Apart from a long training in the subject, acupuncturists must have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology.

Acupuncture has been recognised and studied scientifically in 116 countries and research papers have been published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Confederation of Acupuncture. The practice of acupuncture has now established global standards.

It is known that acupuncture works in the following ways:

• Balancing the function of bodily organs
  
  
• Modifying and balancing the function of the immune system
  
  
• Relaxing contracted muscles
  
  
• Stimulating blood circulation locally or throughout the whole body promote equilibrium of homeostatic system of human body
  

For all its efficacy the discipline is not a universal medical panacea. Parasitical diseases for example which can have a chronic debilitating affect on body organs, will not respond to acupuncture.

Needles used for acupuncture

The acupuncture needle is made of surgical stainless steel with an silver or copper hilt and tail.

How to prepare for acupuncture treatment

• Eat normally at least 30 minutes before attending for treatment.
  
  
• The night before, be sure to sleep well. You should not be excessively fatigued.
  
  
• Dress comfortably in loose clothing and a short-sleeved shirt.
  
  
• You must follow instructions carefully.
  
  
• If during the treatment you suddenly feel dizzy or faint you should inform the practitioner immediately.

Some conditions may preclude treatment. Those who:

• have a phobic reaction to needles
  
  
• are exhausted after a hard workout
  
  
• are in the latter stages of pregnancy
  
  
• suffer from bleeding tendencies eg; hemophilia
  
  
• have a psychiatric condition
  
  
• have had a heart pacemaker fitted should first discuss the matter with their acupuncturist.

UK Acupuncture

The British Medical Journal-a widely respected publication recommended in its July 2000 edition that acupuncture treatments should be more widely offered by the National Health Service and confirmed that they were effective in treating and curing back pain, toothache, nausea and vomiting, headache and migraines.

Acupuncture in USA

More than 1 million Americans avail themselves of acupuncture services every year and the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) concluded in 1998 that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for headache, menstrual discomfort, pain relief, asthma and carpal tendon syndrome.
For more information contact the Thai Acupuncture and Herbal Medical Association.
Call 0 2741 5744 or see www.thaiacupuncture.net

Cosmetic Acupuncture

The basis of the treatment is that wrinkles and sagging in the face are caused by life forces out of balance in other parts of the body. By inserting small needles just beneath the skin, acupuncture modifies the energy flow in the body by releasing endorphins and other chemicals. Facial acupuncture has been practiced for over 20 years.

If a specific wrinkle is caused by imbalances in the spleen for instance, the needles will be inserted in the spleen area. With each successive acupuncture therapy, patients typically notice gradual improvement in their energy levels and skin tone.

Acupuncture to stop smoking

Smoking addiction is caused when the nicotine inhaled enters the bloodstream, and then occupies the brain endorphin receptor sites. Endorphins are natural opium-like chemicals released by the brain. They make us feel good. Endorphin release is also stimulated by physical exercise and spiritual activities such as praying or meditation.

Nicotine suppresses the brain's natural production of endorphins so the smoker feels good only as long as he continues smoking.

Acupuncture is believed to stimulate natural brain endorphin release, bypassing the long wait for restored natural endorphin production, thus removing the craving and decreasing the withdrawal symptoms associated with giving up smoking.

Acupuncture for Weight Decrease

Acupuncture points within the ear are used for general detoxification and weight loss. Five tiny needles are placed in each ear. All but one have specific organs within the body that they correspond with. The organs include the lung, kidneys, liver and nervous system, the other point is for relaxation.

After these are placed you will be asked to relax. The treatment will stimulate the production of endorphins which are the "feel good" chemicals. This helps to fight cravings for carbohydrates, decrease appetite, and in instance of substance abuse, help with withdrawal symptoms.

UNISENSE The Slimming Institute, on the second floor of Central Festival Phuket is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, 076-249717-8