What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of medicine that has developed in China and the Far East over the past two thousand years. It began with the discovery that stimulation of certain areas of the skin affected the functioning of specific organs. It evolved into a system of healing, as the connection between the skin and the organs was better understood. In the West, Acupuncture is now used to treat a wide range of conditions and its effectiveness in treating certain conditions is now widely recognised. 

There are over four hundred acupuncture points on different parts of the body, each with specific functions and effects. A detailed case history allows me to select the most appropriate points in your case.  

I am trained in the two main acupuncture disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine and 5-Element Acupuncture. This enables me to treat you constitutionally, in addition to treating your individual symptoms. 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Treatment is rarely described as painful. The needles we use are much finer than those used for injections and only a slight prick might be felt as the needle goes through the skin. A sensation normally described as a slightly dull ache is felt for a short time. 

I use superior quality, single-use, sterile needles, and practice to the rigorous hygiene standards set by the British Acupuncture Council.

Research articles and links from the BBC health website

Below are some links to BBC health web pages that provide information on recent research into the effectiveness of acupuncture:

Blood pressure:   http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4390755.stm

Pain during pregnancy: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4358509.stm

Acupuncture and IVF treatment: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1933901.stm

Arthritis: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4111047.stm

Headaches and migraines: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3506400.stm

General research into acupuncture: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4493011.stm

Migraines: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4764354.stm

Back pain: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4720504.stm

Addictions: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4788988.stm

Stress: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/4741658.stm

More stress and anxiety: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1574953.stm

Morning sickness: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1842196.stm

Doctor's support of acupuncture: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/802787.stm

Research: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/545019.stm

Back pain: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5345774.stm

Migraine: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5301690.stm

© Godalming Acupuncture and Homeopathy, Surrey 2006