Acupuncture is one of the principal components of a medical system commonly referred to as TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine. ​Acupuncturists insert incredibly fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance. ​ By harnessing the body’s own ability to cure itself, acupuncture can rebalance the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Unlike Western drug therapy it is incredibly safe and has no unwanted side effects. People receiving acupuncture typically feel both relaxed and energised after treatment. ​ Now is an exciting time to be studying acupuncture as modern science is confirming what acupuncture practitioners have known for centuries. NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) now recommends the use of acupuncture in chronic pain cases.