What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which ultra thin needles are inserted into specific points in order to create a neurophysiological response in the body and stimulate a healing effect. Western acupuncture differs from traditional acupuncture as it does not use traditional Chinese medicine assessment methods or theories.

Acupuncture is used to stimulate the flow of Qi OR “Chi”, however western medicine has identified a more scientific understanding to explain what traditional Chinese medicine has attempted to in the past.

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to cause vasodilation (opening of the blood vessels) and allow new fresh blood to penetrate the underlying tissue bringing with it substances that will aid in healing. The brain also releases endorphins or natural “feel good” hormones to decrease pain in the area. For this reason acupuncture is seen as a natural therapy for pain relief as opposed to unnatural strong pain killing tablets.

What does Dry Needling/Acupuncture do?

  • Modulates blood flow which helps flush away pain markers in the blood and bring in healing enzymes
  • Regulates inflammation
  • Restores range of motion
  • Calms the nervous system
  • Increases a muscles responsiveness to movement/exercise
  • Pain relief (through the release of endorphins)

Is Acupuncture safe?

When needling over the lung and lower neck area there is a 1 in 70,000 to 1.27million chance the lung may collapse. Your Movement Medicine physiotherapist is trained and certified to perform such techniques in the safest possible way. Once correct protocol is followed it becomes extremely rare for such a mishap to occur.

Are there any side effects?

  • Drowsiness can occur in a small number of patients. This may last for up to half hour. Acupuncture causes the body to decrease blood pressure, heart rate and blood glucose. So please plan to do nothing strenuous or drive if you are affected.
  • Minor bleeding or bruising (3%)
  • Existing symptoms may get temporarily worse after treatment (less than 3%)

Is there anything I Should tell my Physio?

Apart from the usual medical details please let your therapist know if you:

  • Have diabetes
  • Have Cancer
  • Have Hepatitis, HIV or Aids
  • Have any artificial implants
  • Are pregnant
  • Have a bleeding disorder or on blood thinning medication
  • Alert the therapist if you have any blood born virus