Frequently asked questions

 

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

When administered by a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe for most people. However, whenever a procedure punctures the skin or manipulates the human body, there will always be risks. Your Acupuncture Clinic operates under AHPRA Infection prevention and control guidelines for acupuncture practice (last reviewed 5 May 2017) with single-use needles only.

If you have any concerns, speak to your practitioner.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Generally speaking acupuncture is not considered painful however, everyone is different. Some people feel only slight discomfort briefly as the needles are placed, while others feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in position, they should not be painful. If a needle is causing any discomfort, let your practitioner know so they can make any adjustments to the needle for your comfort.

After the needles are in place, you may feel either locally or in a part of the body that is distant from the needle:

  • Dull ache
  • Numbness or heaviness
  • Tingling
  • Warmth
  • Coolness

Most people describe a generalised feeling of relaxation or well-being during their treatment.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

There is a growing body of research supporting the use of Acupuncture for a range of health conditions. A recent paper commissioned by AACMA is the most comprehensive review of the evidence supporting the effectiveness of Acupuncture available.

McDonald J, Janz S (2017) The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review (Revised Edition). Brisbane: Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd; 2017.

ARE THE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES STERILE?

Yes, at Your Acupuncture Clinic we follow the AHPRA Infection prevention and control Guidelines for Acupuncture practice (last reviewed 5 May 2017).

We use thin single use, pre-sterilized, disposable surgical grade stainless steel needles. The needles are disposed of in the Yellow Sharps containers in the clinic to ensure your health and safety.

CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE IF I AM PREGNANT OR TRYING?

In most cases it is safe to receive Acupuncture treatments during pregnancy, however there are some points that should not be used when pregnant. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive please let our staff know so we can adjust your treatment accordingly.

AM I ABLE TO DONATE BLOOD AFTER ACUPUNCTURE?

"Yes, if the acupuncture was performed by a registered acupuncturist or a medical practitioner, you can only donate plasma in the first 24 hours after treatment. Following that, there are no restrictions." Information sourced via Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

HOW DEEP DO THE NEEDLES GO?

Generally, needles are inserted between 0.1 to 2.5 centimetres deep. The needle depth depends on:

  • The nature of the condition being treated
  • The underlying anatomy of the acupuncture points selected
  • The patient’s build, age and health
  • Type of acupuncture used

If there are any areas that you prefer not to be needled, please tell your Chinese medicine practitioner. We will be more than happy to accommodate your request.

ARE NEEDLES THE ONLY THING AN ACUPUNCTURIST USES?

No. Most Chinese Medicine practitioners specialising in acupuncture are also trained to use a number of adjunctive therapies. These typically include:

  • Heat therapy using either a TDP lamp or moxibustion to warm and improve blood circulation and reduce soft tissue pain
  • Cupping to improve local circulation and reduce pain
  • Gua Sha (also known as scraping) to increase circulation, reduce pain and improve immunity
  • Electro-acupuncture to reduce pain and help with tissue repair
  • Press seeds to stimulate acupoints on the ear
  • Chinese herbs. Our Chinese medicine practitioner is registered with AHPRA and CMBA for both Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A TREATMENT?

During your first consultation, a complete history and detailed evaluation of your condition will be taken. Chinese Medicine is a holistic modality so you can expect to be asked questions relating to your general health, not only the condition for which you are seeking treatment. The practitioner may:

  • Feel your pulse
  • Examine your tongue
  • Palpate your abdomen or check for tender points, colour, and temperature changes
  • Assess range of movement and motor function
  • Assess posture
  • Perform neurological tests if required

The initial visit usually lasts one hour. This does not generally include treatment, unless immediate attention required. Follow up visits usually last between 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your needs.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

Avoid wearing jewelry

Wear loose clothing (the most used acupuncture points are located below the elbows to the hands and below the knees down to the feet)

Also make sure you are well hydrated and have had a light meal so you are not hungry.

WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

Maintain a comfortable position so that you can relax. Many of our patients often fall asleep during their treatment.

Do not move or change your position suddenly, unless your practitioner asks you to make certain movements at times during your treatment to increase the effect.

Let your practitioner know if you feel pain or any discomfort so that any adjustments can be made for your comfort.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

Acupuncture treatments last be between 30 minutes to 40 minutes. The number and frequency of treatments are based on the individual's health, the nature of the condition, the amount of time the patient has had the condition, and their response to the treatment. Treatment may be given 1 - 3 times a week in the first 1 - 2 weeks and then is spread out as your condition improves.

Generally in the acute phase of treatment, relief of pain and restoration of motor function is prioritised. This may take 1 - 6 treatments and may require further treatment to stabilise.

For chronic conditions we usually prescribe 1 - 6 treatments to assess to suitability of acupuncture and your dose response. After this, a full treatment plan will be provided to address your needs. This may take 1 - 6 months.

Each course of Acupuncture treatment will depend on the individual. You can speak with one of our staff members to find out more information.