Home page: A guide to treatment
What does it feel like?
Sensation of Deqi

This is probably the most commonly asked question from people considering acupuncture. Most people will be able to recall the experience of an injection, but thankfully the sensation of acupuncture is quite different !

The most common description of being needled is that of a "dull ache" or "tingling" sensation, or somewhere in-between.

By stimulating the acupuncture points on the body, changes in a persons health can be affected and normal functioning of our integrated physical, emotional and spiritual whole can be restored.

Achieving the sensation of Deqi What will I notice from having treatment?

You may notice a lessening of the symptoms that you originally presented with; this may start to occur after only a small number of treatments, or may take longer depending upon the type of problem that you have and your response to the treatment.

Many people also notice changes that they do not initially see as "connected" with their original problem. For example, better sleep patterns, feeling more relaxed, increased vitality and confidence or they may comment that they seem to be able to deal with the stresses that life throws at them with more ease. It is also not uncommon for people to say that "other people have commented that I seem much calmer and happier in myself..." It is these types of response that indicates change at a deeper level.

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing which has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years to restore and maintain health and well being, The exact date of when acupuncture was first used is still unclear, however, acupuncture has a continuous clinical history of at least 2000 years. The origins of acupuncture appear to stem further back. It has been suggested as far back as 3000-4000 years ago.

The chinese discovered that a form of energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") flows through pathways in the body. When the smooth flow of this energy is disrupted, disharmony and ill health can result. This can lead to the symptoms of disease or simply a sense of "not feeling quite right".

Stephanie Curnoe
BSc (Hons), Lic Ac, MBAcC

The Acupuncture Clinic, 20B Main Street, Great Bowden, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7HB
T: 01858 461636 M: 07736 735374 E:
stephaniecurnoe@acupunctureclinic-uk.co.uk