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• What is Acupuncture?
• What is Five Element Acupuncture?
• What does it feel like?
• How often will I need treatment?
• What will happen on my first visit?
• Should my doctor know?
• How much does it cost?
• How do I book an appointment?
• What if I am already seeing another
practitioner?
• What conditions does Acupuncture treat?
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practiced in China,
Japan and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. It is used
successfully to treat people with a wide range of acute and chronic
illnesses.
According to traditional Acupuncture theory, our health is dependent on
the body’s motivating energy, known as Qi, moving in a smooth and
balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin. By inserting
fine needles into acupuncture points found along the channels, an
acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help
restore its natural balance. The practitioner’s focus is on improving
the overall well-being and health of the patient, rather than just the
isolated treatment of specific symptoms.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors including: poor
nutrition, climatic conditions, infections, poisons, trauma, hereditary
factors and emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or
grief. The principal aim of acupuncture in treating an individual is to
restore the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual
aspects of the whole person.
What is Five Element Acupuncture?
The classical theories of Acupuncture have been developed and refined
for over 5,000 years and form the basis for all styles of Acupuncture.
Clinical practice however, varies enormously. Five Element Acupuncture
has its roots in Japanese and Korean styles as well as the Chinese
tradition but was brought to Europe in the 20th century and developed
initially in the UK and France, before spreading to the USA in the
1960s. There are now many colleges of Five Element Acupuncture in the
USA and the UK. Its philosophy and clinical application is particularly
suited to our Western lifestyle and Western causes of disease and
conditions.
What does it feel like?
Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections and
blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They
are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. Needles are inserted
either for a second or two, or left in place for some time, depending on
the result required. There may be a slight sensation (often described as
a dull ache or a tingling) when the needle initially meets the
acupuncture point: this quickly fades.
How often will I need treatment?
In acupuncture philosophy, each person is considered unique and
therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual.
Normally you are recommended to visit the clinic once or twice a week at
first, although some conditions may need more or less frequent
attention.
Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic and only one or two
treatments are required. With other patients the effects are more subtle
and they may need treatment over several months. Individuals may also
seek treatment as a preventative measure in which case, after the
initial few sessions, treatment will often be seasonal (similar to check
ups at the dentist).
What will happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The
acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health in order to
identify the underlying pattern of disharmony. You will be asked about
your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your
medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive
system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the
energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist will feel your
pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The
structure, color and coating of your tongue also give a good guide to
your physical health. Once enough information has been gathered to
determine the likely causes of your problems, the practitioner can
select the most appropriate treatment.
There are around 500 recognized acupuncture points on the body, of which
about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas affects
the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may
not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced.
For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be
inserted in your foot or hand.
The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with moxa, a
smoldering herb used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body’s
Qi to flow smoothly.
Should my doctor know?
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor it makes sense to tell
him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture may
enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but
your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription.
You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are
taking as it may affect your response to treatment.
How much does it cost?
The cost for an initial consultation and diagnosis is $75.00 plus GST. If you
decide to come to the clinic for regular treatment, all other treatments
will cost $50.00 plus GST.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by contacting us either by email or
telephone. See our contact details.
What if I am already seeing another practitioner?
If you are already in treatment, be it acupuncture or another form of
complementary medicine, we must first ask you to inform your current
practitioner and gain their written permission before attending our
clinic. If you arrive without this permission, our practitioners will
not be able to see you. If you have decided to change practitioners, you
should have clearly finished with your previous practitioner before
coming for an appointment at our clinic. We are very happy for your own
practitioner to accompany you when you come for a diagnosis and
consultation – in fact practitioners often ask to bring their patients
if they need some clarification as to treatment protocol, particular
treatment issues etc. When you book, please tell us the name of the
practitioner who will be accompanying you.
What conditions does Acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization produced, in 1979, a list of 43 diseases
and disorders that lend themselves to acupuncture treatment. Included on
this list are conditions such as:
-Respiratory Diseases
-Eye Diseases
-Gastro-Intestinal Disorders
-Endocrine Disorders
-Cardiovascular Diseases
-Trigeminal Neuralgia
-Facial Paralysis
-Insomnia
-Tennis Elbow
-Low Back Pain
-Meniere’s Disease
-Osteoarthritis
-Migraine Headaches
-Frozen Shoulder
-Multiple Sclerosis
-Sciatica
-Rheumatoid Arthritis
-Stroke
-Neurological & Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
-Alcohol & Tobacco Addiction
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