Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These include anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrositis, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions and ulcers.

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has proved to be effective in pregnancy and for pain relief during childbirth. Acupuncture is also useful for combatting addictions such as smoking, alcohol, food or drugs.

Acupuncture uses very fine needles. The process in normally quite painless although occasionally sensations such as tingling or a dull ache may occur.

Needles are inserted for a second or two or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment patients commonly experience a heaviness of the limbs and a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Your first visit may be longer than subsequent ones. You will be asked about your current symptoms, and the treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, sleeping patterns and any other relevant facts. Pulses on both wrists are likely to be felt in order to assess the energy flow within the body and their quality, rhythm and strength are noted. The colour, structure and coating of the tongue may also be used as a guide to physical health.

There are about 500 acupuncture points on the body of which around 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of these various points affects the functioning of certain areas of the body and the various organs; although the acupuncture point being used may not be close to the area being treated.

Moxa, a smouldering herb, may also be used to supplement the needle treatment. Massage and tapping of the points are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for those with a fear of needles.

The number of treatments needed varies from individual to individual. Normally you are recommended to receive treatment once a week to start with. As symptoms improve the treatments are spread out accordingly.

Some patients respond dramatically and only need one or two sessions, for others it is a more lengthy process.

If you are also receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. Acupuncture may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication and your doctor should obviously be consulted in this situation.