Responses to acupuncture may either be non-specific i.e. not directly related to the condition being treated, or specific to the condition being treated.

A Non-Specific Response may be generalised and affect the whole person or it may be localised to the area being treated.

A generalised non-specific response is often characterised by a feeling of both physical and mental relaxation. Muscle relaxation occurs all over the body, particularly in muscles in the neck and back, as well as the face, scalp and jaw. The psychological relaxation that occurs varies in intensity, and ranges from a gentle feeling of calmness to drowsiness. The onset of relaxation is often rapid and has been described as being like a wave sweeping over the body. Some people develop a feeling of well-being, and others report a sense of euphoria. The latter has been likened to the opiate-based injection given before a surgical procedure (pre-med). A general sense of warmth may also occur with therapy.

Less common non-specific reactions include altered sensations in the mouth, often described as tingling or a metallic taste. Uncontrolled weepiness sometimes occurs. This weepiness may not be associated with mood changes. Patients may paradoxically laugh in embarrassment as tears well up in their eyes! Another infrequent response is a drop in blood pressure. This may present as dizziness, light-headedness or nausea.

 

 

Fainting occurs in a small number of patients who react strongly to acupuncture. It is simply managed by lying the patient down. It can be avoided by a change in the therapeutic technique. Strong reactors may conversely experience a paradoxical delay in response to treatment. This needs to be distinguished from the delay in response experienced by slow reactors who are at the opposite end of the sensitivity scale. More commonly, strong reactors experience an aggravation in symptoms after therapy. This is temporary and is always followed by a prolonged period of relief of symptoms, lasting several days compared to the average of 12 hours. Strong responders need to be treated gently, with minimal stimulation, use of fewer points and with an increase in the interval between sessions.

Non-specific responses may also occur locally i.e. in the area being treated. Most commonly, these include sensations of warmth, heaviness, numbness, tingling or distension. The sense of warmth and distension is particularly marked with ear acupuncture.

Specific Responses to acupuncture relate to the condition being treated. A decrease in symptoms relating to the disease being treated occurs following therapy.

Patients undergoing treatment for the first time are advised to check symptoms hourly for the first day, and then three to four times over the next day. This information is a crucial part of patient-assessment. It will determine the sensitivity of the patient to treatment, help with point selection and influence the frequency of therapy.