Acupuncture in Canberra

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is one of the main therapies in treating body imbalances. 

Chinese Medicine believes that the human body meridians are connected as a network. For example, it is considered as one mechanism connected from fingers to the brain. Along these networks, there are many energy gathering points that have strong influence to the body’s responses. 

Acupuncture can stimulate these points which can affect the body’s responses in certain way to rectify the disorder or to achieve the energy balance. Chinese Medicine also believes that the mental, physical and emotion aspects of a person as one, and therefore with acupuncture stimulation where the physical can respond, this also enhances the mental and emotions which can then adjust the energy flow.

In general, a small prick when the needle is first inserted is all that a patient will feel during an acupuncture session.

Pain during an acupuncture session may be associated with different things. The current mental and physical condition of a patient will alter the level of discomfort. If the condition is more severe, it will also affect the outcome of acupuncture and the level of pain. 

The time of the day when receiving acupuncture can also intensify physical sensations. For example, after work when an individual is tired or stressed can cause treatment to be more uncomfortable. 

Posture and movement can also affect comfort during acupuncture. It is not necessary to be completely still; however, it is recommended to keep the area being treated still to reduce the chance of pain. Moving other parts of the body whilst being treated should not have an impact on pain.

Patients may also experience other sensations apart from pain whilst having acupuncture. Feelings of electricity, itchiness and heaviness of limbs, or a combination of these may also be present.

Qi starts from the hands and feet and moves outwards throughout the body. Energy is very concentrated below the knees and below the elbows, especially in the hands and the feet, so patients may experience stronger physical effects.

Responses to acupuncture are different for everyone. Some people will feel very calm and a little tired; others will feel energised and refreshed; some may feel heavy and tingling sensations at the associated area. In general, the experience is mild, gentle and more connecting to the body’s sensations. However, some people feel pain for a few hours or longer. This can be attributed to the channels of Qi being opened up with the acupuncture. 

We recommend that patients being treated with acupuncture abstain from full water contact, such as showering or swimming, for two hours after treatment. Otherwise, it is okay to continue with your day as normal, driving, walking, eating etc.

The frequency and length of time that each person should receive acupuncture changes with individual conditions. 

Usually, if the condition is acute then the treatment will be quite frequent, but if a patient has a chronic condition, usually it is recommended that they have treatment 1 – 2 times a week for a period of 5 – 10 weeks before reassessment of the condition.

Chinese Medicine revolves around a theory of holistic care and so works well in conjunction with other Chinese Medicine treatment such as herbs and acupressure massage.

It is also fine to be treated with acupuncture whilst taking medication. Generally, Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments do not affect other medical treatments.

At the Capital Health Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine, our practitioners use five different techniques of acupuncture specifically selected to treat individual conditions.

Body

This technique is very traditional and is based around centres in the body, which are called Meridians.

Auricular

This technique is practised on the ears. Practitioners use this type of acupuncture especially to establish the body’s rhythm and balance overall Qi flow. It is also convenient for people who are travelling because this type of acupuncture can remain on that area for a few days. 

Holigraphic

This technique involves one part of the body being a miniature representation of the entire body. This technique allows practitioners to treat areas that are unable to be directly accessed. 

It is common to use Holographic acupuncture for mixed conditions comprising mental and physical components and also usually when a patient has bodily discomfort in certain areas.

Zone Reflection

This technique involves the use of a partner, or an opposite body part in place of the actual location of the condition. It is often used to improve the communication of different parts of the body and help the affected area to improve by using the healthy part to balance back. 

Trigger Point

This acupuncture technique is also referred to as Ashi Point Acupuncture and is used for soft-tissue conditions. It treats muscle tightness, conditions from overuse and generally mild, chronic conditions such as posture sports-related imbalance.