How to cure aches and pains naturally with needling

The latest research suggests that acupuncture can help to ease improve a whole range of health problems, from debilitating back pain and migraines to depression. But could the therapy work for you?

Needling is used to move the energy and blood in the areas that are painful. For most of us, the language and ideas behind acupuncture can seem strange, but it's an increasingly popular alternative treatment. Practitioners claim acupuncture can help with problems such as back Pain, migraines and tension headaches, nausea and vomiting, infertility and osteoarthritis. It may also alleviate emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.
The Chinese and other Eastern cultures have been using this technique to restore, promote and maintain good health for thousands of years. Factors such as long working hours, little time for relaxation, Poor diet and stress can cause imbalances, which manifest themselves as ailments, such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive discomfort and colds and flu. Acupuncture encourages the body back into balance so that all its functions are working in harmony, which helps to treat and prevent disease.

What is the thinking behind it?

Acupuncture looks at the whole person rather than just their symptoms. It's based on the traditional Chinese theory that we all have "vital energy", which flows through our body along a series of energy channels (meridians). If there's an imbalance or blockage, it's thought we can develop health problems. An acupuncturist inserts fine needles into specific points to remove any blockages and help stimulate the body's own healing response and restore its natural balance.
It's thought that in early times, sharp objects were pressed on certain points to try to relieve hot or tight areas, or a herb called moxa (mugwort) was burned on a cold area to warm it up. Moxa cones are still used by some acupuncturists; they're burned and placed briefly on acupuncture points to warm them.

Are needle always used in treatments?

Single-use, sterile needles are usually used, and are inserted through a guide tube to cut the risk of infection. But people who are afraid of needles can still try acupuncture, as some practitioners use acupoint or electro-acupuncture. Rather like the pain-relieving Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine, this involves placing electrodes on the skin and sending a low-intensity electrical pulse through them.

What is the consultation process?

You'll have an initial consultation and be asked at your lifestyle, medical history general health - physical and emotional - and any specific problems. Remember to mention any medication you’re taking. Your pulse and your tongue's shape, colour, size and coating maybe checked, too.
Depending on the diagnosis you may need to expose certain parts of your body – usually your lower legs, back and stomach - so wear loose-fitting clothing, especially around areas that are painful. Very fine needles are used and often left in place for up to half-an-hour. Advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, in relation to your constitution from a Chinese perspective, is usually given.
The needles shouldn’t hurt, although you may feel a tingling sensation, and treatment can sometimes cause tiredness, mild dizziness and, in rare cases, minor bruising. The number of treatments needed will vary, but for chronic conditions, you should see improvement after about six sessions and will then know if it's worth continuing. More acute cases may improve within one to four sessions.