What is acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago and is now practiced throughout the world. It is a complete system of drug free treatment based on the principles of maintaining health and treating disease by balancing the energies of the body.

Is it safe?
NIATCM members are regulated and inspected by law to ensure effective health and safety procedures are in place. Only single use, pre-sterilised needles are used and acupuncture points are cleaned and sterilised before insertion to avoid health issues for the patient and practitioner.

Is it painful?
Acupuncture needles are very fine and insertion is usually pain free. Many people feel extreme relaxation during and following a treatment.

Is it effective?
The continuing growth and popularity of acupuncture throughout the world is evidence of its success in many acute and chronic conditions. The World Health Organisation has issued a long list of disorders in which research has shown acupuncture to be clinically effective.

But isn't just for pain relief?
See the next question or go here.

Is there more than one type of acupunture?
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is a holistic approach used for a very wide range of conditions.
Medical Acupuncture is a recent approach used mainly by doctors and physiotherapists and is often used only for pain relief and muscle-joint problems. NIATCM members practice Traditional Chinese Acupuncture to enable them to offer diagnosis and treatment for most conditions.