Frequently Asked Questions
Are acupuncture and dry needling the same?
‘Dry needling’ is a term used to describe the use of needles that do not inject a fluid (a vaccine for example) or draw fluids from the body. Therefore, acupuncture is technically a form of dry-needling.
However, ‘dry needling’ is a term that is commonly used to refer to a modern treatment designed, in most cases, to ease muscular pain or areas where nerves are affected. It is practised by physiotherapists, osteopaths, doctors and members of other similar professions dealing with musculoskeletal conditions. These practitioners place the needles in “trigger points” in your muscle or tissue, which are usually areas of knotted or hard muscle. It is also sometimes called intramuscular stimulation (IMS).
Practitioners performing dry needling usually complete a course of a few days.
Acupuncture is one branch of Chinese Medicine. According to Chinese medicine theory, qi (energy) circulates in the body along major pathways called meridians and each of these is connected to specific internal organs and organ systems. By stimulating specific points along the meridians, this flow of energy is redirected in order to rebalance and relieve tension, stress, and pain. The uninterrupted, balanced flow of qi along these meridians contributes to overall health.
Acupuncturists will use similar techniques to ‘dry needling’ where necessary (needling into knotted or hard muscle), but the overall treatment also considers other holistic factors and is based on Chinese medicine theory.
Both ‘dry needling’ and acupuncture can treat pain and discomfort.
A licensed acupuncturist must study for a minimum of 3 years.
Read more Acupuncture.
Are acupuncture needles safe?
Acupuncture needles are sterile and packaged individually. They are disposed of after use and never re-used.
A trained acupuncturist will know how to safely insert needles and will dispose of needles safely and appropriately. They will maintain a clean environment at all times.
Although uncommon, there is a potential for acupuncture treatment to cause temporary bruising, swelling, bleeding, numbness, tingling and soreness at the site of the needle. A qualified practitioner should discuss these with you before your initial treatment.
Are acupuncture and acupressure points the same?
Acupuncture refers to the insertion of needles into acupuncture points. Acupressure treatments will utilise the same points on the body, but use pressure instead of needles. Tuina massage is a suitable treatment for people who would prefer acupressure. Read about Tuina massage here.
Where are acupuncture needles placed?
Acupuncture needles are placed in specific positions along meridians, which are often described as energy pathways of the body. Each meridian is connected to specific organs and organ systems and each acupuncture point has particular functions and effects.
Auricular acupuncture is ear acupuncture
Read Acupuncture
Where did acupuncture come from?
Chinese medicine is a field of healthcare that includes acupuncture (as well as other techniques). It is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and is still widely practised today in China and around the world. The oldest known record of Chinese medicine dates back over 2500 years.
Are acupuncture results immediate and permanent?
This can be based on the expertise of your acupuncturist and your individual response.
Some people feel relief in their symptoms immediately and often feel relaxed or energised in addition. Your acupuncturist should be able to talk to you about your expectations and the number of treatments you might need depending on your issue.
Results can be permanent, but if the cause of the issue continues then problems can return. Your acupuncturist should be able to suggest intermittent treatments to prevent more serious issues.
In addition, acupuncturists will often suggest regular check-ins (monthly/quarterly etc) to ensure you are not veering out of balance again.
Are acupuncture needles painful?
It’s normal to feel some kind of sensation during your treatment and in many cases this is desirable. This can be experienced as a tingling, a mild aching, a shooting sensation or many other types of feelings. This should not be painful. If you are uncomfortable during the treatment you should let your acupuncturist know and they can adjust the needles accordingly.
There are some people who do not feel sensation during their treatment, this does not mean the treatment is not working. It is a very individual experience.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture has been shown to have an improved effect on a number of conditions, including all of the above, and research continues to grow.
In China, Chinese medicine practitioners are visited for all types of conditions with high levels of success.
A combination of herbs and acupuncture can be more effective for some conditions.
The Acupuncture Evidence Project found evidence of effect for 117 conditions, see here for details
Read more information about acupuncture on the NHS website here
Can acupuncture make you tired?
Yes it can, but it doesn’t always. Some people feel more energised after a treatment too.
One of the benefits of acupuncture is that it can be very relaxing and so after a treatment you may want to rest or sleep.
It is important after a treatment to honour how you feel and rest if you need to.
Can acupuncture make you sick?
This is highly unlikely as long as you visit a qualified practitioner who will not treat you incorrectly.
Can acupuncture make you feel worse?
Sometimes in cases of pain, acupuncture (and even massage sometimes) can increase sensation, or make this area feel more sensitive before it feels better. If you can imagine that acupuncture is like sending a message to the body, asking it to give a certain area some attention, and that when the body responds there is more activity in that region, which can result in greater sensation. This should dissipate in a day or two. If it does not you should contact your practitioner.
Alternatively, you may feel more tired, or have an urge to sleep. This can be because you have relaxed so entirely during your treatment that you can fully rest. Some practitioners may say that the body is responding to the treatment by going into the state it needs to repair.
Can acupuncture cause miscarriage?
There are acupuncture points that are contraindicated in pregnancy due to their energetic response.
It is important that you visit an acupuncturist that has trained at a suitable institution so that they have the necessary knowledge to treat a pregnant woman appropriately.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is the process of inserting hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles at specific parts of the body, where meridians (often referred to as energy channels) flow. It is believed that by manipulating the meridians when they are out of sync, and bringing them back to a state of healthy flow, that balance is restored in the body and the mind.
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
There is a saying in Chinese medicine that translates as ‘where there is blockage there is pain, where there is no blockage there is no pain’. If you have body pain this means that qi is not moving efficiently in this area.
The skill and expertise of a practitioner lies, firstly, in establishing the reason that qi is not flowing effectively, and then treating this appropriately with the correct needles in the correct place.
Once qi is flowing properly again, pain is relieved.
How does acupuncture feel?
It is normal to feel some kind of sensation during your treatment. This can be experienced as a tingling, a mild aching, a shooting sensation, numbness or other types of feelings. This is completely normal and should not be painful. If you are uncomfortable during the treatment you should let your acupuncturist know and they can adjust the needles accordingly.
There are some people who do not feel sensation during their treatment, this does not mean the treatment is not working. It is a very individual experience.
Do you have more questions?