STICKING needles in your body to boost well-being may not appeal to everyone,but the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture is fast gaining popularity with the rich and famous.

Celebrities such as Madonna (inset) and Sting are already firm devotees of the needle based therapy that has been practised in the Orient for more than 4,000 years, whileGwyneth Paltrow (main picture) has credited it with helping her find love.

Classic acupuncture is based on the belief that we all have a vibrant life energy,known as Qi, which flows through our body along 12 special channels known as meridians.

Qi is made up of two opposing forces,Yin and Yang, which at times can become unbalanced resulting in potential illness. By tapping into these channels through selected areas known as acupoints, thebody's well-being can be restored.

There are currently 7,500 acupuncture practitioners registered in Britain treating everything from muscular pain to eczema,although it is most commonly used for pain relief and emotional problems such as stress and anxiety.

Acupuncturehas also been successfully used as an anaesthetic during operations and childbirth. It works by triggering the release of adrenal in to act as a natural painkiller.

Although not generally available on the NHS, your GP may be able to refer you to a local NHS pain clinic that offers acupuncture.

Acupuncturist Liz Pinder-Ayres admits Brits are becoming better informed about the benefits of acupuncture.

She says: "When I first became an acupuncturist six years ago,people would look at me blankly when I told them what I did. Now most have tried it for themselves.

"Unlike conventional medicine,acupuncture treats the whole person rather than the symptoms."

Scientists at Southampton University agree. They believe the relationship between the acupuncturist and the patient can have a direct psychological effect on how the latter responds to treatment and are currently carrying out a study of 300 people suffering from knee and hip pain.

Liz says: "Often patients feel they have been let down by conventional medicine and doctors and are keen to explore other avenues where they will be treated as an individual.

"However,it is not unusual for patients to use acupuncture side by -side with con-ventional treatments,for example to combat the side effects of chemotherapy."

During acupuncture, the therapist inserts a fine, sterile,disposable needle a few millimetres into the patient's skin at each selectedacupoint.

Needles are usually left in place for anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes and may be occasionally flicked or rotated to stimulate Qi and draw or disperse energy from the point.

Side effects are uncommon as long as patients consult a properly trained and experienced practitioner.

By 2006, the industry is expected to be fully regulated with the government poised to produce a paper recommending a national register of practitioners.

Fact fileQ: Do I need to do anything before treatment?

A: Try to avoid eating a big meal for an hour before your treatment. Avoid alcohol and coffee immediately before treatment.

Q: How long does each session take: A: Your first appoint-ment should last between one to two hours. This gives the practitioner time to find out about you, your symptoms and to discuss what you expect from acupuncture. Subsequent sessions will usually last an hour.

Q: Does it hurt?A: Acupuncture is not painless but the sensation of the needles being inserted into the body is usually described as a tingling feeling rather than sharp pain. Acupuncture needles are finer than those used in injections and are solid rather than hollow. It should not be compared to the pricking sensation felt when undergoing a blood test or an injection.

Q: What should I look for in an acupuncturist?

A: Ensure your practi-tioner is registered with a professional body and has appropriate insur-ance cover.Q: How will I feel after having acupuncture?A: Relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy if the acupuncture has been particularly strong.Q: What can it do for me?

A: Acupuncture has been successful in treating migraine,muscular pain, skindisorders, depression, stress and arthritic conditions among other problems.Q: Is it safe?A: All members of the BAcC must observe a code of practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: This varies but cer-tainly a course of treatment will be required. Generally you should expect to see some results after four to six sessions with some people experiencing well-being after just one or two.

From Acupuncture.org.uk