Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine acupuncture needles into specific locations on the body. The aim of treatment is to stimulate and harmonise the flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body - which then restores a greater sense of health and wellbeing. Acupuncture needles are much finer than regular medical needles and generally insertion is not painful. Most people report an initial tingling sensation followed by a calm and relaxed feeling during the treatment. Acupuncture treatment is very safe, and practitioners at our clinic only ever use single-use, high quality disposable acupuncture needles .
Acupuncture Treatment
After performing a comprehensive Chinese Medicine diagnosis, your acupuncture practitioner will select acupuncture points on various parts of the body to help bring your body back into balance. Needles are typically retained for 20 minutes after insertion, although your practitioner will sometimes leave them in for shorter or longer periods of time.
Acupuncture Theory
Acupuncture theory describes 12 main channels (sometimes called meridians) that run vertically along the front and back of the body. Along these channels are numerous acupuncture points where the life-force and function of the body "Qi" (pronounced Chee) can be accessed and guided back into balance. There are over 360 acupuncture points on the body, each with their own actions. Acupuncture points are described in Chinese Medicine theory according to their effects on the four main substances: Qi, Yin, Yang and Blood. Their effects are either nourishing or sedating, moving, heating or cooling.
Laser Acupuncture
The use of low level lasers is a recently modern addition to the practice of Chinese Medicine. Our clinic uses laser acupuncture for the treatment of children and for clients who have low pain tolerance or are anxious about having needle acupuncture. Laser acupuncture is not always suitable for the treatment of all conditions, but your practitioner will be able to let you know during your initial consultation. Musculoskeletal injuries, dermatological conditions, IVF support are conditions that are frequently treated with laser acupuncture and have good outcomes demonstrated in clinical trials. Some conditions that normally repsond well to acupuncture can be made worse by laser acupuncture, our practitioners will determine prior to your treatment if there is a possibility of laser acupuncture worsening your condition, and alternative treatments will be recommended accordingly. Laser acupuncture is not suitable for use around the site of a melanoma or other skin cancer, or within 6 months of having received radiation therapy. Other treatment types are more suitable in these cases.
Scientific Research on Acupuncture
Some preliminary studies have been performed using a modern scientific analysis of how acupuncture works. The mechanisms that have been identified so far include the stimulation of endorphins (body's natural pain relief), regulation of neurotransmitters (related to mood), and promoting production of white blood cells (involved in immunity). Further research is required to confirm these findings and investigate further the scientific understanding of this ancient healing technique.
