Therefore slowly and steadily it is integrated into the mainstream of modern medicine.
The effects observed on needling are both subjective and objective. One of the subjective effects may be slight pain at the site of needling, but with the use of a proper technique by a TRAINED PROFESSIONAL ACUPUNCTURIST, this is usually negligible.

Another important subjective effect is the appearance of peculiar sensation, which is called DEQI.

In Chinese, the deqi which the patient feels is a combination of numbness, heaviness, slight soreness and distension

As regards objective effects produced by needling six different effects may be recognized One of the best known is the ANALGESIC - PAIN RELIEVING effect, which is achieved by raising the pain threshold. This is the physiological basis. Acupunture therapy relieves pain of arthritis, toothache, headache, backache and other forms of similar painful disorders.

SEDATION needling certain specific acupunture points results in sedation and some people may even fall asleep during treatment but wake up refreshed. This effect is utilized in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety states, addictions mental disorders and behavioral problems.

HOMEOSTATIC OR REGULTORY effect, which means adjustment of the internal environment of the body towards a state of normal balance.

IMMUNE ENHANCING action whereby body resistance to a disease is strengthened. This has been shown to be an increase in the white corpuscles, antibodies, and gamma globulins. Acupuncture is therefore very useful in combating infection. Where antibiotics may have to be used the need for prolonged antibiotics can be reduced by the concurrent use of acupunture.

PSYCHOLOGICAL effect, which is calming, and tranquilizing action apart from mere sedation.This may account for its effectiveness in certain mental disorders.

MOTOR RECOVERY in the patient who has become paralyzed from some cause or the other.

In order to obtain the best results the practitioner must pay careful attention to the following points

USE OF GOOD QUALITY AND SINGLE USE DISPOSABLE NEEDLES TO AVOID AIDS AND HEPATITIS
THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN OBTAINING A SATISFACTORY RESULT IS GOOD RAPPORT WITH THE PATIENTS.

The commonest disorders seen in acupuncture are of soft tissues, muscles, bones and joints .It includes muscular and ligamentous sprains and strains, different types of arthritis, progressive degenerative diseases of spine giving rise to pain and limitation of movement. Mild cases may be relieved within a short period time but the management of chronic cases often unsatisfactory with heat, exercise, massage, manipulation and other methods of physical medicine. Treatment with prolonged drug therapy may be equally unsatisfactory due to frequent side effects.

However one frequently finds patients who have been continuously on drugs for many years due to want of a better alternative.

On the other hand it has been established now that acupuncture is effective to a very large extent in managing these disorders.