Acupuncture:
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Acupuncture is one of the oldest
recorded forms of medicine having been used for over 3,000
years in China. It refers to the insertion of a solid needle
into any part of the human body for disease prevention,
therapy or maintenance of health.
The traditional Chinese view of acupuncture is that Qi (energy)
– pronounced "chee" - flows freely when
the body is in a healthy state. If there is a problem, energy
stagnates. The stimulation of appropriate acupuncture points
frees this stagnation.
Physiotherapists often combine different techniques to achieve
the best treatment for their patients. Acupuncture is a
treatment option, which complements other skills but can
also be used alone. Treatment effects are 'holistic' in
that the patient is treated as a whole. This means that
pains that move around the body, or pains which cover the
majority of the body, can be treated 'holistically'. Acupuncture
is therefore a very useful skill in the physiotherapist's
toolbox.
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How does it work?
Pain relief through acupuncture is thought to occur by the
nervous system being stimulated to produce its own painkilling
substances. These substances are to be found locally around
the needle site, in the spinal cord and in different areas
of the brain.
The effects are cumulative and because so many areas of
the nervous system can be influenced, good results are frequently
achieved when more conventional medicine has failed. There
is nothing spiritual about acupuncture and patients do not
need to believe in it for it to be effective. Some patients
can see immediate results whilst for others it may take
more time before they see the effects. The latter is likely
to be applicable to patients suffering from a chronic condition.
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Does it hurt?
The sensation of receiving an acupuncture treatment can
rarely be described as painful, though that is not to say
that it is devoid of sensation. Generally the feeling is
more of a tingling or dull ache. Acupuncture needles have
a doweled end and therefore do not cut the skin as regular
injection needles do. Following treatment it is common for
the patient to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation, and/or
exhilaration. Often patients can report feeling tired afterwards,
and sleeping well that night.
Are there any side effects or complications?
Acupuncture is an extremely safe method of treatment, and
as such, side effects and complications are extremely rare
when treated by an experienced practitioner. However, a
small number of patients do have reactions to the procedure
which may include nausea, light-headedness and fainting.
As in any matter pertaining to health, any concerns should
be discussed with the practitioner prior to treatment and
following treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Physiotherapists will use sterilized single-use needles,
which are disposed of after treatment. Special care is taken
with patients who are diabetic or those who bruise easily.
Conditions which can be relieved by acupuncture
- Acute and chronic injuries
- Arthritis and rheumatism
- Back and neck pains; muscle and joint problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Pain
- Sport injuries
Acupuncture is often used to treat conditions that have
not responded well to conventional medicine or it can be
used as an adjunct to other techniques.
To schedule an appointment for acupuncture treatment,
speak to your physiotherapist, or call (02) 9251 0822
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