Holistic Health Blog

Acupuncture and Anxiety - A research overview

28/8/2018

Anxiety is very common – in fact, it is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in our country report experiencing anxiety at some point in their lives; and 1 in 7 people will be diagnosed with a clinical anxiety disorder in any given year (1). There are 13 different sub-classifications of anxiety disorders listed in the medical literature, encompassing a wide range of physical, emotional and mental symptoms. It is a complex and pervasive condition that can have a dramatic impact on people's quality of life, and is generally treated using medication.

Acupuncture has been proposed as a positive therapeutic intervention that can reduce measurable levels of anxiety, and the research in this field is growing by the day. In this blog post I'd like to summarise some of the best research and discuss the benefits and risks of considering acupuncture as part of your therapeutic repertoire.

Facebook Live Video - Why are you looking at my tongue?

11/8/2018

In my latest Facebook Live, I explain a little bit about tongue diagnosis, and why acupuncturists ask to look at your tongue at each appointment. I also look at some celebrity tongues and give my thoughts on what their tongues might be revealing.

Click here to watch Angie explain tongue diagnosis on this FB Live

Facebook Live - Ask the Acupuncturist!

31/7/2018

Recent large scale research says the evidence for acupuncture is growing

10/2/2018

“So....does acupuncture actually work?”

Believe it or not, as an acupuncturist I do get asked this question a fair bit. Having devoted the last 13 years to the study and practice of acupuncture, it might prompt a bit of existential angst in me if I had any doubt over the amazing capabilities of my chosen profession! If I didn't think it worked, I certainly would not still be in practice. Needless to say, I have no doubt in the ability of acupuncture to 'work' and that is why I continue to study, practice and admire it's effects in all their glory.

However, of course I understand the need for people to have scientific evidence of acupuncture's claims, and I also enjoy reading all the current research in the area. So I was very excited to read about “The Acupuncture Evidence Project” (2017), an extensive systematic review of acupuncture research which examined over 1000 clinical trials worldwide, and I would like to summarise it for you in this post.

Acupuncture and Insomnia

23/1/2018

With increasing stress levels and a faster pace of life than ever before, insomnia and sleep disorders are worryingly common. An increasing number of people are facing recurrent sleepless nights, and the number of prescriptions written for sleep medication is skyrocketing. But if you are one of those people struggling with insomnia and you are wisely hesitant to take medication due to its side effects and addictive nature, you may find help with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture and Fertility - A Research Overview

7/12/2017

Acupuncture, in the last few decades, has become the focus of extensive scientific research and innumerable clinical trials with regards to its effects on improving fertility, both naturally and in conjunction with IVF. The majority of evidence demonstrates that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can significantly improve a couple's chances of conceiving as well as sustaining a healthy viable pregnancy to full term. But the million dollar question is – how?

"Can acupuncture help me quit smoking?"

14/10/2014

The short answer is, yes!
If you have struggled with giving up cigarettes, you will know that smoking is a very strong and complex addiction. Quitting smoking is no small task and you will need lots of support to be successful. You need the best tools to help with the physical and emotional symptoms, and acupuncture is a great resource to help you achieve your goal. If you are ready and willing to quit smoking, read on to find out how we at Affordable Acupuncture can help you be successful.

Acupuncture for Kids

10/10/2014

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By Angie
If you have children, you might like to know that not only is acupuncture safe for kids, it is a powerful healing modality that treats a wide range of children's health issues naturally and effectively. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide an alternative to the endless treadmill of antibiotics and can also work in conjunction with Western medical approaches. At Affordable Acupuncture we are lucky enough to have a pediatric acupuncture specialist – Angie Savva – and we can offer gentle, effective and pain-free treatments to your child in a safe environment.

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Acupuncture Research Update - September 2014

3/10/2014

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In this series we take a look at some recent research into acupuncture from a Western scientific perspective, to help us deepen our understanding and appreciation for the many effective uses of acupuncture.

Acupuncture improves recovery time for Athletes

For athletes, whether amateur or professional, injury is an ever present but dreaded possibility. The rest time required whilst waiting for wounds and injuries to heal can be mind-numbing and infuriating. Once normal activities have resumed, the injury can flare up again if it has not been properly healed, leading to a vicious cycle of pain and frustration. This stressful scenario has led athletes, athletic doctors and physical therapists to search for better ways to treat sporting injuries and faster methods of healing.

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Acupuncture and Pregnancy

4/9/2014

If you have just found out that you are pregnant – Congratulations! Pregnancy is such a beautiful and magical time in a woman's life. However, pregnancy can also be difficult and challenging if there are health issues getting in the way of your 'glow'.

Acupuncture can offer wonderful support to women in all stages of pregnancy to help you make the most of the experience. Acupuncture offers women the choice of a drug free treatment and can be used successfully for a wide range of conditions, such as: