Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatment involves a practitioner inserting fine needles through your skin at specific points on your body, activating and enhancing your natural healing abilities.
Acupuncture originated more than 2,000 years ago and is an integral therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture treatment is about achieving harmony and the normal flow of qi (energy or life force) in your body.
Acupuncture and TCM are internationally recognised treatments that can effectively complement conventional medicine. In 2012, TCM was incorporated into AHPRA, the national body that regulates health practitioners in Australia alongside general practitioners, physiotherapists and psychologists.
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What can acupuncture treat?
Many people use acupuncture to treat pain, but it is used for overall wellbeing and a variety of health conditions, including:
Stress, anxiety and depression
Gut health
Respiratory conditions like asthma
Headaches, including migraines
Women's health
Arthritis
Sleep
Fertility and pregnancy
Back and neck pain
What can you expect at your appointment?
Appointment length: 60 - 90 minutes
At your appointment, the senior student practitioner and supervisor will listen to your health concerns and conduct a comprehensive health assessment, which includes your medical history, present condition, and checking your tongue and pulse.
They will discuss your personalised treatment plan and, if you’re comfortable, they will get started on your acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture treatment involves using fine, sterile, single-use, medical-grade stainless steel needles. The practitioner will insert these needles through the skin at specific points along the body’s meridians.
Acupuncture treatment may also include:
Needle-free laser acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture - application of a mild electrical current through specific acupuncture points working within your comfort level.
Moxibustion - the gentle warming of acupuncture points using the herb moxa (commonly known as mugwort).
Cupping - using heated or vacuum-sealed cups to create suction on the skin, helping to release tension and move stagnation.
Gua sha - light “scraping” of the skin with a smooth-edged tool to increase circulation.
Gentle movement practices - such as qi gong or tai chi.
Dietary and lifestyle advice - aligned with Chinese medicine principles.
More information
At the core of the practice of TCM is holism, viewing the body as connected with nature and the environment around it. By balancing your body’s distinct yet interdependent functions, practitioners aim to eliminate disease and promote optimal health.
After receiving acupuncture, many people become fascinated with it. If you’re inspired to learn more, the Endeavour College of Natural Health offers an acupuncture degree.