But what is it and, more importantly, does it hurt? Laura Hewson finds out.
For many people, the word acupuncture conjures up an image of a human pincushion in some dark, smoky room.
In reality, acupuncture is moving out of the realm of alternative therapy and is becoming increasingly recognised and acknowledged by Western medicine.
What is it all about?
Acupuncture comes under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also includes elements such as herbal medicine, Qigong (utilising breathing techniques and slow movements) and dietetics (nutrition).
"Chinese medicine is a sophisticated, ancient medicine that has been based on thousands of years of observation of body patterns and the relationship of symptoms," says acupuncturist Lucia Girande, of PhysioMed in Mornington.
TCM believes the body contains a system of meridians (similar in concept, if not structure, to the vascular system) through which the energy qi (pronounced "chee") flows.
There are 12 main meridians on which the main acupuncture points are found.
Acupuncture uses fine needles on carefully chosen points of the body and aims to treat the body as a whole and not just the symptom.
"There are symptoms that Western medicine gives medications to cover that can become a chronic illness 10 to 20 years later," Ms Girande said.
A good analogy is that the symptom is like the branch of a tree and the acupuncturist must seek the root.
Fix the root and the branch is healed.
Treat the branch and the problem will appear somewhere else.
"It's a long-term strategy. We'll be healing the symptom but keeping an eye on the root cause."
Ms Girande, who trained in the United States and has been practising acupuncture since 1994, developed an interest in traditional and alternative medicines after a family member became ill.
"Sometimes, Western medicine, as good as it is for certain conditions, doesn't have all the answers, especially with chronic illness.
I believe we can be healthy - not just making it through the week taking Panadol for chronic headaches."
While acupuncture is not as accepted here as in the United States, it is evolving, she says.
Having referrals from doctors helps.
"Doctors are becoming open to it from the patients asking for it. It's a dual thing. Patients are taking the initiative and doctors are not discouraging it."
Choosing an acupuncturist
Anyone can call themselves an acupuncturist in New Zealand so be sure to check people's qualifications.
GPs and physios may have some acupuncture training but this will not be as comprehensive as an acupuncturist who is affiliated with the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists (NZRA), who must have a minimum of three to four years of full-time training.
You need a good rapport with your practitioner.
The relationship is the number one thing, Ms Girande says. "You need good communication and to feel comfortable and heard."
Different acupuncturists also have their own special fields of interest, so some may be more suited to your problem.
For example, Ms Girande specialises in women's health while her two colleagues at PhysioMed lean towards sports medicine and Japanese acupuncture.
What to expect
The initial examination will involve a lot of questions to build up an idea of what the problem is.
Some questions may seem unrelated to the issue you are there for, but it is all connected, Ms Girande says.
"If you come in for a migraine, I'll ask you where is the pain, what triggers it and when they occur. But then I'll ask about sleeping, digestion, if you're thirsty, hot or cold etc."
The symptoms are taken in the context of the whole body.
"Two people maybe have the same symptoms but with different complexions. They will be given a different treatment plan."
It is very important that you reveal any medical conditions before treatment begins.
These conditions include any medications you are on, pregnancy, HIV/Aids, hepatitis, diabetes and cancer, also if you have a pacemaker, seizures, epilepsy or a skin disease.
As well as asking questions, acupuncturists will use the following techniques to form a diagnoses:
Looking e.g. at the complexion and the tongue (mine said I was tired).
Feeling e.g. the pulse and palpating, or touching, the area of concern.
Smelling e.g. may be able to smell the breath.
Listening e.g. to the breathing or chest.
Depending on what is being treated, you may need to uncover only one part of your body or you may need to wear a gown, for example, if the acupuncture is on your back.
After a session, it is important to relax for a while, maybe not even go back to work.
"Often, patients feel spacy or tired because there are shifts going on."
A session with Ms Girande lasts an hour and costs $70, but if you have an injury you may be eligible for ACC so ask about this when making an appointment.
How many times do you need to go?
"We say three to see," Ms Girande says. "After three, you will know if it is of benefit.
People can assess progress themselves by measuring their pain on a scale and comparing it to earlier."
While acupuncture can be a long-term strategy, she seeks to avoid a dependence on the treatments.
"The goal is to not need it except for the odd tune-up."
The fear factor
If you are afraid of needles, you are not alone.
Needles, and the associated pain, are one of the biggest concerns people have about acupuncture.
It may help to put the size of the needles in perspective.
Most are 25-30 times thinner than a hypodermic needle and may not even be inserted very deeply at all.
There is no pain - more of a small pinch or nothing at all. (I can vouch for this. I didn't even know the needle was in my arm until I looked down and saw it.)
How many needles are used is an individual thing and depends on the strength of the patient. Acupuncturists may not use any on very sensitive people and children, or they may use up to 30.
One of the least sensitive parts of the body is the arms, while the most sensitive are the face, hands and feet.
Relief from back pain
Jo Trainer (50) slipped 10 years ago and broke three vertebrae in her back.
For years, she just managed her pain.
"Some days were worse than others. There was either a constant burn or numbness from my spine out to my hip and down the side of my leg. I couldn't wear heels or bend down," she said. "Last year, it went ping. I was in absolute agony."
It got to the point where options such as fusing or removing the vertebrae were considered.
Her doctor then recommended a physiotherapist who also had acupuncture training.
"I felt a difference after the first session. It felt great walking out, not like after other treatments I'd had."
Jo had six sessions paid for by ACC, twice a week at first and then once a week.
She had needles placed in her lower leg, in her hip and spine areas and some towards her ribs.
"It doesn't hurt, though some parts are more sensitive than others."
Jo and her physio also agreed on some exercises she could do at home to complement the acupuncture.
"It's part of an overall package of caring for yourself. Now, I feel better than ever."
What is it good for?
Acupuncture is credited by the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists as being able to treat the following conditions:
• Musculoskeletal e.g. back pain, muscle strain, joint swelling, sports injuries
• Respiratory e.g. hayfever, asthma, bronchitis
• Gastrointestinal e.g. constipation, gastritis, nausea Cardiovascular e.g. angina, high and low blood pressure
• Women's health e.g. irregular menstruation, fertility disorders, menopausal syndrome
• Pregnancy e.g. morning sickness, pregnancy tune-up, assistance with deliveries
• Neurological e.g. migraine, shingles, tinnitus
• Metabolic disorders e.g. insomnia, chronic fatigue, hormonal irregularities
• Psychological disorders e.g. anxiety, smoking/drug addiction, depression
• Miscellaneous e.g. skin disorders, prostate problems, cystitis