Acupuncture FAQs

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It involves the stimulation of specific acupoints in the body to correct imbalances in the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or life energy flowing through the body’s meridians. While acupuncture is most commonly associated with the insertion of thin solid needles into the skin, skilled practitioners typically employ a range of additional techniques including moxibustion (the burning of herbs) and cupping (the placement of suction cups on the skin).

Does acupuncture work?

Research has shown that acupuncture can be used with effectiveness in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal and gastronomical issues to mental health, stress, reproductive and gynaecological concerns. Acupuncture has been proven to effectively complement the treatment of conditions such as allergic rhinitis, knee osteoarthritis, headaches and chronic lower back pain.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Generally most people don’t even fee the needle, however some people feel a small transient sting as the acupuncture needles are inserted. If the needle is uncomfortable the acupuncturist will promptly remove it.

Why should I try acupuncture?

Acupuncture focuses on drug-free pain relief and can be effective in the treatment of a number of acute and chronic ailments. It takes a holistic approach by addressing the underlying cause of the condition, as well as the symptoms. Acupuncture links body, mind and emotions. Acupuncture focuses not only on ailments but assists in the prevention against disease and the maintenance of general well-being.

What happens at a typical consultation with an acupuncturist or Chinese medicine practitioner?

The hallmark of acupuncture practice is holistic individualised treatment. At the initial consultation, practitioners will take a case history by interviewing the patient about their current health concerns, past health conditions and a range of related matters, including diet, lifestyle habits, sleeping patterns, appetite, menstrual cycle, stress reactions and food or other sensitivities.

To further identify what are known in traditional Chinese medicine practice as ‘patterns of disharmony’ in the body, the practitioner will observe and note other health indicators such as the colour of the face, the condition of the tongue, the sound of the voice and the characteristics of the radial pulse of the wrist.

Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you before proceeding with the examination and treatment.

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Both modalities involve the placing of needles at specific points in the body, but there are vast differences. Acupuncturists study for a minimum of 5 years and are registered with the CMBA. Acupuncture follows a holistic approach by balancing body, mind and spirit while dry needling focuses only on the affected area. Click here for more information.

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Chinese medicine practitioners are CMBA registered acupuncturists who provide acupuncture treatments after completing 5 years theoretical training that also includes 650-1000 hours of clinical practice.

There are many non-registered therapists and other allied health care providers who claim to do acupuncture, dry needling (just another name for acupuncture) or myofascial/trigger point therapy (a western term for Chinese Ah Shi acupuncture) with as little training as a 20hour online course or weekend course.

Why risk a treatment from the poorly trained or undertrained? The importance of your health and wellbeing demands that you are treated by a properly qualified, trained and registered Chinese medicine acupuncturist who is required by the CMBA to maintain their knowledge and skills, annually completing ongoing professional development.

You are worth it, to be treated by the most qualified!

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

• focuses on drug-free pain relief

• can be effective in the treatment of acute and chronic ailments as shown in research studies which have been collated in the Acupuncture Evidence Project.

• takes an holistic approach by addressing the underlying cause of the condition, as well as the symptoms. The approach links body, mind and emotions.

• assists in the prevention against disease and the maintenance of general well-being.