Acupuncture can help relieve back pains
Acupunture has been increasing in popularity over the years, but do you actually know what it is and the benefits it has?
New research has revealed that over 21 per cent of the British public think an acupuncturist’s needle is as large as that used in an injection, proving that despite the ancient Chinese medicine’s rising popularity there are still a host of common misconceptions surrounding the treatment.
More than two million acupuncture treatments are carried out each year by traditional acupuncturists and the figure is rising, yet this new research shows myths surrounding the therapy still remain strong.
The first ever Acupuncture Awareness Week, supported by the British Acupuncture Council and taking place from 27th February – 4th March 2012, aims to dispel the myths and give consumers all the information they need about acupuncture treatment.
To launch Acupuncture Awareness Week 3,000 UK adults were questioned in the study designed to find out people’s current perceptions of acupuncture.
Top Ten Common Myths Explained
FICTION
1. Over a quarter of people think an acupuncture needle is similar in size to a sewing needle
FACT
Acupuncture needles are in fact the same width as a human hair and some are just 0.13mm in length.
FICTION
2. 40 per cent of consumers believe that acupuncture provides a placebo effect
FACT
Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms. In fact the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend acupuncture as a first line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain. Similarly the Cochrane review has also found tradition acupuncture to be beneficial for vomiting, nausea, back and neck pain, headaches and assisted conception.
FICTION
3. 17 per cent are put off having acupuncture because they don’t think it’s regulated
FACT
Despite popular opinion, acupuncturists have first-degree level qualifications and adhere to codes of safe practice and professional conduct in order to be registered and insured by the British Acupuncture Council, the leading self-regulatory body for the practice. To achieve British Acupuncture Council membership, practitioners must first undertake extensive training in traditional acupuncture (min. 3 years full-time) which includes physiology, anatomy and other biomedical sciences.
FICTION
4. Three quarters say they did not know that practitioners must seek a licence to practice from local councils before they begin treating
FACT
Every acupuncturist must be vetted by their local council before opening a practice and follow strict health and safety guidelines in order to receive a licence.
FICTION
5. Three quarters had no idea that children and pregnant women can safely be treated with the therapy
FACT
Children under the age of five can be treated with acupuncture though needles are not used, and instead acupressure is employed. Children over the age of five can be treated safely and successfully for many health conditions. Acupuncturists receive special training to treat children. Pregnant women can also find acupuncture beneficial for conditions throughout and after pregnancy.
FICTION
6. 26 per cent of people surveyed say they are put off having acupuncture as they think it will be painful
FACT
Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and not painful. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body’s Qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated.
FICTION
7. 20 per cent of people believe that acupuncture only works if you believe in it
FACT
Many people use acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution or because they just feel generally unwell.
FICTION
8. 11 per cent think that acupuncture only treats pain relief
FACT
According to research acupuncture can be beneficial for a variety of conditions from acne to eczema. Visit www.acupuncture.org.uk/research-fact-sheets for details of research backing the claims.
FICTION
9. 81 per cent of those surveyed did not know that acupuncture is free via some health insurance companies
FACT
As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional acupuncture. Check your individual policy details.
FICTION
10. 43 per cent of consumers surveyed in the poll did not know that acupuncture needles are single-use and disposable
FACT
Despite popular belief all needles used in acupuncture treatments are single use and incinerated by registered waste disposal companies.
www.introducingacupuncture.co.uk