Acupuncture forms an important part of Chinese Medicine, having originated in China over 5,000 years ago. However, it is only recently the science and art of Acupuncture has become more widely accepted. It is now an established profession in Australia being used as a natural treatment to assist with a large number of health disorders.
- Assists in the prevention and management of disease
- Is an holistic approach used to manage a variety of illnesses and common ailments
- Aims to treat the cause as well as the symptoms
- Is a popular natural and drug-free form of pain relief
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The aim of acupuncture treatments is to establish a healthier state of body function, increasing the body's capacity to cope with stress. The human body can be likened to a highly complex electrical circuit, and as with any electrical circuit, the energy flow must be kept in good working order to function effectively. If the "human circuit" breaks down, the result may be illness.
In Chinese Medicine it is considered essential for the body's energy (called Qi - pronounced Chi), along with the blood, to circulate in a continuous and unobstructed manner. The pathways through which Qi flows in the body are called meridians which were mapped out by the ancient Chinese thousands of years ago. Modern technological methods such as Kirlian photography, electronic and thermal readings, are now being used to detect these meridians.
There are over 5,000 acupuncture points that lie along these meridians. Acupuncturists aim to improve the quality and quantity of Qi by stimulating acupuncture points with acupuncture needles.
How Can Acupuncture Assist You?
Under national law, claims regarding effectiveness of treatment must be made along with reference to evidence of a high standard with health conditions being listed based on a range of "strong" to "inconclusive" evidence. The Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd (AACMA) identified the need for an updated review of evidence for the efficacy of Acupuncture and commissioned The Acupuncture Evidence Project which is a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature focusing on systematic reviews and meta analyses (the highest form of evidence available). For further information we refer you to this comparative literature review. (Please note while there are many other conditions that can also be helped, managed and supported with Acpuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine there is insufficient western scientific evidence for these at the present time.)
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
The number and frequency of treatments depends on several factors. These include the duration and intensity of your present disorder. Your age, constitution, and individual circumstances such as your desired health goal, are also taken into account.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recognises you as a complex blend of body, mind and emotions. During your first visit, your practitioner will be concerned about all aspects of your health. Details of your medical, surgical and family history and other relevant information such as exercise habits and occupation are collected.
What Will Be Your Response to Treatment?
The first response you may notice is a change in your general wellbeing, including sleep, digestion and energy levels. Acupuncture treatments will be aimed towards managing the symptoms of your specific disorders and reducing complications. Individual variations occur, with some people responding more quickly while others showing a more gradual improvement.
Maintenance visits for long-term problems may provide a more comfortable state of health reducing the need for medication and surgical interventions.
What Can You Do to Assist Your Therapy?
Moderation in all things is a good principle. Some things you can do include:
- setting personal health goals
- regular intake of fresh air and water
- enjoyment of nutritious meals
- undertaking regular balanced physical exercise
- taking up an interesting recreational activity
- maintaining a positive mental attitude
- ensuring you get adequate rest and relaxation
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Talk to us todayHEALTH CONDITIONS AIDED BY TREATMENT WITH ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture can assist in relieving a wide variety of disorders, not limited to but including the following, so we advise you to consult your Acupuncturist for an opinion on any disorder not listed here. This is because while there are many other conditions that can be helped, managed and supported with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, there is insufficient western scientific evidence to support these at the present time.
COMMON AILMENTS
- Allergic Rhinitis (seasonal and perennial)
- Dry Eye
- Irritible Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
- Menopause (including menopausal hot flushes)
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN MANAGEMENT
- Low Back Pain (acute and chronic)
- Sciatica
- Neck Pain
- Headaches (including tension-type and chronic)
- Migraine (prophylaxis)
- Lateral Elbow Pain (epicondylitis)
- Shoulder Pain
- Knee Osteoarthritis
View Research References Here
Treatment modalities may include:
Chinese Herbs
Herbal medicine is an integral part of Chinese Medicine. The majority of Chinese herbal medicine is sourced from organic plant substances and certain minerals. Herbal formulae rarely elicit side effects, and have been used safely for centuries across large populations. These formulations, when prescribed by a well-trained practitioner, can be used by adults, children, and the elderly.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a natural and gentle treatment that involves the insertion of fine needles in specific points along the body that either directly relate to or influence the disorder that your acupuncturist is seeking to balance. It also promotes general health and prevents or limits the progression of certain diseases. The combination of Chinese herbs and Acupuncture may be the preferred treatment protocol for certain ailments.
Cupping
This is a technique in which local suction is created on the skin to allow toxins and stagnant blood flow to rise to the surface. Clearing stagnations is considered to stimulate the tissues to heal, facilitating restoration of proper function. Cupping is generally employed to address symptoms of respiratory diseases (eg asthma, the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis) as well as gynaecological disorders and pain conditions.
Moxibustion
A form of thermal treatment that some Acupuncturists use to address, among other things, the symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, head colds and flu. The method often involves placing a small amount of mugwort herb in the centre of a disc that sits on the body. The practitioner then lights the herb, the warming effect of which penetrates the protective disc, gently warming the selected acupuncture points.
Ear Acupuncture
Also known as auricular therapy, it is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is regularly incorporated into an acupuncture treatment. Ear Acupuncture is widely used in the management of addictions, mood disturbances, obesity and pain.
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