A Guide to Acupuncture in Canberra
A Guide to Acupuncture in Canberra
The ancient technique of acupuncture is very popular in Canberra. It is known to provide patients with relief from pain, stress, fatigue and nausea. In this blog post, we answer frequently asked questions about acupuncture in Canberra.
What are the origins of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China over 3,000 years ago. Acupuncture is one of the key healing techniques in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our acupuncturists provide traditional Chinese acupuncture treatment at our Canberra clinic.
What does Chinese acupuncture involve?
Chinese acupuncture can improve bodily function and promote self-healing by stimulating / unblocking the vital energy (qi or ch’i) that flows through the meridians in the human body. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into the energy points (acupoints) on the body.
Modern research suggests that acupuncture has an effect on the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and immune systems of the body – leading to reduced pain levels and improved sleep, digestion and general wellbeing.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe – provided it’s administered by a qualified and registered acupuncturist. Like any medical procedure, acupuncture carries an element of risk. The experienced acupuncturists at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre use only sterile, disposable needles.
Do acupuncturists in Canberra need to be registered?
Yes. All acupuncturists in Canberra need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). All the acupuncturists at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre are registered.
What happens during an acupuncture session at our Canberra clinic?
At your first acupuncture session, you’ll be asked about your health history and undergo a high-level physical examination. Our acupuncturist will then devise a personal treatment plan that addresses your health issues and concerns.
In terms of the treatment procedure, you’ll lie on a comfortable bench whilst the acupuncturist places the needles (gently) into your body’s energy points. Most people feel little to no discomfort during the needling process. The needles are left in the body for a period of 5 to 30 minutes.
What health conditions may benefit from acupuncture?
Acupuncture may assist with the following health conditions:-
- Acute and/or chronic pain
- Allergies and sinus problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Dental pain
- Digestive problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Menstrual pain
- Morning sickness
- Musculoskeletal problems, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis
- Nausea and vomiting (following chemotherapy treatment)
- Postoperative pain
- Sciatica
- Stiff neck and/or shoulder
- Stress and tension
- Tendinitis
- Weight management
Does acupuncture treatment hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and have round edges that don’t usually cut the skin. Most people don’t feel any pain (or very little pain) when undergoing acupuncture treatment at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre. It’s not unusual for patients to experience a tingling sensation or dull ache during treatment.
Does acupuncture have any side effects?
Patients may feel a little sore (usually for no longer than 24 hours) after acupuncture. In some cases, patients may experience minor bruising and/or bleeding around the insertion points.
Is acupuncture suitable for everyone?
As is the case with most medical treatments, acupuncture isn’t suitable for everyone. People with pacemakers, bleeding disorders (eg. haemophilia), seizure disorders (eg. epilepsy) and certain skin diseases / disorders shouldn’t undertake acupuncture – nor should people taking blood thinners.
Is acupuncture recommended during pregnancy?
Acupuncture is often used to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy. However, the acupuncturist must be careful to avoid needling certain parts of the body – so as not to harm the unborn baby or induce contractions. A reputable acupuncturist will never needle the abdominal area or lumbosacral region of a pregnant patient.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The number of required treatments differs from patient to patient. During your initial acupuncture session at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre, a treatment plan will be devised to address your health issue/s. For acute health issues, it’s not uncommon for patients to attend up to 10 sessions (in total) over time.
Is acupuncture covered by Medicare?
Acupuncture treatments at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre aren’t covered by Medicare. However, your private health insurance may cover you if your “extras” include natural therapies. If your private health fund does provide cover, we have a HICAPS terminal to speed up claims processing.
To find out more about acupuncture treatment at Canberra Classic Chinese Medicine Centre, or to make a booking, please call (02) 5105 9049 or 0401 178 828.