutes, you know, while all that pain melts straight off the table. Yep, it’s relatively pain-free, and works to reduce chronic pain without the need for medications (with strange side effects). Make sure to breathe throughout the process, maybe even try meditating to focus your mind. Lowering anxiety levels is a guaranteed reliever when it comes to psychological discomfort (ommm). ​
• 4 What are the benefits?

  Acupuncture can release blocked ‘qi’ (that’s energy), and rebalance the flow of yin and yang, In short – that flow of ‘qi’ can help to relieve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function and well-being. The list goes on much further, which explains why its so darn popular. As inserting needles in the body, acupuncture can get to work on any body part, even the ears. Who knew your armpits were hiding so much tension?

  Oh, and one more point (ahem), don’t go on an empty stomach – that could lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Get the snacks in (result). 

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