Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles then applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. For over 2000 years Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been incorporating acupuncture, herbs, diet, and exercise. TCM also includes topical treatments such as tuina massage, moxabustion, cupping and gua sha. Examination consists of a collection of findings including medical history, observation of the face, tongue, and pulse. TCM recognizes the body-mind-spirit as one system and has become a wonderful compliment to western medicine treatments.
In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. A major theory is that health is achieved through balancing yin and yang and dis-ease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi (described below).
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Qi (vital energy or life force) regulates a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Qi moves in pathways known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. Sources vary on the number of meridians, with numbers ranging from 14 to 20. One commonly cited source describes meridians as 14 main channels "connecting the body in a weblike interconnecting matrix" of at least 2,000 acupuncture points.
How does acupuncture work? 
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that blocks the flow of water.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production & circulation.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
What is the scope of medial acupuncture?
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
- Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
- Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
- Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
- Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems, pregnancy & birth support
- Emotional or psychological disorders: stress, imbalance, anxiety, insomnia
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions. Research has also shown that gynecological conditions such as menopause, irregular menses, anovulatory cycles, luteal phase defect, endometriosis, and "unexplained infertility" are proven to be beneficial through acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. 
Are there any side effects?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
What are the needles like? Do they hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
Does acupuncture really work?
Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your acupuncturist knows everything that you're doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.
Are there any "Do's and Dont's" for me on the day of my session?
Yes. To enhance the value of acupuncture, the following guidelines are important:
- Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your session.
- Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the session.
- Plan your activities so that after the session you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
- Continue to take any prescription medicines unless clearly advised not to. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to receiving acupuncture, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of your sessions.
- Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the session. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up sessions can be designed to best help you and your problem
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs, other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. More and more insurance companies are recognizing the value of providing coverage for medical acupuncture services. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offers you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
Pricing
30 min $50
45 min $65
60 min $80
75 min $95
90 min $110
* HICAPS & Rebates are available for most health funds
What to expect in receiving a session?
On the first 1hr consultation, half the session is focussed on getting a comprehensive health history. Follow up consultations are commonly 45mins - 1hr and continue to comprise of a combination of some massage, cupping, moxabustion & acupuncture, depending of the needs of the client.