Acupuncture - Frequently Asked Questions
I have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions that I get asked, with my answers. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact me, and I will add it to the list!
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used traditional healing modalities in the world. Originating in China at least 2,500 years ago, it has evolved into a comprehensive system of healthcare that helps to restore health to the mind and body by treating the energetic pathways of the body. Practitioners have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well. Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can support physical and emotional health, enhance recuperative power and immunity, and improve overall function and well-being. It is a time tested way to address a wide variety of medical conditions and complaints.
In order to understand how acupuncture works, it is helpful to know a little bit about Qi, and how it affects our health.
In order to understand how acupuncture works, it is helpful to know a little bit about Qi, and how it affects our health.
What is Qi?
At the heart of Chinese Medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee"), or life force, flows throughout the body. The concept of Qi is often translated as "energy", however it is a complex concept that encompasses much more than that. Qi enables the body to function on all levels - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual - and protects it from pain, illness and disease. The health of any individual is directly influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi in the body.
How does qi flow?
Qi circulates through the body in natural patterns via specific pathways called channels, or meridians. The channels are like rivers flowing inside the body, bringing life-giving Qi and nourishment to every cell, gland, organ, tissue and muscle.
There are fourteen main channels and countless smaller channels that circulate Qi throughout the entire body. The fourteen main channels are: Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidneys, Pericardium, Triple Energiser, Gall Bladder, Liver, Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel. Each of these channels are connected to specific organs and glands, bringing nourishment to them in turn. The Qi flows through all of these channels in a certain order as each is connected to the other, flowing in a continuous circuit.
When a person is in perfect health, Qi flows freely and easily throughout the body, and they enjoy radiant wellbeing on physical, mental and emotional levels.
There are fourteen main channels and countless smaller channels that circulate Qi throughout the entire body. The fourteen main channels are: Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidneys, Pericardium, Triple Energiser, Gall Bladder, Liver, Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel. Each of these channels are connected to specific organs and glands, bringing nourishment to them in turn. The Qi flows through all of these channels in a certain order as each is connected to the other, flowing in a continuous circuit.
When a person is in perfect health, Qi flows freely and easily throughout the body, and they enjoy radiant wellbeing on physical, mental and emotional levels.
what can affect qi?
There are many things that can disrupt the quality, quantity and flow of Qi. These include stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, physical and emotional trauma, overexertion, seasonal changes, environmental factors, accidents and excessive activity.
Elaborating on the river analogy, think of it this way: where a river flows freely, it brings life-giving water that nourishes the land, people and plants. If a river gets dammed, it can have damaging consequences on both sides - one side gets flooded, whereas the other side becomes dry. When the flow of Qi is obstructed, it is like a dam blocking a river. Qi becomes "backed up" and excessive in one part of the body, whereas other parts of the body suffer from a restricted flow of vital nourishment. This blockage of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health, and may cause an imbalance physically, emotionally or mentally.
Under normal circumstances, the body can easily process a blockage of Qi, bouncing back to a state of health and well-being. However, when the disruption is excessive or endures over a long period of time, or if the body is already in a weakened state, this imbalance can lead to illness, pain or disease.
Elaborating on the river analogy, think of it this way: where a river flows freely, it brings life-giving water that nourishes the land, people and plants. If a river gets dammed, it can have damaging consequences on both sides - one side gets flooded, whereas the other side becomes dry. When the flow of Qi is obstructed, it is like a dam blocking a river. Qi becomes "backed up" and excessive in one part of the body, whereas other parts of the body suffer from a restricted flow of vital nourishment. This blockage of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health, and may cause an imbalance physically, emotionally or mentally.
Under normal circumstances, the body can easily process a blockage of Qi, bouncing back to a state of health and well-being. However, when the disruption is excessive or endures over a long period of time, or if the body is already in a weakened state, this imbalance can lead to illness, pain or disease.
what does an acupuncturist do?
During the initial consultation, I take a comprehensive health history. This involves asking questions regarding health, symptoms and lifestyle, and using other methods of Chinese medical diagnosis such as checking the tongue and pulse. My aim is to gather as much information as possible to effectively diagnose the specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to your health concerns. Once I have a diagnosis, I can create a well-structured treatment plan to bring your body back to balance.
