What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a holistic system of healthcare that has been practised and refined over thousands of years. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, it seeks to understand the underlying patterns affecting your health and wellbeing. Acupuncturists use needles, as well as cupping, moxibustion, ear seeds to restore balance, ease symptoms and support the body’s natural capacity to heal.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. These points are carefully selected according to each individual’s symptoms, health history and overall pattern of imbalance.

The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin—much finer than those used for injections or blood tests. Most people find treatment relaxing and often experience little or no discomfort when the needles are inserted. Once in place, the needles stimulate the body’s natural healing responses and help restore balance and wellbeing.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body contains a network of pathways known as meridians or channels. These channels connect the internal organs, muscles, joints and tissues, allowing Qi (pronounced “chee”), often translated as vital energy, to circulate throughout the body. When Qi flows freely, health is maintained. However, stress, injury, illness, emotional strain or lifestyle factors can disrupt this flow, leading to pain, discomfort or ill health.

We are dynamic beings in a dynamic universe, and qi is our way of talking about this.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points located along the meridians. Each acupuncture point has unique functions and effects, influencing different aspects of physical and emotional health. By carefully selecting and combining these points, acupuncture aims to restore the smooth flow of Qi, support the body’s natural healing processes and encourage a return to balance.

How does acupuncture work

Traditionally, acupuncturists explain the effects of treatment in terms of regulating the flow of Qi and restoring harmony between Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang represent complementary forces within the body and nature, and health is seen as a dynamic balance between them. This concept can be compared to the Western idea of homeostasis—the body’s ability to maintain stability and optimal function despite changing internal and external conditions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine also considers how Qi is produced, transformed, stored and distributed throughout the body. Acupuncture treatment is based on identifying patterns of imbalance and selecting points that help restore harmony within the body’s interconnected systems.

From a modern scientific perspective, research suggests that acupuncture can influence multiple physiological processes. The insertion of needles stimulates sensory nerves, connective tissue and fascia, triggering responses within the nervous system. Studies have shown that acupuncture may affect the release of neurotransmitters and natural pain-relieving chemicals, improve circulation, regulate inflammation and influence key areas of the brain involved in pain perception, mood and stress regulation.

While traditional and modern explanations use different language and frameworks, both recognise acupuncture as a therapy that supports the body’s innate capacity to regulate, repair and heal itself.

Evidence that acupuncture works

The best place to look at the evidence for acupuncture is at Evidence Based Acupuncture. You can also find out more via the British Acupuncture Council, who provide a series of fact sheets on a wide range of conditions and include summaries of research and how acupuncture may be beneficial.

But remember…

Measuring the efficacy of acupuncture from a Western point of view isn’t without its complications. Chinese medicine is practised and understood in its own terms. Whilst Western science is based on facts and measurements, the classical Chinese worldview looks more at patterns and qualities; it is more about human sensory experience than data on a chart.

Also…

Acupuncture trials are usually carried out comparing real acupuncture vs sham acupuncture (needles placed into non-points), but this shows little understanding of how acupuncture actually works and more often than not leads to less accurate outcomes. More work needs to be done on comparing acupuncture outcomes with other modalities of treatment.

What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a treatment option for a wide range of conditions. There is a huge body of scientific research comparing treatment with sham acupuncture highlighting it’s effectiveness. Consequently many health professionals happily recommend it to their patients. The World Health Organisation recognises acupuncture as a treatment for more than 40 conditions, including allergies, chronic pain and fatigue. A growing number of studies also indicate that it may be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture also promotes general health and wellness and is patients often use it preventatively to stay well. It takes a holistic approach that treats the whole person—meaning you’ll feel better as an individual and not just as someone with a specific condition. No matter what symptoms you have, acupuncture can help.

I work with people across Brighton and Hove who are navigating chronic illness and women’s health concerns.

If you’re new to acupuncture you may have questions about what it involves.
Visit the new patient hub for practical tips, helpful guides and frequently asked questions.

Cupping Therapy

Chinese cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice that involves placing glass, bamboo, or plastic cups on the skin to create suction, which draws the skin upward into the cup. The suction effect promotes blood flow, relieves muscle tension, clears pathogens and stimulates the flow of Qi throughout the body.

What are the benefits of cupping therapy

Alleviates muscle stiffness, pain and inflammation
popular with athletes and professional sports people
Aids recovery and supports training
Loosens chest congestion

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort on or near acupuncture points on the body. Burning moxa generates heat and releases therapeutic compounds that penetrate the skin.

Moxa patches are self-heating and are applied directly for a longer time to encourage healing.

Direct moxibustion involves placing a small cone or cylinder of moxa directly onto the skin and igniting it.

Indirect moxibustion involves using ginger or salt to protect the skin from direct heat.

Moxa sticks are made of tightly rolled moxa and are used in indirect moxibustion. They also come in smokeless variety.

What are the benefits of moxibustion?

Moxibustion promotes circulation, relieves pain, and facilitates healing. It is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture to treat various conditions such as chronic pain, digestive disorders, menstrual irregularities, and to boost immunity. I regularly use moxa therapy to turn breech babies and for postpartum care in a treatment called Mother Warming.

Ear seeds

Ear seeds are a non-invasive and simple treatment based on the principles of Chinese auricular therapy. They are small metal pellets which the practitioner secures to the surface of the ear with clear tape.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the ear represents a microcosm of the whole body. By stimulating points on the ear it is possible to create a healing response in the corresponding are of your body. There are points for everything – emotions, organs, joints, muscles and bones.

Once in place, ear seeds apply gentle and continuous pressure to the auricular point. You can amplify the effect by applying pressure to the seeds for a few seconds at a time.

I use ear alongside acupuncture needles to promote healing and balance within your body. These practices are safe and effective when administered by a qualified acupuncturist. I regularly provide them as part of my acupuncture service.

Once ear seeds are applied they can stay in place for 3-5 days. They are generally very well tolerated and look like tiny discreet items of jewellry.

I also offer a stand-alone ear seed treatment. This is a great alternative if you’re unable to attend regular acupuncture sessions.

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