Prick Your Chi

If Gwyneth Paltrow can do it, surely the rest of us can brave the needles too.
Jaynie Ralph gets to the point of acupuncture

The circulation of energy in channels around the body has been a concept fundamental to healthcare in the East since ancient times. Far from being ousted by modern advances in medicine, acupuncture and similar therapies that harness this energy – often referred to as qi or chi (and pronounced chee) – have stood the test of time and are now wellestablished in the West. Although there are those who choose acupuncture as an alternative to a visit to the doctor’s surgery, increasingly it is being recognised that the two forms of treatment work effectively alongside each other, particularly in conditions such as hayfever, headaches and back pain. Using needles inserted into the skin at specific points – according to the channel needing attention – the circulating energy is either stimulated or calmed to bring about a state of balance, removing blocks in the qi and giving the body the best possible chance to heal itself. Some acupuncturists burn an aromatic herb called

moxa on the skin to warm it. Others may use cupping to encourage circulation – remember the photos in the press a few years ago of Gwyneth Paltrow with fresh cup marks on her back…? Because acupuncture is a holistic therapy, quite a bit of time will be spent at your first appointment discussing your general health, including questions about your diet, lifestyle, sleep patterns and even your bowel movements. This is an opportunity to talk with the therapist about any other niggling problems that are bothering you – perhaps PMT, period pain or infertility – as you may find acupuncture can help with those too. Remember that you are being treated as a whole person, instead of just focussing on the problem which has led you to visit the acupuncturist. You are likely to be asked to lie on a couch, and perhaps remove some clothing, depending on where the needles need to be inserted – perhaps down the spine, in the neck, in the hands or stomach. After your first appointment you may well feel more relaxed and a step closer towards complete health. If all that’s standing in your way is fear of the needle, maybe it’s time slide open some doors, feel the fear, and do it anyway. Acupuncture tips • If you want to keep your clothes on, opt for ear acupuncture • Avoid drinking alcohol afterwards and sip water instead • Do say if you think you might be pregnant Recommendations Bradley Carr, The Marine Clinic, Marine Parade, Rottingdean, 01273 307001 Elaine Gibbons, 26 Roundhill Street, Brighton, 01273 562676 The Acupuncture Clinic, 143 Portland Road, Hove, 01273 722422. Runs a lowcost clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays