Acupuncture

It works …..naturally

Acupuncture

Origins

The origins of acupuncture can be traced back over 2000 years, making it one of the oldest health care systems in the world.  Today, we can support the treatment of a wide range of conditions with acupuncture and the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

How does Acupuncture work?

An acupuncture treatment will involve the insertion of fine, sterile, single use, disposable needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the energy pathways of the body (meridians).  Energy blockages can then be cleared and the normal flow of energy (Qi) is encouraged throughout the whole body.

Patricia may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods such as laser therapy, electro-stimulation, massage, cupping, heat therapy and acupressure to rebalance the flow of Qi.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to your health.  It addresses the underlying cause of conditions as well as the symptoms.  With this approach, Patricia can link the body, mind and emotions giving you the ultimate “all round” approach to health.

Both acute and chronic situations can be treated with Acupuncture.  The Acupuncture Evidence Project collated research studies to show a wide range of conditions that Acupuncture can help.

Acupuncture has been shown to assist in drug-free pain relief.  Conditions ranging from musculo-skeletal pain through to Menstrual related pain and abdominal pain are treated with Acupuncture.

Is there any evidence that Acupuncture works?

2017 saw the publication of The Acupuncture Evidence Project (McDonald J and Janz S).  Below is a list of conditions where there is evidence to support the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.

  • Chronic low back pain
  • Plantar heel pain
  • Recovery after colorectal cancer resection
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Schizophrenia (with antipsychotics)
  • Sciatica
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome (early stage) (with exercise)
  • Allergic rhinitis (perennial & seasonal)
  • Shoulder pain
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Neck pain
  • Anxiety
  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (with anti-emetics)
  • Headache (tension-type and chronic)
  • Post-stroke insomnia
  • Cancer pain
  • Cancer-related fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Lateral elbow pain
  • Menopausal hot flushes
  • Acute low back pain Postoperative nausea & vomiting
  • Back or pelvic pain during pregnancy
  • Depression (with antidepressants)
  • Dry eye
  • Hypertension (with medication)
  • Insomnia
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Labour pain
  • Modulating sensory perception thresholds
  • Obesity
  • Perimenopausal & postmenopausal insomnia
  • Postoperative nausea & vomiting
  • Postoperative pain
  • Post-stroke shoulder pain
  • Post-stroke spasticity
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Prostatitis pain/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
  • Smoking cessation (up to 3 months)
  • Temporomandibular pain

McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review (Revised Edition). Brisbane: Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd; 2017.
http://www.acupuncture.org.au.

Is there a difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Recently, we have seen an increase in the practice of “dry needling” by physiotherapists, massage therapists and other similar professions.  Dry needling is simply the insertion of acupuncture needles into trigger points and other painful areas.  In TCM this is termed Ah Shi needling.

Acupuncture has combined Ah Shi needling with channel needling for the treatment of musculo-skeletal problems for many thousands of years.

Dry needling (and basic Ah Shi needling) focuses on physical issues only.  Acupuncture, however, treats not just the symptoms (pain) but also any underlying causes e.g. stress, Qi imbalances or metabolic processes and this ensures a more efficient treatment outcome.

ACUPUNCTURIST –
CHINESE MEDICINE		 DRY NEEDLING
Minimum 4 year Bachelor Degree 48—72 hour course
CMBA Registered practitioners None registered by CMBA
Holistic – balance of mind, body and spirit Puncture painful muscle areas
Mandatory continuing professional development for registration Non continuing professional development as non registered
Strict infection control standards Unknown standards
Professional indemnity insurance for acupuncture is mandatory Some practitioners may not be covered for acupuncture or dry needling

https://www.acupuncture.org.au/acupuncture-and-chinese-medicine/acupuncture/

 

Cupping

I may also use suction cups in your acupuncture treatment. These cups would be applied using a suction method to soft areas of your body such as your back, shoulders or thighs.

cupping therapy

Cupping is often used in the treatment of many conditions. Pains in your back are common conditions where I may use the cups. Other conditions include colds, chest problems, sporting injuries and some neurological disorders.

 

Gua Sha

Gua sha is another traditional Chinese medical treatments that Patricia incorporates in her treatments.  It involves scraping the skin with a specific tool.  This aids in the stimulation of the flow of Qi and blood in the affected area.

This technique is especially effective for tight muscles, neck pain and if often used in conjunction with massage, cupping or acupuncture.