Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce a variety of effects. It increases the body's release of natural painkillers - endorphin and serotonin - in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received. But acupuncture does much more than reduce pain, and has a beneficial effect on health.

Modern research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body's systems - the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

What is involved?

Each patient's case will be assessed by the practitioner and treatment will be tailored to the individual; so it is impossible to give more than a general idea of what treatment might involve. Typically, fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with manual or electrical stimulation. The number of needles varies but may be only two or three. Treatment might be once a week to begin with, then at longer intervals as the condition responds. The average number of treatments is about five.

Uses for Acupuncture

Taking the above into consideration, here are some of the ways in which acupuncture may be effective:

• Pain relief
• Depression, anxiety, feelings of being "run down"
• Allergic reactions
• Sinus problems and chronic catarrh.
• Skin problems
• Abdominal and bowel problems
• Smoking cesation
• Eating disorders

Where to go for Acupuncture

Acupuncture should be practised as a branch of medicine; so go to a practitioner who is fully registered to treat western medical conditions, as well as being fully trained in acupuncture.