How Does Acupuncture Work?
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Relaxes body, calms the mind |
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Improves blood circulation |
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Increases energy |
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Relieves pain |
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Decreases inflammation |
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Decongest the sinuses |
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Drains fluid |
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And more... |
What are the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
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Drug-free, as it stimulates the body's own regulating system |
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Minimal side-effects |
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Non-dependent |
Why use Chinese medicine?
It is comforting to know that Chinese medicine has a vast history that extends over 2,000 years ago and remains to be used world-wide. Countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, France, Denmark, and all over Asia have been reaping the benefits of Chinese medicine since the early 70s. Australians are rapidly gaining a greater understanding and awareness of these benefits and are quickly utilising Chinese medicine to its full potential in treating certain health conditions in addition to maintaining optimum health and well-being.
Chinese medicine is also popular because it is natural and effective. The different therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, and nutrition focuses on restoring the individual's body back to its healing state.
What does treatment involve?
When you visit Tran for an acupuncture or herbal consultation, you will be asked a series of questions about your medical background and about your current health status. This is then used to form a diagnosis followed by selecting the appropriate treatment approach for your situation. Acupuncture, and /or herbal medicine may be used. Lifestyle suggestions as to dietary changes, exercising, relaxation techniques may also be offered where appropriate or necessary.
When should you see a practitioner?
Currently, people are habitually seeing the doctors or health practitioners when they are sick or feel the pain. Treatment is then focused on getting the person back on track.
Chinese medicine discerns illness as a pattern of disharmony or imbalance of qi (life force) in the body. Treatment focuses on correcting this balance before it manifests itself physically in the long-term. In this way, Chinese medicine is often used as a method of prevention of illness by helping the body maintain optimal health.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The various factors that make acupuncture NOT painful include:
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Very fine and sharp needles |
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No injection of any substances into the body |
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Needle goes past your pain receptors (in second layer of skin) |
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The body has various pain threshold |
The patient may feel a slight sensation as the needle contacts the Qi. This feeling is known as 'deqi' or getting qi. Deqi is not unpleasant and the sensation can either be a dull ache, a numbness, a tingling or a sensation of heat. The sensation can be localised around the needled acupuncture point, or can travel along the line of the 'meridian' and can affect whole areas of the body or the limbs.
What are the needles like?
Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilised and disposable - used only once. The needles have a coiled handle and an extremely fine shaft with a sharp point. The needles are solid and no substances are injected into the body. Needles come in various lengths and thickness and are used according to the area of the body to be needled.
What happens during a treatment and how many treatments do I need?
Treatment protocols, frequency and duration will vary depending on factors including individual's condition, age, constitution, individual's body response to treatment etc. All these will be discussed in consultation with the practitioner, Tran. During treatment, Tran selects appropriate points for each individual case according to the diagnosed "disharmony". The needles are usually retained 15-30 minutes. This time allows for the patient to physically and mentally rest while the body responds to the stimulation of the needles. A course of treatment will vary in both number of sessions and frequency of visits depending on individual's condition, and response factor. Each individual's response rate depends on the individual's level of sensitivity and healing rate. Some individual respond immediately, while others may take a couple of days, weeks or months. The result is however always gradual and positive.
The more chronic or long-term the problem is, the longer it will take for the already weakened body to recover and heal itself through repair and balance. The practitioner will also explain the body's stages of healing in relationship to each individual's health condition.
What is the difference between prescribed herbs and patent pills?
Chinese herbs can be prescribed by the practitioner for each individual. These can be in the form of raw herbs, granules, powder, capsule, or pills. Raw herbs are used in the form of a herbal decoction boiled up whereas granulated/powdered herbs can be easily and quickly dissolved in hot water. The advantage here is that the herbs can be suitably prescribed for each individual.
What Can I Expect to Feel?
Your hormones, immune and nervous systems are being stimulated during an acupuncture treatment. Depending on your sensitivity, you'll be aware of this activity. You'll feel more relaxed, calmer, and will experience a good night's sleep, and sometime increased appetite.
Patent pills come ready-made, easy to use and is usually sold over-the counter. The disadvantage is that pills do not accommodate for every possible condition a patient may have and so are not suitable in all cases.
Can I combine Chinese medical treatment with western medicine?
Many individuals undergo Chinese medical treatments complementary to conventional medication. Always check first with both your medical doctor and your Chinese medical practitioner before making an informed decision.
How do I choose a good Chinese medical practitioner?
Factors to consider include: Length of training and education, length of practice, areas of specialization, language ability, word of mouth, member of a recognised health association.
Is it covered by private health insurance?
Currently, acupuncture is covered by the majority leading private health insurance. The amount of rebate depends on the health insurer and the health fund cover one is in. You will need to check with your health fund.
How can acupuncture help with so many different types of health problems?
Acupuncture restores the body's balance or homeostasis to specific body systems which as a result, allows for the body to naturally heal itself. The body maintains homeostasis on a daily basis through various body systems including the cardiovascular system (heart, blood, blood vessels etc), lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory system, digestive system, metabolism and the urinary system.
Can acupuncture help with weight loss?
Specific stimulation of acupuncture points on the ear and on the body can suppress appetite to establish a different eating pattern within the first 4 weeks to help lose weight. To find out about research check http://www.acuneeds.com Journal of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, July 1998, Volume 27.
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