In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture helps maintain the body’s natural balance by regulating the flow of ‘qi’—your vital energy. By gently inserting fine needles at specific points, acupuncture works to unblock, restore, or strengthen this flow. When qi becomes disrupted, depleted, or blocked by lifestyle or environmental factors, it can manifest as pain, illness, or emotional imbalance.

Originating in China and other East Asian cultures, acupuncture has been a key component of healthcare for thousands of years. Today, it is embraced worldwide, including in the UK, where it is recognised both as a standalone therapy and alongside conventional Western medicine.

Modern research has shown that acupuncture works on multiple levels. By removing blockages and improving blood circulation, it stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. Acupuncture also affects the nervous system, triggering changes in the brain and internal organs. This influences the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems, helping to reduce inflammation and relieve pain naturally. Acupuncture has even been found to stimulate the release of pain-relieving neuropeptides and endorphins, making it a natural alternative to painkillers. Additionally, many acupuncture points are located near clusters of connective tissue, where the stimulation of collagen fibers by the needles triggers a wide range of responses in the body. This complex interaction helps explain the wide-ranging benefits of acupuncture, from pain relief to enhanced circulation and tissue repair.

In the UK, acupuncture’s effectiveness is increasingly recognised. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) now recommends acupuncture as a preferred option for chronic pain management. For more information on the latest research, visit the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) or Evidence Based Acupuncture websites.