Printer friendly versionAcupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapy, which is several thousand years old. It originated in China and from traditional Chinese medicine.
Acupuncture is based on the theory that the body has a number of energy pathways: the so-called meridians.
Along the energy pathways are 365 acupuncture points where the flow of energy can be stimulated. In addition to these, there exist a large number of extra points. According to the theory there is a total of about 1000 acupuncture points.
By inserting needles into acupuncture points the acupuncturist can according to the theory restore the balance of the body and thereby prevent and cure diseases.
In Denmark acupuncture is used to treat acute and chronic medical conditions and for pain relief and preventive treatment.
In recent years the use of acupuncture has gained a foothold in some sections of the conventional health care system. For example an increasing number of general practitioners are now offering their patients acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture is also employed at many cancer units, maternal wards and in connection with pregnancy in general.
In Denmark both alternative and medical practitioners perform acupuncture.
The Cochrane Library is an international database, which collects and assesses scientific studies on the effectiveness of a treatment.
Via the link below you can see what Cochrane concludes about the effect of acupuncture.
Experience shows that there are possible adverse effects associated with acupuncture. However, they are mostly lesser inconveniences, which quickly fade away.
Examples of such adverse effects are:
- Slight bleeding on removal of needles
- Bruising around the treated points
- Unpleasantness at the point of needle insertion
Rare types of adverse effects are:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Dizziness
- General malaise
- Fainting fit
Earlier, there have been examples of transmittal of infectious diseases in connection with acupuncture. Today, acupuncturists avoid this by using sterile disposable needles
In the beginning of a sequence of treatments you may experience a brief aggravation of your symptoms. The acupuncturist will see this as part the healing process and not as adverse effects in the usual sense of the word.
Adverse Effects According to Cochrane
The Cochrane Library is an international database, which collects and assesses scientific studies on the effectiveness of a treatment.
Via the link below you can see what Cochrane concludes about the adverse effects of acupuncture.
You may use acupuncture in combination with other treatments.
However, you should be aware that:
- There might be a risk of bleeding if you are taking anticoagulant drugs
- The Danish Cancer Society (society for cancer patients in Denmark) warns against use of acupuncture in connection with bone marrow transplants, leukaemia and lymphoma
The Danish Cancer Society
In Denmark acupuncturists are not authorized.
Acupuncture without Medical Supervision
In Denmark it is allowed for everyone, both individuals with and without a medical authorization, to perform needle acupuncture for therapeutic purposes.
When admitted to a Danish hospital you can choose to receive treatment from an acupuncturist from outside.
You will have to pay for the treatment yourself.
In 2005 the National Institute of Public Health conducted a survey on the use of among other things acupuncture in the Danish population.
Use of Acupuncture
- 5.4% of the Danish population has used acupuncture within the previous year.
- 16.6% of the Danish population has used acupuncture at some point in life.
The Typical User
- Woman
- 25-64 years of age
- Living in the Capital Region of Denmark or the Region of Southern Denmark
In Denmark membership of a trade association for acupuncturists is voluntary.
Here you can read about the Danish acupuncture associations:
(Links only available to associations with an English version of their websites).
Danish Medical Association of Acupuncture
Danish Medical Association of Acupuncture is an association of medical practitioners, dentists and veterinarians, who use a combination of acupuncture and other treatments.
Praktiserende Akupunktører
Praktiserende Akupunktører ia an association for acupuncturists, who practice acupuncture as their principal occupation.
Praktiserende Akupunktører is approved to register alternative practitioners.
Read more about the Registration System for Alternative Practitioners (RAB)
Danske Akupunktører
Danske Akupunktører is an association for acupuncturists, who practice acupuncture as their principal occupation.
Danske Akupunktører is approved to register alternative practitioners.
Read more about the Registration System for Alternative Practitioners (RAB)
Foreningen Nordlys RAB
Foreningen Nordlys RAB is an association for alternative practitioners.
Foreningen Nordlys RAB is approved to register the following types of alternative practitioners:
- Nordlys acupuncturists
- Nordlys massage and touch therapists
Read more about the Registration System for Alternative Practitioners (RAB)
Sammenslutningen af Alternative Behandlere i Danmark
Sammenslutningen af Alternative Behandlere i Danmark (SAB) is an multidisciplinary association for alternative practitioners.
SAB is approved to register the following types of alternative practitioners:
- Acupuncturists
- Massage therapists
- Kinesiologists
- Reflexologists
- Hypnosis therapists
Read more about the Registration System for Alternative Practitioners (RAB)