1. What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which originated in China over 5,000 years ago.
This ancient art of healing has become widely accepted throughout the western world over the past 30 years.
Acupuncture is a natural therapy, which has several major benefits:
● Assists in the prevention of disease
● Treats both the symptoms and the cause of disease
● Offers a holistic approach that links body, mind and emotions
● Effectively treats many common ailments
● Can provide drug-free pain relief
2. How does it work?
In Chinese Medicine the human body is likened to a highly complex electrical circuit, but instead of
circulating electricity, the body circulates a specialised biological energy or life force called Qi (chi).
The Qi flows through countless energy pathways called meridians throughout the body, linking and integrating
the organs and tissues to make sure that they function to perfection. During physical or emotional stress,
exposure to harsh weather or a prolonged unhealthy life-style, the balance and strength of Qi flowing
through the meridians is disrupted, resulting in a discomfort or disease.
Acupuncture (and Chinese massage) can stimulate the effected areas along these meridians in order to
restore the balance of Qi and bring equilibrium back within the body.
3. What can I expect when I visit an acupuncturist?
Traditional Chinese Medicine views you as a complex blend of body, mind, emotion and spirit. During your
visit, your practitioner is concerned with all aspects of your health. Details of your medical and family
history, occupation and life-style habits are collected along with your subjective symptoms. Your
practitioner will also use ancient diagnostic methods, called Tongue and Pulse diagnosis. Your treatment
will then be tailored specifically for you.
4. How many treatments do I need?
After a careful assessment of your current health complaint, including its cause, your acupuncturist can
give you a general idea of how many treatments will be required. The number and frequency of the treatments
will depend on several factors. These include the duration and intensity of your present illness, as well
as your age, constitution and general health.
5. How will I feel after treatment?
Most people fall asleep during an acupuncture treatment and wake up feeling relaxed. The first changes
you may notice are a general improvement of energy levels, sleep and reduction of stress. Some people
may respond quickly to treatment while others experience a more gradual improvement.
6. What kinds of problems can acupuncture treat?
● Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, common cold
● Digestive: toothache, gingivitis, ulcers, gastritis, hyperacidity, colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery,
liver and gall bladder disorders, weight control
● Neurological and muscular: headache, migraine, paralysis, neuropathy, nervous tension, frozen
shoulder, tennis elbow, back and neck pain, arthritis, sciatica
● Cardio-vascular: high and low blood pressure, chest pain, poor circulation, muscle cramps
● Uro-genital: cystitis, prostatitis, low libido, urinary retention, kidney disorders, nocturia and bladder dysfunction
● Gynecology: all kinds of gynaecological and obstetric problems
● Eyes: visual disorders, conjunctivitis, simple cataract and myopia
● Skin: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, herpes zoster, acne and dandruff
● Sporting injuries: sprains, cartilage problems, torn muscles and ligaments, bruises
● Psychological: depression, emotional disturbance, anxiety, nervousness and addictions such as smoking
7. Can I claim for acupuncture treatment on my health insurance?
Most private health funds now cover acupuncture treatment depending on the plan you have chosen.
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