According to traditional East Asian medicine our health is dependant on the free flow of the body’s motivating energy- known as Qi (“chee”) in China, Ki in Japan, Prana in the Indian subcontinent – moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin. When the Qi flows freely, the body is in a healthy state. If the Qi becomes unbalanced disharmony and illness may result. Each of the channels have a specific effect on a part of the body. At the same time they are like a modern road system linked to each other. By inserting fine needles into these channels choosing points individual to each patient and treatment acupuncture stimulates the body’s own healing response to help restore its own balance. There are many theoretical models in existence offering explanations for the effects of acupuncture treatment. Recent research has shown that acupuncture improves blood flow, raises the levels of specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood cells, “gamma globulins” and antibodies generally. Acupuncture also stimulates the brain to produce endorphines, the body’s own opiates. These chemicals are natural pain killers and make you feel good. In many East Asian countries acupuncture has been used to treat almost the entire spectrum of illness – physical and psychological, acute and chronic. In 2003 the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report that provides a review and analysis of controlled clinical trials of acupuncture therapy. They recognise over one hundred conditions that may be helped by acupuncture. These range from musculo-sceletal or joint problems to IBS, headaches, gynaecological problems, infertility, high blood pressure, asthma, depression or anxiety to name only a few. The full list of treatable conditions can be viewed on their official website, World Health Organisation. Acupuncture works well alongside conventional medicine.