Musculoskeletal - lower back pain, shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, neck pain, joint sprains, muscle strain, sciatica, arthritis, sporting injuries.
Respiratory conditions - Common cold or flu, asthma, sinus problems, hay fever, bronchitis.
Gastrointestinal disorders - Nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids, heartburn and reflux.
Cardiovascular - High or low blood pressure, angina, palpitations.
Women's Health - Irregular or painful periods, fertility disorders, premenstrual difficulties, menopausal symptoms.
Pregnancy - Morning sickness, breech baby, heartburn, elevated blood pressure, oedema, lower back pain, preparation for labour.
Men's Health - Fertility disorders, prostate problems, erectile dysfunction.
Neurological - headaches including migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, Meniere's disease, tinnitus, Bell's palsy, post-stroke syndrome, insomnia, excessive dreaming.
Metabolic disorders - chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, hormonal irregularities.
Urological disorders - urinary tract infections, nocturia, bed wetting.
Psychological disorders - post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, smoking/drug addiction.
Skin disorders - acne, psoriasis, eczema, scarring.
It is not advisable to have acupuncture on an empty stomach so it may be best to have something to eat 1-2 hours prior to your acupuncture appointment. This could even be a snack or fruit.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
If you have an ACC number then bring this along.
If you have had any specialist reports such as X-rays or scans please bring them with you.
The patient is asked pertinent questions to enable a correct diagnoses. From diagnosis, a treatment plan is formulated by way of Chinese medical theory. Questions about diet and lifestyle may be asked. The integrated health system looks for underlying weaknesses or pressures which may lead to ill health. Chinese medical theory looks at the patient holistically, at how external or internal influences such as environment, trauma or stress may cause a patient to stray outside of their normal health zone. Chinese medicine can be used to identify causes and aims to restore balance in one's life and ultimately restore the health of an individual.
In Chinese medical theory, the body has a complex energetic system of Meridians
or pathways, through which energy flows. This enables qi
(life force) to mobilise the tissues in the body. When a person's qi is balanced and flowing correctly, superior health is acquired. When the meridians or qi pathways become blocked or hindered, pain and sickness can result. Restoration of health comes from manipulation of the energetic pathways to unblock problem areas. Acupuncture is directed at acupuncture points
on the body. These are likened to keys or gates
which may be switched through careful manipulation of very fine, single-use, sterile needles.
Often several acupoints
are manipulated, interestingly sometimes in places far distant from the patient's problem area; for instance a point on the leg may be used to influence digestion, or a point on the hand to treat pain in the head.
There are many theories on how exactly acupuncture works. Some see a closeness between the nervous system and meridian channels. Other theories include immunological or hormonal response from insertion of needles in specific body areas.
The insertion of a needle can be used to direct the patient's own mind to connect and stimulate a self healing system. A resetting of an innate energy system similar to a repair of electrical wiring is the result. Some patients may have seemingly miraculous results in one or two treatments, while others may take a series of treatments over some weeks or months to reset and feel lasting benefit.
Acupuncture, when used by a trained acupuncturist, is a safe medical tool with few or no undesirable side-effects. Patients use acupuncture as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, Western pharmaceutical or surgical treatment.
Many modern Western medical professionals are now embracing Chinese medical techniques,and incorporating them into their treatment protocols. Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths often work alongside acupuncturists, and combine therapies.
Acupuncture uses very fine, single-use, sterile needles inserted into acupoints on the skin. Upon insertion a patient may experience a dull, deep sensation which is the result of stimulation of the energy system of the body. In some cases electro acupuncture
may be used. This is when a minute electrical charge is applied to the needles to give an enhanced effect or speed the treatment in certain conditions.
Moxibustion involves the use of combustible material (usually Artemisia argyi), to heat a desired body area or acupoint. Therapeutically, this warms and stimulates, to promote energy flow, or dispel a pathogen from the body.
Cupping is a method where a glass or plastic jar is sucked
on to a body area or acupoint. This stimulates energy flow and can have a strong dispelling function, drawing blood and pathogens from within the body tissue. Cupping can leave some marks on the body for up to a week following treatment. It is often used in acute and chronic conditions and in the treatment of pain in the body.
Tuina is the art of Chinese massage. This can be performed on acupoints or specific meridians to enhance energy flow. Sensitive patients like children, may prefer tuina or a combination with cupping or moxibustion as a treatment option.