Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of an integrated system of primary health care, known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), that has an uninterrupted history of development dating back thousands of years in China and other parts of East Asia, making it one of the oldest and most long-standing health care system in the world. Today, acupuncture is generally considered natural and increasingly poplar form of health care that is being used by people from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds.
What do you expect?
Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, single use needles into specific areas of the body to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and expel pathogens that cause disease. There are over 400 acupuncture points on the body and each has a specific action. A combination of points will usually be applied according to each individual's presenting condition. Acupuncture may also be combined with ancillary treatments such as massage, glass cupping, moxabustion, infrared heat lamp or gua sha (Chinese spooning) for optimal results.
Performed by a skilled practitioner, acupuncture may help patients to manage a range of disorders even if they don't believe in the underlying philosophy.
After a session of acupuncture, you will normally feel relaxed and refreshed, but specific responses depend on each person. For instance, some people feel energised, while others feel sleepy. Occasionally, the symptoms get a little worse before they improve.
How many treatments do I need?
The number of treatments you need depends on your condition. In most cases, people experience a reduction in symptoms within a few sessions. The idea of acupuncture is to restore the natural balance of energy inside your body. Once the balance is restored, the body can take care of itself and no further treatments are necessary.
Choosing an acupuncturist
Some healthcare practitioners offer acupuncture after completing a short course. However, the philosophy of acupuncture is complex, so you should only use a qualified acupuncturist. Since 2000, all Victorian acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists have to be registered. You don’t need a referral from your doctor to see an acupuncturist.
If you have any questions about how acupuncture can help you, please feel free to contact Young