How Does Acupuncture Work?

If you are wondering - "How does acupuncture work?" - Stephen Bayliss, an acupuncturist in Kent, South East England UK, explains the process, as well as his techniques and approach.

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles to improve the flow and balance of qi. This stimulates the body to heal itself in a safe and natural way.

Because energy channels flow throughout the body, and the holistic nature of acupuncture, needles are not necessarily inserted at the site of where a problem is apparent. For instance, a digestive problem might be assisted by needles in a leg, or a headache by needles in a hand.

In addition to needles I may use other techniques such as moxa, a herb which when burning provides warmth to the body to aid the smooth flow of energy. Similarly tuina (Chinese massage), cupping and guasha therapy (a form of gentle scraping) are all sometimes used to aid qi flow.