20/01/2025
Traditional acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine principles that have been developed, researched and refined for over 2,500 years; these principles aim to restore, promote and maintain good health.
Acupuncture's benefits are now widely acknowledged all over the world and in the past decade, traditional acupuncture has begun to feature more prominently in assisting people with a variety of concerns.
The underlying principle of traditional acupuncture treatment is that illness and pain occur when the body's 'qi', or 'vital energy', cannot flow freely. Alternatively if there is too much or too little energy in the system, a mus balance of energy may occur and the body’s natural healing process may be disrupted.
How does acupuncture work?
The short answer- By inserting ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points, a practitioner of traditional acupuncture seeks to re-establish the free flow of qi, to restore balance and trigger the body's natural healing response.
By using a holistic approach acupuncture can improve the functioning of the whole person, not just the most troublesome symptoms that are causing difficulties.
The British Acupuncture Council is the leading body for the practice of traditional acupuncture in the UK and a member of the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association.
Both organisations promote integrated healthcare and funds clinical research into the benefits of traditional acupuncture.
Please see both websites:
European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA)
https://etcma.org/
British Acupuncture Councils (BAcC) Fact sheets for further information on the current research available for the conditions listed at the link.
https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/acupuncture-research/evidence-a-z/
Explore our A-Z of evidence fact sheets produced to provide accurate and unbiased general information about acupuncture for a variety of conditions.
