The WHL guide to acupuncture

Want to bust stress, keep depression at bay or give up smoking? The WHL guide to acupuncture could help you do just that.

What exactly is acupuncture?
You may think it sounds a bit scary, but it’s an amazing way to restore balance in the body and has been practised for hundreds of years. ‘The practice of acupuncture can be traced back over 30 centuries ago to ancient China,’ says leading acupuncturist expert Zita West (zitawest.com). ‘It is based on the belief that the body can be mapped with energy channels called meridians, associated with the various body systems in which energy, or ‘qi’ (chi), flows. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), obstructions to the flow of energy along these channels can result in physical, mental and emotional imbalance, which may eventually lead to disease.’ Amazing, right? ‘Stimulating acupuncture points frees the flow of energy so the body can re-establish its natural balance and create harmony,’ says Zita. ‘It treats the whole system, not just one part of the body.’

What benefits can it have?
The benefits are wide-ranging, and can be both mental and physical. ‘Acupuncture can benefit a range of illnesses and symptoms from physical pain to mental health issues such as stress and depression, it can even help patients give up smoking,’ says Zita. ‘I specialise in acupuncture for fertility and pregnancy, helping with everything from morning sickness to fertility issues and IVF cycles.’

Who is it best for?
Acupuncture is a whole body and mind practice so can be used to alleviate a range of issues and is suited to anyone. ‘Anyone can benefit from acupuncture, even if you don’t have a symptom you’re looking to treat. Due to creating a balance within the body, many patients use it simply as a stress reliever and a way to relax,’ says Zita.

How often should you have it done?
As with most things, the more you do it the better the results, but how much you really need is dependent on the problem you’re trying to tackle. ‘The client’s needs dictate the amount of acupuncture required. For most symptoms I’d recommend a four to six-week course of acupuncture, administered on a weekly basis, then reduced to fortnightly, and eventually monthly sessions,’ says Zita.

Where can you find a good practitioner?
There are practitioners around the country, and there’s bound to be one near you. ‘The British Acupuncture Council can point you in the right direction of a trained acupuncturist near you, or a full list of Zita West affiliated acupuncturists is available on my website,’ says Zita.