Acupuncture involves the insertion of single-use, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your health history is considered with traditional assessment methods (i.e. tongue and pulse diagnosis). Acupuncture points are then selected based on your diagnosis pattern to help restore health. 

From the TCM perspective, acupuncture needles help manipulate the flow of Qi (energy) to restore health. From the Western model, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the production of endogenous opioids (the body’s natural pain killers), impact the central nervous system and hormones, and stimulate the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system (responsible for “rest and digest” functions).

Accessory Techniques

Other techniques that may be used to enhance your treatment include:

·         Cupping – the use of glass or silicone cups to create a gentle vacuum, with the aim to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation

·         Gua Sha – the use of a handheld plastic, stone, or ceramic tool to rub along muscles or meridian lines, with the aim to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation

·         Moxibustion – lighting moxa (a dried herb – Artemisia vulgaris) and holding it near acupuncture points to provide warmth and improve circulation

·         Infra-Red Heat Lamp – to provide warmth and improve circulation to areas of discomfort

·         Electro-stimulation – the use of a specialised device to pass small electrical current through the shaft of an acupuncture needle to amplify the effect of the acupuncture

·         Dry Needling - the insertion of acupuncture needles into trigger points (most commonly known as “knots”) in order to provide pain relief. 

o   Dry needling is very similar to (if not the same as) one of the many techniques in Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture. “Ah Shi” points are points on the body that are exquisitely tender. “Ah Shi” means “Oh Yes!” – which you can imagine exclaiming when a masseuse hits just the right spot. ‘Exquisite tenderness’ is one of the key features of trigger points in the dry needling realm.

If you are interested in any of these techniques, please speak with your practitioner to determine the suitability and time required.

Acupuncture can be utilised on its own or in conjunction with chiropractic care. Because acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and chiropractic adjustments improve nerve functions, these therapies complement each other.

Studies show that acupuncture is an effective way to manage chronic pain. Acupuncture lowers a patient's awareness of pain by modulating endorphin levels.

Our Perth acupuncturist treats patients for many reasons, but most commonly patients request acupuncture for:

• Lower back pain

• Neck pain

• Allergic rhinitis

• Headaches and migraine

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Post-operative nausea and vomiting, pain

• Stress and anxiety

• Depression and PTSD

• Insomnia

• TMJ

• IBS

• Smoking cessation

• Fatigue

• menstrual health (e.g. irregular, heavy or painful periods; PCOS, fertility) 

• digestive disorders

• respiratory / sinus conditions

• urinary system conditions

• pain (acute and chronic)

• stress management /relaxation 

At your first acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will ask you a series of questions about your health. They will may inspect your tongue, and feel the quality of your pulse and palpate (press) your abdomen, chest, arms and legs. This information helps form the diagnosis and direct the treatment.

Once your acupuncturist reaches a diagnosis, they will propose a treatment plan. You will then be asked to rest on a massage-like table. Very fine single-use, sterile needles are gently inserted into the skin. The needles are usually kept in place for 15-20 minutes, then carefully removed

Does acupuncture hurt?

For the most part, many people do not feel the needles at all. The needles can create a sensation known as "de-qi", or "the arrival of Qi", which may feel heavy or like a dull ache. Some cases benefit from stronger stimulation, and others from a gentler approach. Your practitioner will explain what is most appropriate for you. If at any stage you feel discomfort, please communicate this with your practitioner so their approach can be modified. We want you to be able to rest comfortably while on the table.

How long is a consultation?

The first consult is usually 60mins and follow-ups are 30 or 45 mins. Longer follow up appointments are for those with complex cases (multiple issues to be addressed) and/or those that like additional techniques like cupping. Your practitioner will discuss with you what is most beneficial for your case

Is your acupuncturist qualified?

Yes. Our acupuncturist has a Master of Applied Science in Acupuncture from RMIT and has completed further training to consolidate and further their knowledge. Registered Acupuncturists in Australia are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours per year of professional development to ensure their knowledge and skills are current. You’re in safe hands.

How many sessions do I have to attend before I feel results?

Generally, 6-10 sessions. It can take several sessions to see changes (especially if related to the menstrual cycle), with each session building on the last.

As a rough guideline, the best results are achieved by coming for multiple sessions in the first few weeks (e.g. twice weekly for the first 1-3 weeks), then pushing out to weekly sessions for a few weeks, then fortnightly sessions. Many choose to continue ‘maintenance’ type sessions every 4-6 weeks beyond this to support their health and wellbeing.

What do I need to know about aftercare?

Try to avoid high energy activities on the day of your acupuncture session. Normal day-to-day activities should not be a problem after your session.

Should I do anything before my session?

Please ensure you have eaten a few hours before your session, to prevent potential side effects like dizziness. Some people prefer to wear loose clothing (e.g. pants with legs loose enough to pull up over your knee) rather than disrobing, but that is entirely up to you.

If you are coming for sessions related to quitting smoking, please ensure you do not smoke within 2hours of coming to your appointment.