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Reflexology

By Sarah Clark

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most well-established complementary therapies in the UK, but also an ancient form of holistic therapy, which has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine. The therapy is based on the belief that vital energy (sometimes referred to as Qi) flows through the body via a network of channels, or meridians, under the skin.

Acupuncturists believe that if your Qi is out of balance, you can become ill. Acupuncture is designed to re-balance any areas in your body that are out of kilter, and help to stimulate the circulation of energy through the meridians in your body. Some experts believe that acupuncture actually works by stimulating the body to release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

If you have an acupuncture treatment, a therapist will insert very fine disposable needles into your body at specific points along these meridians, which should stimulate the flow of vital energy. If you're worried that having needles stuck into you might hurt - well it can be a little uncomfortable, although it tends to be uncomfortable in the areas that need the unblocking, much like reflexology. You might feel a tingle, or sometimes a dull ache. Other people feel nothing at all. Some therapists burn a herb called moxa during a treatment, which is said to help the effectiveness.

Trials have proved that acupuncture can be very effective in treating low back pain^2, and it has long been used to treat asthma in China³.

Acupuncture is one of the top five complementary therapies, found by a 2003 House of Lords Select Committee on Complementary and Alternative Medicine to have the most evidence of effectiveness, the best professional organisations and top training standards.

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