Fine needles are then gently inserted safely and painlessly at precise points along meridian pathways with respect to traditional theory, current research and your unique constitution and health issues. In my clinic, the highest quality premium needles are used to ensure the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for you. The placement of acupuncture needles can unblock the obstruction of Qi, and re-balance the flow of Qi through the meridians. This allows Qi to circulate freely throughout the body, nourishing all the cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can bring about relief from pain and the restoration of balance and harmony. Acupuncture also stimulates the body's own self-healing capacity, which ultimately leads to optimal health and wellbeing.
Fine needles are then gently inserted safely and painlessly at precise points along meridian pathways with respect to traditional theory, current research and your unique constitution and health issues. In my clinic, the highest quality premium needles are used to ensure the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for you. The placement of acupuncture needles can unblock the obstruction of Qi, and re-balance the flow of Qi through the meridians. This allows Qi to circulate freely throughout the body, nourishing all the cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can bring about relief from pain and the restoration of balance and harmony. Acupuncture also stimulates the body's own self-healing capacity, which ultimately leads to optimal health and wellbeing.
why do you ask to feel my pulse?
Pulse diagnosis is an important diagnostic tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The pulse can be used to gain a deep understanding of the state of Qi inside your body. Pulse diagnosis is actually quite an advanced skill requiring many years of practice and great sensitivity. Even at a very basic level, however, this method of diagnosis provides immediate and specific information that can assist the practitioner in clarifying contradictory symptoms and diagnostic information.
There are twelve pulse positions that I palpate - six on each side, at two different levels of depth. Each position relates to a specific organ system and channel. There are also twenty-seven different pulse qualities that give more specific information about what is happening with the Qi in the different parts of the body. So as well as looking at your pulse rate and rhythm, I will also be looking at its width, depth, strength, shape, length and other characteristics to gain insight into your health.
If you are interested in learning more, I recently recorded a 17 minute Facebook Live video on the topic of Pulse Diagnosis - you can watch it here.
There are twelve pulse positions that I palpate - six on each side, at two different levels of depth. Each position relates to a specific organ system and channel. There are also twenty-seven different pulse qualities that give more specific information about what is happening with the Qi in the different parts of the body. So as well as looking at your pulse rate and rhythm, I will also be looking at its width, depth, strength, shape, length and other characteristics to gain insight into your health.
If you are interested in learning more, I recently recorded a 17 minute Facebook Live video on the topic of Pulse Diagnosis - you can watch it here.
why do you ask to look at my tongue?
Tongue diagnosis is another important diagnostic tool in Chinese medicine, giving a strong visual indication about the state of your health and what is happening with your Qi. The tongue is like a map of the body, and variations of shape, colour, coating and cracking can all provide insight into what is happening in the corresponding area. It might seem a little strange to poke your tongue out at me, but it gives me very valuable information, so don't be shy!
I have recorded a 20 minute Facebook "live" video about tongue diagnosis, so if you are interested to learn more, you can watch that here.
Out of interest, take a look at your own tongue every now and then. You might notice changes in its appearance depending on what is happening in your body. It is really quite remarkable.
I have recorded a 20 minute Facebook "live" video about tongue diagnosis, so if you are interested to learn more, you can watch that here.
Out of interest, take a look at your own tongue every now and then. You might notice changes in its appearance depending on what is happening in your body. It is really quite remarkable.
do the needles hurt?
This is one of the most common questions I am asked. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies depending on the person, illness and body part being treated. At my clinic, I only use the highest quality needles, which helps to ensure the most comfortable and pain-free experience for you. The short answer is, "usually not".
The long answer is, most people feel nothing at all when the needle goes in, and are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the process is. A some points you might feel a little sting as the needle goes in, but that usually passes within a few seconds. Occasionally, there can be a stronger sensation at the needle point - this can be an indication of deeply contacting the Qi and is a good thing as long as it is OK with you. This stronger sensation usually passes within seconds to a minute at most, and any needle can be removed if it is bothering you. I regularly ask you for feedback and do everything I can to ensure a relaxing session for you.
The long answer is, most people feel nothing at all when the needle goes in, and are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the process is. A some points you might feel a little sting as the needle goes in, but that usually passes within a few seconds. Occasionally, there can be a stronger sensation at the needle point - this can be an indication of deeply contacting the Qi and is a good thing as long as it is OK with you. This stronger sensation usually passes within seconds to a minute at most, and any needle can be removed if it is bothering you. I regularly ask you for feedback and do everything I can to ensure a relaxing session for you.
how deep do the needles go?
