Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine - a tried and tested healthcare system that has been practised for thousands of years in China and the Far East. It has been developed, tested, researched and refined over centuries to give us a complex and detailed understanding of the body's energetic balance.

For appointments please phone 03 365 7900.

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Your first treatment

There is no 'one size fits all' acupuncture treatment because no two people are identical. Traditional acupuncture is an holistic healthcare system that treats the whole person, not just your symptoms.

Consultation During the initial consultation a traditional acupuncturist will take a complete medical history in order to understand your unique physical profile and lifestyle. You will generally be asked about your current symptoms, medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The practitioner will take your pulse on both wrists and may examine your tongue and palpate for areas of muscular tension or pain.

Treatment plan Following diagnosis an acupuncturist will put together your personalised treatment plan which may include lifestyle and dietary advice. The acupuncturist will use ultra-fine, sterile acupuncture needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Because energy meridians cover the whole body, the points used are not always close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand.

Techniques In addition to needling acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncture treatment may include other Chinese medicine techniques such as the ones mentioned below.

Lifestyle advice Your NZRA acupuncturist may suggest ways in which you can enhance the long-term effects of your treatment, such as by making changes to your diet and daily routine. If necessary you will be referred to other healthcare practitioners for specialist care.

After effects Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. You may feel tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use machinery straight after your treatment. Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Cupping and guasha can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a day or two.

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Who has traditional acupuncture?

Many people use acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution or because they just feel generally unwell. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. It can be very effective when integrated with conventional medicine.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on your individual condition. At first your acupuncturist will normally ask to see you once or twice a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your health has stabilised you may need top-up treatments every few weeks. Traditional acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a 'retuning' session at the change of each season throughout the year.

What does it feel like?

Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body's qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated.

I'm scared of needles - can I still have acupuncture?

Yes. Certain styles use needles that do not break the skin or are inserted extremely lightly. Acupuncture needles are very much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable.

What should I do before a treatment?

Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.

How will I feel after a treatment?

You are likely to feel relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you may feel tired or drowsy and it is worth bearing this in mind if you plan to drive or use any other machinery soon afterwards.

Are there any unpleasant side effects?

Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Any that do occur are mild and self-correcting. Occasionally there may be minor bruising at the needle point or a short-term flare-up of your symptoms as your qi clears and resettles.

Should I tell my doctor that I'm having acupuncture?

If you are currently receiving treatment from your doctor it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Should I still take my prescribed medication while I'm having a course of acupuncture?

Yes. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. DO NOT stop taking medication without professional guidance.

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History of Acupuncture

The first known book of Chinese Medicine, the Classic of Internal Medicine of the Yellow Emperor, dates back to between the first century BC and the first century AD. All styles of acupuncture currently practised around the world trace their roots back to this text.

Without the help of modern scientific equipment, ancient Chinese scholars discovered many now familiar aspects of biomedical science, such as the effect of emotional stress on the immune system. Traditional acupuncturists are no less scientific or sophisticated than western clinicians in their understanding of how the body functions, although to this day they use terminology that reflects Chinese medicine's cultural and historic origins.

In China during the early part of the twentieth century traditional medicine fell out of fashion as symptomatic healthcare treatments were imported from the West along with other cultural influences. Calls by western trained doctors to ban traditional Chinese medicine were rejected by the National Medical Assembly in Shanghai on 17 March 1929. This day is still celebrated every year as Chinese Doctors' Day.

Traditional Chinese medicine remained in the shadow of western medicine until the Long March of 1934-5. Without drugs, anaesthetics or surgery vast numbers of sick and wounded soldiers faced death until doctors of traditional Chinese medicine achieved amazing results using acupuncture and other traditional methods of treatment.

From this point on, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine were practised side by side in China. Under the People's Republic of China, established in 1948, all branches of TCM were nurtured and encouraged to grow. By 1978, whole hospitals and research departments were devoted to the practice of TCM.

Today traditional acupuncture is practised all around the world and clinical trials are now confirming its efficacy. More and more people are able to benefit as traditional acupuncture becomes a recognised option within standard healthcare.

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Styles of acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture as practised by our acupuncturists are based on Chinese medicine principles that have been developed, researched and refined for over 2,500 years. Traditional acupuncture is holistic, not focused on isolated symptoms. It regards pain and illness, whether physical or mental, to be a sign the whole body is out of balance.

Different schools of traditional acupuncture vary slightly in needling style and diagnostic techniques but all concentrate on improving overall wellbeing by treating the root cause of an illness as well as relieving symptoms. All styles of acupuncture spring from the same Chinese medical roots.

Within traditional acupuncture there are several specific techniques which can be used as stand-alone treatments. Our acupuncturists are familiar with these techniques and use them when appropriate, usually as part of an overall individualised treatment plan. In addition to needling acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncture treatment may include other Chinese medicine techniques such as:

• moxibustion: application of indirect heat using moxa (therapeutic herbs) and/or heat lamps to warm and relax muscles and energy meridians
• tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage): to relieve muscle tension, stimulate acupressure points, open energy meridians and stimulate the flow of qi
• electro-acupuncture: a very low frequency electrical current (1Hz) is app lied to the needle to increase blood flow, relax muscle tissue and clear stagnant qi
• cupping: glass cups with a vacuum seal are placed on the skin to stimulat e blood flow and
  clear stagnant qi
• guasha: vigorous rubbing of the skin to increase blood flow and clear stagnant qi

Auricular acupuncture uses acupuncture points located on the ear. Often used with other styles of acupuncture or on its own to treat pain or addiction.

Cosmetic acupuncture aims to restore muscle tone and improve circulation in the face and neck to delay the signs of aging. Within the context of traditional acupuncture facial points are also used for conditions such as Bell's palsy, sinusitis, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Medical acupuncture is practised by osteopaths, doctors, and physiotherapists. Basic needling techniques are used within the framework of a western medical diagnosis to relieve symptoms such as pain and headache.

Trigger point acupuncture is practised by osteopaths and physiotherapists to treat musculo-skeletal pain.

Other healthcare professionals may learn these techniques as an adjunct to their main therapy.