How Does Acupuncture Work?
The goal of acupuncture
is to establish healthy body function by restoring the natural
circulation of energy, or life force known in Chinese medicine as
Qi. The pathways through which this vital energy flows are known as
meridians.
According to Chinese medical tradition, threes constant interchange
between the Qi of the body and the Qi of the environment: external
Qi, which can be good or harmful. Within the body, Qi is said to
perform several functions, one of which is protection against
harmful Qi. If this protective Qi is strong, it acts as a defense.
If it is weak, resistance is lowered and you may become ill.
Along
the body's meridians, there are over 361 acupuncture points. Good Qi
is thought to be restored to these areas by stimulation for example
with needles, although occasionally massage, herbs, or suction may
be used on these points.
How Might Acupuncture Help Me?
Like
most therapies, orthodox or otherwise, acupuncture doesn't work
for everyone. There are, however three main areas where it may.
These are:
treating specific disorders to relieve symptoms and help reduce
complications and recurrence
Maintenance treatment of a long
term problem, to help reduce the need for medication and surgery
Chinese medicine (including acupuncture) is said by its
practitioners to be an effective form of preventive medicine
because it helps detect and treat energy imbalances before they
lead to disease
Consult with a qualified practitioner (see below) to find out if
your condition may be helped by acupuncture.
Your Treatment What to Expect
On
your first visit, the practitioner should ask for a detailed
medical history, family history and other relevant information
such as your exercise habits and occupation.
A
general physical examination is conducted and your tongue and
pulse studied. Your acupuncturist should give you an approximate
idea of how many treatments you'll need. This will depend on the
duration and intensity of your condition, your age, constitution
and other circumstances.
After your first treatments you may notice health changes:
sleep, digestion and energy may improve. Individual variations
do occur: some people respond quickly to treatment while others
show a gradual improvement.
As
with any treatment, if you feel it isn't helping after a
mutually agreed period, consider another treatment option.
Does it Hurt?
Acupuncture shouldn't cause extreme pain. The discomfort you
feel depends on the severity of your condition, where the
needles are inserted, and importantly how relaxed you feel.
Someone suffering acute symptoms, who's feeling tense may feel
more pain than a person who is more relaxed about the treatment
may. The secret: relax, and think of something else!
How to Find an Acupuncturist
To
find an acupuncturist in your area, contact a professional
association such as The Australian Acupuncture & Chinese
Medicine Association Ltd (AACMA). Members follow traditional
Chinese and modern acupuncture teachings and attend regular
knowledge and skills updating seminars. All members are
accredited by the Acupuncture Ethics and Standards Organisation
and are bound by a professional code of ethics. For more
information, contact the National Practitioner Referral Service
on 1800 025 334.
Your Acupuncturist Checklist:
Signs that you've chosen the right acupuncturist include:
equipment and area is in a clean and sanitary condition if in
doubt leave!
all equipment is sterilized before use, this
includes needles and needle trays if in doubt, ask!
Hands are
washed, gloves are worn
acupuncture points are cleaned with
antiseptic before insertion of needle
needles disposed of in
one of two ways:
1.
sterilised and discarded in a sealed container or
2. discarded
in a sealed, marked, unbreakable container
records of each patient are kept, detailing at minimum, each
treatment and the progress of the condition
a history of your
condition, physical examination and explanation and discussion
of your treatment options are given at the outset