The depth of needle insertion varies, again depending on the patient, the condition(s) treated, and the part of the body being treated. For example, points around the wrist and ankle are inserted very shallowly, perhaps only a few millimetres. In contrast, points in fleshier areas such as the buttocks or thighs might go in quite a few centimetres. Any acupuncturist that is registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia has had extensive training and a detailed understanding of anatomy to ensure that they insert needles to a safe depth at all times. This is one of the many reasons that you should only ever see a registered acupuncturist for acupuncture.
how safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is very safe. It is one of the safest forms of medicine in the world with an extremely low rate of adverse effects worldwide.
There is absolutely no danger of infection from acupuncture needles as they are sterile, single-use needles that are responsibly discarded immediately after use. Occasionally, there might be a tiny amount of bleeding or brusing when a needle is removed. This happens in a very small percentage of cases and in most instances involves no discomfort and resolves very quickly. All acupuncturists registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia are bound by a Code of Conduct and must observe strict standards of hygeine and what is known as "Standard Precautions" for infection control. This is another of the many reasons why you should only ever see a registered acupuncturist for acupuncture.
There is absolutely no danger of infection from acupuncture needles as they are sterile, single-use needles that are responsibly discarded immediately after use. Occasionally, there might be a tiny amount of bleeding or brusing when a needle is removed. This happens in a very small percentage of cases and in most instances involves no discomfort and resolves very quickly. All acupuncturists registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia are bound by a Code of Conduct and must observe strict standards of hygeine and what is known as "Standard Precautions" for infection control. This is another of the many reasons why you should only ever see a registered acupuncturist for acupuncture.
is acupuncture safe for children?
Absolutely yes! Pediatric acupuncture is a growing field as parents are beginning to seek alternatives to endless bouts of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. In some ways pediatric acupuncture can bring much more dramatic results than working with adults, as children respond much more quickly to treatment. As well as traditional acupuncture, there are a range of non-needle techniques that can be used with children, including pediatric tui-na (a specialised type of massage), microcurrent, laser, shonishin and herbs.
Pediatric acupuncture is a field of special interest to me, and I am constantly undertaking further training, mentoring and learning in this area. I have been giving my children acupuncture since they were only a few weeks old!
Pediatric acupuncture is a field of special interest to me, and I am constantly undertaking further training, mentoring and learning in this area. I have been giving my children acupuncture since they were only a few weeks old!
How does someone become qualified as an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are now registered professions in Australia. That means for someone to call themselves an acupuncurist, they must be registered under the national registration and accreditation scheme with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA, which works in partnership with AHPRA) and meet the Board's Registration Standards. This includes a minimum level of education equivalent to a four year Bachelors degree at University, evidence of continuous practice, evidence of Continuing Professional Education, adherance to a Code of Conduct, and compliance with many other professional requirements. Practitioners registered with the CMBA must also become members of a professional association, such as the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) or the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and comply with their yearly requirements as well.
It is extremely important that you only ever receive acupuncture from an acupuncturist who is registered under the CMBA. There are lots of practitioners out there who might have done a short course on 'dry needling' or 'musculo-skeletal acupuncture' (for instance, physiotherapists, chiropractors or massage therapists) and offer 'acupuncture' as a part of their main modality, but it is a national offence for them to practice acupuncture without being registered with the CMBA. This is for the safety and protection of the public. If you encounter a practitioner unethically practicing acupuncture you can report them to the CMBA or AHPRA for investigation. Conversely, if you ever find a CMBA registered acupuncturist acting unprofessionally or outside their Code of Conduct you can also contact the CMBA or AHPRA for advice and assistance. Please see the CMBA website for more information.
It is extremely important that you only ever receive acupuncture from an acupuncturist who is registered under the CMBA. There are lots of practitioners out there who might have done a short course on 'dry needling' or 'musculo-skeletal acupuncture' (for instance, physiotherapists, chiropractors or massage therapists) and offer 'acupuncture' as a part of their main modality, but it is a national offence for them to practice acupuncture without being registered with the CMBA. This is for the safety and protection of the public. If you encounter a practitioner unethically practicing acupuncture you can report them to the CMBA or AHPRA for investigation. Conversely, if you ever find a CMBA registered acupuncturist acting unprofessionally or outside their Code of Conduct you can also contact the CMBA or AHPRA for advice and assistance. Please see the CMBA website for more information.
what can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a wide variety of medical conditions, and this list is growing all the time as more research is being done. For more specific information about the range of health conditions that acupuncture can help with, see the page "What can acupuncture help with?" on this website.
