Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine sterile single use needles in a number (between 1 – 8) acupoints. Ten acupuncture treatments are usually considered one course. Patients may need a number of courses of treatment depending on the nature of the condition or how long a patient has had the condition.
Acupoints on the body have specific functions and are selected by the practitioner according to the symptoms the patient presents with and the intended treatment outcome. When stimulated, the effects of the acupoints travel along the meridians throughout the body to enable it to heal itself. When the needle is inserted, a dull, contracting or aching sensation can be felt. This is termed the “de qi” sensation (obtaining qi).
Medical research has shown acupuncture can treat acute and chronic pain, hayfever, arthritis, smoking cessation, weight loss and assist with transfer in IVF.
Acupuncture induces the release of endogenous opioids, including beta-endorphin, enkephalins and dynorphins. It can also induce the release of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Initial insertion of needles can activate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) but longer stimulation can inhibit the SNS.
Acupuncture has a calming, sedative and tranquillising effect through the regulation of the metabolism of serotonin, noradrenalin, adenosine cyclophosphate, acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters and alteration of brain potentials, and is therefore effective in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.
Chang et al, 2002 has suggested it would be particularly good alternative for stress reduction in women undergoing infertility treatment following the review of a few articles on the impact acupuncture on reducing anxiety and stress. This research suggested acupuncture has an impact on sympathoinhibitory properties and impact on β-endorphin levels.
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