What is it? Acupuncture is one of the oldest treatments in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves targeting problem areas of the body (including organs) by accessing the body's meridians using needles. Meridians are the mediums through which qi (pronounced chi) flows. Qi is the vital energy source that helps control the workings of the body. Acupuncture was first introduced to western society in 1635, but modern medicine was sceptical of its usefulness. It was re-introduced in the 1970s and later recognised as a beneficial treatment by the World Health Organisation. It's now used in various countries for a range of problems including infertility and back pain.
What happens before the treatment? Before the needles are inserted, the acupuncturist will ask myriad questions about your medical history. This covers diet to the quality of your stools. This helps the acupuncturist diagnose which areas of the body need to be targeted. If you have recurring problems, these will be noted and addressed. The overall diagnosis is talked about in relation to the 'five elements theory', which - in traditional Chinese medicine - means each organ and emotion has a corresponding element. The pulse is taken (there are 26 types of pulse rate, from slippery to tight). The texture and appearance of your tongue will also be checked.
What do the needles feel like? Surprisingly, it doesn't hurt. Any good acupuncturist will be able to tell how wary a client is of the treatment, and will therefore vary the degree to which the needles penetrate the body. People are aware when the needles go in but - depending on how far these go in - you won't feel much. If the needle goes in deep it may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but an incredible sensation soon follows. You can actually feel a rush through the limb or other body part, which does give the sensation of becoming 'unblocked'.
What happens once the needles are in place? Different clients have different needs, so there will be variations. 'Scraping' is the term used to describe the method of releasing tension or feeding energy into the body. The acupuncturist manipulates the needle to give a vibrating sensation that reverberates around the needle. The needles are then left for between 20 and 50 minutes. It's a relaxing treatment and allows the client to focus on the sensations.
How many needles are used in a session? It varies from client to client, and the nature of the ailment. Typically, about seven needles are used, but it's common to use more. The needles come in different lengths and thickness; which ones are used depends on how many times a client has had acupuncture and how vigorous the practitioner likes to be. The needles are all sterilised and previously unused. Once they're removed, they're discarded. Depending on which needle has been used for which body part, the hole in the skin will either be blocked by the acupuncturist in order to retain energy flow, or left open to release tension.
How much is it? $700 for an hour.