Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an evolved ancient Chinese medical practice and a founding pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Evidence Based…..

The Acupuncture Evidence Project reviewed clinical trials that established the

effectiveness of Acupuncture for 117 conditions including the positive effect for:

Headaches (tension-type and chronic)

Migraine prevention

Chronic lower back pain

Postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting

And the potential positive effect for:

  • Anxiety

  • Back or pelvic pain during pregnancy

  • Depression

  • Insomnia

  • Neck and shoulder pain

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

  • Sciatica

Home - Evidence Based Acupuncture

Other Treatment areas include…..

Pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care Tiredness, fatigue and sleeping complaints

Women’s health and menstrual issues Stress management and emotional well-being

Digestive issues Musculo-skeletal, injury and pain issues

Common questions

ACC ↓

If you have an injury and it is covered by ACC, then bring your valid ACC45 number along to your appointment or please write it on your online consultation form. An ACC45 number is valid for 1 year from date of injury.

With this claim number you can see a Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath etc AND an Acupuncturist at the same time! There is consistent evidence that Acupuncture is a useful complement to other conservative treatments like Physiotherapy, Exercise-based therapy, Osteopath etc.

In clinic, I have treated neck/shoulder/arm/back/wrist sprains, achilles tendons post surgery, rolled/fractured ankles and more. Regular treatment speeds your injuries recovery, reduces pain medication and even puts a smile on your face.

How Acupuncture works ↓

It is a safe method involving the safe insertion of fine single use needles into various Acupuncture points along pathways called meridians which hold ‘Qi’-an energy that flows through the meridians throughout the body. When the flow of Qi is interrupted through stress, emotions, injury, illness, trauma, it creates disharmony internally.

How Acupuncture helps ↓

Acupuncture can help restore the flow of Qi and therefore good health and wellbeing. From a Western Scientific perspective, Acupuncture needling entering the skin, creates a cascade of signaling through fascia (connective tissue) involving the blood, nerves and immune systems.

Both the Peripheral/ Central Nervous systems, internal organs and hormonal system are stimulated and affected. Endorphins and other chemicals are released which may provide relief from the body/mind experience of pain. Acupuncture may effectively treat a wide range of acute and chronic ailments.

FAQs

 

Will it hurt?

Patients who are cautious of needles are always pleasantly surprise to feel how painless Acupuncture is. The fear is greater than the actual experience. Only fine small sterile single use needles are used.

Should I eat before my appointment?

Please eat a good meal a few hours before or a little something prior to get the best out of your treatment. We are moving stuck energy, toxins and tension. Having food in your belly provides you with the substance needed to support you during this process. You may feel ungrounded, dizzy and/or nausea without food.

What will I feel?

You may feel the 'de qi' sensation which is felt as a dull heavy or pulling sensation that may stay local or travel the length of the channel. This sensation can be influenced by manual manipulation of the needle.

Should I train before or after my treatment?

If you are training attempt to organize a rest period for 12-24 hours AFTER your appointment so you can get the best out of your treatment. Effects may range from mild to very tired. Sometimes you may notice an immediate difference or sometimes your condition may feel less than desirable for a few days after-which you may experience an significant improvement.

How long do they stay in for?

The needles stay in place for approximately 10-30minutes, during which most patients drift into a sweet relaxation or sleep state as the Parasympathic Nervous System (rest and digest) is triggered.

What should I do to take care of myself after treatment?

Drink a lot of water to help flush your system and support the process. Gentle walking/stretching/yoga can be helpful if you feel the need to move or else get plenty of rest and allow your body to make sense of the treatment and help to set in motion the body's innate healing response.

General Guidelines regarding Acupuncture and Research Evidence:

  • The longer you have had a condition, the more treatments you may need over time. The shorter you have had a condition, the less treatments you may likely need.

  • Acupuncture has long term benefits/effects when there is regular treatment over time- it has an accumulative effect so will keep working after your stop long term treatments.

  • Pain is reduced (scored via pain scores/questionnaires in research) with an immediate analgesic effect similar to codeine and pethidine.

  • Acupuncture outperforms usual care which includes an intake of Pain medications.

  • Acupuncture increases energy levels and general wellbeing (scored via test scores/questionnaires).