Acupuncture is an integral part of the rapid growth of complementary medicine in the UK. With an increasing number of people seeking acupuncture treatment it is important for patients and healthcare professionals alike that high standards of treatment, hygiene and professional standards are maintained. Although sometimes described as a means of pain relief, acupuncture is actually used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall wellbeing of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. All acupuncture treatments are carried out to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Single- use, pre-sterilised disposable needles are used at all times. Acupuncture needles bear little resembalance to the needles used in injections and blood tests. They are much finer and solid, not hollow. When a needle is inserted the sensation is often described as tingling or aching . During treatments, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just the relief from a particular condition. There are around 500 acupuncture points on the body – around 6-10 will be used in any one session.
