Acupuncture became popular in the West after President Nixon's visit to China in 1972. This ancient system was brought up to date and now very fine disposable needles are used. It is relatively safe and is used both on humans and animals.

According to ancient theory a form of energy known as chi (qi) travels through the body through a system of channels known as Meridians. There are fourteen channels or Meridians in the human body. They are

1. The Lung Channel
2. The Large Intestine Channel
3. The Stomach Channel
4. The Spleen Channel
5. The Heart Channel
6. The Small Intestine Channel
7. The Urinary Bladder Channel
8. The Kidney Channel
9. The Pericardium Channel
10. He Triple Energizer Channel
11. The Gall Bladder Channel
12. The Liver Channel
13. The Governor Channel
14. The Conception Channel

The traditional Acupuncture points are along these Channels. There is respectable research showing that good therapeutic effects can be achieved by needling areas that are not traditional points but precise localisation of needles may be important for certain specific effects and in specific disease conditions.

The method used by individual acupuncturist varies greatly in the selection of acupuncture points and also in the length and type of stimulation used. Some used manual stimulation or the combustion of herbs; usually the dried leaf of Artemisia vulgaris known as moxa, applied to the end of the needle. Electric stimulation can also be used.

Acupuncture can be used to successfully treat many different conditions such as migraine, painful periods, asthma, back pain, arthritis, anxiety, stress and addictions such as smoking and drugs and obesity.

Though acupuncture is relatively safe it is important to go to a medically qualified acupuncturist who can make an appropriate medical diagnosis and treat accordingly. The British Medical Acupuncture Society can provide you with a list of medically qualified acupuncturists in your area.