The wonderful thing about acupuncture is that it helps the body to heal itself. That means that no matter what is happening in your body or mind, acupuncture can help to bring things back into balance to a greater or lesser extent. In cases where acupuncture can not resolve a condition by itself, it can be used as an adjunct therapy in conjunction with other medical treatments, for example it can help reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Acupuncture is also very relaxing, and since the vast majority of health conditions that we face in the Western world are caused by or exacerbated by stress, just reducing those stress levels will help the body begin its own healing process. Acupuncture can also be used as a health maintenance treatment, to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
The wonderful thing about acupuncture is that it helps the body to heal itself. That means that no matter what is happening in your body or mind, acupuncture can help to bring things back into balance to a greater or lesser extent. In cases where acupuncture can not resolve a condition by itself, it can be used as an adjunct therapy in conjunction with other medical treatments, for example it can help reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Acupuncture is also very relaxing, and since the vast majority of health conditions that we face in the Western world are caused by or exacerbated by stress, just reducing those stress levels will help the body begin its own healing process. Acupuncture can also be used as a health maintenance treatment, to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
what is electro-acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is a form of treatment whereby a mild electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles once they are in place in your body. You may feel gentle vibrations and pulsations in either a regular or random pattern, and you are in control of how strong the sensations are. Electro-acupuncture can increase the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture for some conditions, for example muscular pain and neurological disorders. It has specific effects on pain, relaxation, circulation and muscle contractility that are different from those of traditional acupuncture.
what is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is yet another traditional Chinese technique that involves the burning of the herb artemesia vulgaris, or mugwort, to bring about therapeutic effect. Moxibustion creates a comfortable sensation of heat that penetrates very deeply into the tissues to stimulate the flow of qi through the body, improve the circulation and alleviate pain. In Western medicine, moxibustion has been used to turn breech babies prior to childbirth, and has been proven to improve immunity by increasing the count of white blood cells. In my clinic, this therapy is applied by lighting a ‘moxa stick’ and holding it about an inch or two above the surface of the skin.
what is infra-red heat therapy?
Infrared Heat Therapy is applied by placing a specially engineered infrared therapeutic device, also known as 'the heat lamp', above or next to a particular part of your body to warm the area. It emits a range of infrared energy that penetrates deeply into the body and is also absorbed more efficiently than ordinary infrared lamps. If offers effective relief of localised pain, reduces inflammation and is wonderfully relaxing.
why did you recommend that I also take herbal medicine?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are but two strands of complementary medicine that come under the umbrella system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The two modalities work together beautifullly and can give faster and more effective results than either modality alone. Chinese herbs can be used to support your acupuncture treatment and provide you with continuous care in between sessions.
Not everyone wants to, or is able to, take Chinese herbal medicine, and acupuncture does work wonderful on its own. However, if I think it might be appropriate and helpful, I might suggest a personalised prescription to take your care to another level. Herbs are available in either pill, capsule, powder, tincture or raw form, and I can discuss these options with you. I may also suggest including some Chinese herbs into your home cooked meals, as many herbs are also foods and can be used to boost your health with each bite.
Not everyone wants to, or is able to, take Chinese herbal medicine, and acupuncture does work wonderful on its own. However, if I think it might be appropriate and helpful, I might suggest a personalised prescription to take your care to another level. Herbs are available in either pill, capsule, powder, tincture or raw form, and I can discuss these options with you. I may also suggest including some Chinese herbs into your home cooked meals, as many herbs are also foods and can be used to boost your health with each bite.
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Copyright © 2013 | Angie Savva | Quan Yin Healing Centre, Springwood, NSW 2777 | 0403 945 325
Serving the Blue Mountains - Lapstone, Glenbrook, Blaxland, Blaxland East, Warimoo, Winmalee, Yellow Rock, Hawkesberry Heights, Valley Heights, Springwood, Faulconbridge, Mount Riverview, Linden, Woodford, Hazelbrook, Lawson, Bullaburra, Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba
Serving the Blue Mountains - Lapstone, Glenbrook, Blaxland, Blaxland East, Warimoo, Winmalee, Yellow Rock, Hawkesberry Heights, Valley Heights, Springwood, Faulconbridge, Mount Riverview, Linden, Woodford, Hazelbrook, Lawson, Bullaburra, Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba