
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the world of Chinese medicine - ask me anything!
What is acupuncture?
The insertion of very fine single-use sterilised needles into specific points on the body. Each point has a different function. I’ll create a prescription of points based on your diagnosis. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapeutic technique intended to prevent and support. It uses a whole-body integrated approach and works through sending signals in the body.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture targets the central and autonomic nervous system, stimulating points to affect gastric, reproductive, endocrine, and cardiovascular functions.
It can increase local blood flow, induce vasodilation and neuropeptide release, influence neurotransmitter levels, release fascia and connective tissue, relax muscle shortening, and influence vagal activity.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes! To be registered, one must learn acupuncture safety in depth. I use single-use sterilised needles and follow OH&S guidelines to ensure maximum safety. With acupuncture treatment, slight risks may include (but are not limited to) bruising, minor bleeding, strong sensations, and discomfort.
Does acupuncture hurt?
My needles are not your typical hypodermic intravenous needles! I use very fine, single-use sterilised needles. Sensations can include: a dull pressure, slight tingling, warmth, or nothing at all. Sensations often settle after a few seconds so you can spend your next 20 minutes in blissful rest.
Does acupuncture have any
side effects?
Side-effects are mainly short-term, with the possibility of dizziness after getting up, sensations where the needles have been, bruising or minor bleeding, and post-treatment drowsiness. If you have experienced any of this, you can always let me know and I will do my best to prevent them from occurring again!
Can I do acupuncture alongside other therapies?
Yes please! Treatments such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, counselling, massage, and more highly complement acupuncture sessions. I find that working on the body from a few different angles proves to be the most effective. That is why I will often share food, exercise, and lifestyle tips.
Where do the needles go?
I practice a style of acupuncture called distal needling. This means I might not put needles in your area of concern! I choose points that I find most powerful and effective for inducing change and many of those are on the hands, feet, and scalp.
What should I wear to my
appointment?
Looser clothing is preferred, especially your bottoms. Most often you will stay clothed during treatments but I will likely need access to your legs.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture helps to improve blood flow and circulation, alleviate pain, calm, support organs and systems’ functions, influence chemical mediators, regulate mood, and reduce inflammation.
How long are needles in for?
After a consultation including a wide variety of questions and tongue and pulse analysis, needles are placed and left to marinate for about 20-30 minutes. During this time, I’ll encourage deep breathing practices, mindful exercises, and a nap.
How long should I wait between appointments?
Depending on your condition, I may recommend a different plan of treatments. Sometimes I see patients twice a week, once a week, once a fortnight, or monthly.
Are acupuncture and herbal medicine regulated?
Yes! The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) regulates our medicine as it does every medical field. I am also a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).
Are acupuncture and dry needling the same?
No. Dry needling is the practice of inserting needles into myofascial trigger points. This causes muscles to twitch, contract and release, prompting decreased muscle tightness, increased blood flow and pain reduction. It is mainly used for muscle pain, sports injuries, and movement disorders.
Acupuncture uses the same needles and potentially some of the same points… however it is based on a whole-body system that has been fine-tuned over thousands of years. Practitioners undergo extensive training, of not only traditional medicine but also anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, neuroscience, research and statistics, biology, chemistry, western medications, western medical conditions, and differential diagnoses.
How often should you get
acupuncture?
You can get it once, twice, even three times a week! I will provide you with a treatment plan outlining what treatment protocol will work best for your condition.
Should I eat before treatments?
Not immediately before, but yes! Because treatments are inviting change in the body, they need energy present to work with. Treatments on an empty gurgling stomach can also sometimes cause slight dizziness.
