ACUPUNCTURE
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture involves the placement of sterile, single-use needles into specific locations along the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians. By inserting these fine needles just below the skin, acupuncturists can clear energy blockages and encourage the normal, balanced flow of energy, known as chi, throughout the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the flow of chi directly affects the functioning of the body’s organs. When chi flows well, good health is maintained; but when blockages occur, pain and symptoms of illness develop. More than 400 acupuncture points have been identified all over the body. They run along the meridians, which correlate with the body’s organs. An acupuncturist identifies which points to target with needles in order to adjust and regulate the flow of chi in the areas relating to your health issues.
WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP WITH?
The World Health Organisation has listed numerous health conditions that research has shown acupuncture to be an effective treatment for, or have a therapeutic effect on. The list includes pain, headaches, joint issues, gout, colic, dentistry issues, childbirth, infections, neurological disorders such as stroke, respiratory disorders, digestive issues and blood disorders. Acupuncture can also help with female and male infertility and reproductive issues, as well as IVF outcomes. Patients often find acupuncture a pleasurable experience that is beneficial to their general mental and physical wellbeing. Regular sessions support their learning how to regenerate and regulate their lives while living a full life.
IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL?
No, it’s generally painless. The needles are very thin and flexible, so most people cannot feel them being inserted or remaining in the skin during the treatment. Sometimes a needle can generate a dull ache, a subtle pulse or a tingle when it is inserted into a particularly blocked acupuncture point. This sensation usually subsides during the treatment. Some people associate hypodermic needles, which are used to give injections, with acupuncture needles, but the two are quite different. Hypodermic needles are sharp and hollow in order to inject liquids into a vein, whereas acupuncture needles are only gently inserted into the skin tissue. Acupuncture needles are small, rounded at the tip, flexible and as thin as a strand of hair. If you have a phobia of needles, we can offer alternative treatments. Acupuncture is just one method of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We also offer Chinese herbal medicine, personally prescribed for your condition, as well as nutritional and lifestyle guidance. To promote and enhance the energy flow, we also use Tui Na massage (where the practitioner uses their hands to treat the patient) and cupping (where cups are used on the skin to create suction). You can also learn to regulate yourself by settling into your being’s innate healing and evolving processes through our classes in Meditation, Tai Chi and Chi Kung.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Yes, it is safe provided a properly qualified acupuncturist administers the acupuncture treatment. A qualified acupuncturist knows how, when and why to insert needles at particular points on the body. This is especially important, for example, during pregnancy and when trying to conceive because needles inserted into the abdomen can affect blood flow into the uterus.
James Evans is a highly qualified and experienced acupuncturist, who is a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).
At Living Wellness we use only high-grade stainless steel needles. The sterile needles are used once and then disposed of into a medical waste container.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
One of the advantages of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is the absence of serious side effects. Most patients feel calm and rested after their treatment. Sometimes a patient might feel light-headed and tired. Needles can occasionally cause small bruises. Some people may see a change in their digestive system or a temporary intensification of their symptoms. Generally we see this as a sign that the body is beginning to rebalance and heal. We advise you to sit down for a few minutes after a treatment in order to reorient yourself. To improve the effectiveness of your treatment, we recommend you eat a light meal up to an hour before acupuncture. Avoid eating a large meal or doing strenuous activity for two hours before or after a treatment.