Acupuncture

In this page, Manchester-based acupuncturist Lily Lai, PhD talks about acupuncture, what the benefits of acupuncture are and some of the science around how it works.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the most widely practiced complementary medical treatments in the UK and has been recognised by the World Health Organisation and other leading organisations for its wide-ranging benefits. It is becoming increasingly popular as a natural, drug-free approach for common complaints such as back pain and migraines.  Besides traditional acupuncturists like Lily, medical acupuncture - also called dry needling - is also provided by GPs, physiotherapists, nurses and midwives alongside modern medicine within the NHS and private sector.   

Acupuncture originated in China and involves the insertion of fine sterilised needles into the skin at locations in the body known as acupuncture points.  It remains a key part of the healthcare system in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong where it is often integrated alongside biomedical treatments for a number of health problems.   

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

Firstly, we carry out an in-depth health consultation which involves taking a full medical history and discussing the health issues that concern you the most. If you’ve undergone medical tests or procedures that are related to your health issues, we’ll usually ask to see test results and medical reports at your first appointment. We will talk about your diet and any lifestyle factors that could be associated with your health concerns. As part of the Chinese medical diagnostic checks, we’ll also take a look at your tongue and take a pulse reading. At the end of your consultation, we’ll advise you on whether we think Chinese medicine is able to help you and if so, what course of treatment we would recommend for you.

If we agree that a course of acupuncture treatments is the best way forward, you will usually be able to receive your acupuncture treatment within the same session as your initial consultation. Acupuncture is typically carried out on the abdomen or on the back, and on the forearms and lower legs so we will ask you make yourself comfortable on the treatment couch and then to lift your top up to expose your abdomen or lower back and to roll up your sleeves and trouser legs. To help us access these areas easily, we recommend wearing loose and comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt or jogging bottoms that can be easily pulled up or removed.

The areas to be needled are first cleaned with a pre-injection swab before the needles are placed. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than injection or syringe needles - about the thickness of a strand of hair - and because of this, it doesn’t feel the same as having an injection. Lily has an exceptionally gentle needling technique and patients are often surprised to find that the sensation of the needles are quite pleasant, with most patients describing feelings of tingling, gentle pressure or a heaviness once needles are placed.

Once the acupuncture needles are in place, we’ll make sure you’re warm and comfortable and will then ask you to relax for around 30 minutes.  Many patients describe feeling a deep sense of relaxation during this time and which lasts beyond the session itself. Afterwards, we recommend avoiding doing too much so try to take it easy whether you are going back to work, or going straight home. Please avoid alcohol and caffeine immediately after the session and drink plenty of water.  

 All needles are single-use, pre-sterilised and are disposed of by the local clinical waste services.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be helpful for a wide range of symptoms and our Testimonials page showcases the diversity of patients and symptoms that we have helped with so far.

Official peer-reviewed scientific publications from various healthcare bodies and research groups around the world recommend that acupuncture be considered for a number of conditions, with the strongest support for conditions such as:

• Chronic primary pain (NICE 2021);

• Lower back pain (American Academy of Family Physicians 2017);

• Tension-type headaches, migraines and prevention of migraines (NICE 2021, Linde et al. 2016);

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain (Vickers et al. 2017);

• Post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting (National Institutes of Health 1997, al-Sadi 1997, Cheong et al. 2013, Fu et al. 2020);

• Nausea of pregnancy (RCOG 2016);

• Menopausal symptoms (Lund et al. 2018);

• Sports injuries (Lin et al. 2009, Urroz et al. 2013, Yang et al. 2016, Kang et al. 2021);

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) (Asheghan et al. 2016, Ben-Arie et al. 2020):

• Post-operative dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction (National Institutes of Health 1997, World Health Organisation 2002, de Camargo 2014, Goldstein 2016);

• Menstrual cramps, morning sickness, breech presentation during pregnancy, labour induction (National Institutes of Health 1997, World Health Organisation 2002, Shetty 2018, Armour 2021);

• Tennis elbow (National Institutes of Health 1997, World Health Organisation 2002);

• Fibromyalgia (National Institutes of Health 1997, World Health Organisation 2002, Zhang et al. 2019);

• Osteoarthritis of the knee, neck pain (World Health Organisation 2002, Witt et al. 2006, Vickers et al. 2017);

• Allergic rhinitis including hayfever (World Health Organisation 2002, Witt et al. 2009, Yin et al. 2020).

Please note that the list above is an example of medical conditions for which randomised controlled trials involving Western populations and of good quality have been carried out. If the condition or the symptoms that you are seeking help with aren’t shown above, please get in touch to see if we think we can help.

To find more about acupuncture or if you’d like to book in for an appointment in our Manchester clinic, get in touch with us today.