Acupuncture / Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is a medical practice that stimulates points on the body via a needle to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and help treat signs and symptoms that come with health issues. Disease enters the body due to the disturbance of flow of energy (qi) within the body. By needling points to release this qi and allow it to flow. The qi moves and travels via channels/blood vessels known as meridians in Chinese medicine.

 

Acupuncture improves the bodies function and enables a natural self healing by using certain points. Traditional Chinese medicine is based from the ancient philosophy that the universe and body are acting as two opposite forces, also referred to as yin and yang. With Chinese medicine and acupuncture we are able to bring these two forces together and balance the body to optimal health and well being. 

 

The qi flowing enables the yin and yang to remain balanced as if the qi gets blocked it can cause pain and disharmony that leads to diseases. Acupuncture can assist with pain, sleep, digestive function, nausea, headaches, anxiety, depression, irregular periods, and well being.

 

What to expect in the first visit for acupuncture?

• a series of questioning to gather information about your health history.

• Examine the tongues shape, colour and coat to see what is happening internally.

• Your pulse is felt.

• Physical examination.

• Using the above assessment tools to recommend a treatment plan.

• Rebates from health funds

 

How many treatments for acupuncture?

• This differs from person to person.

• Some experience a dramatic relief after the first treatment.

• More complex or chronic can expect one to two visits a week for a few weeks

• For acute conditions a few visits are required 

 

Other techniques used with acupuncture or on their own:

• cupping – suction designed to bring blood to the acupuncture point

• Chinese herbs – prepared tablet or granulated form

• Guasha – (scraping and bruises the skin) is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising. Gua sha releases unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulates blood flow and healing.

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After a session of acupuncture, you will normally feel relaxed and refreshed, but specific responses depend on each person. For instance, some people feel energised, while others feel sleepy. Occasionally, the symptoms get a little worse before they improve.