In Australia, acupuncture has received widespread acceptance as a treatment modality within complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). A 2005 study showed that around 1 in 10 Australians has been to an acupuncture treatment and made over 10 million visits to their acupuncturists annually. There’s a good reason for these statistics: studies show that acupuncture does work.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment that employs the insertion of very thin needles on strategic body points. It is commonly used to relieve pain but is increasingly being employed to promote general health and wellbeing.
In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture seeks to rebalance the flow of qi, the life force, along pathways called meridians. On the other hand, Western medicine looks at acupuncture as placing needles in acupuncture points to stimulate muscles, nerves, and connective tissues, which are believed to enhance the body’s natural painkillers.
How does Acupuncture work?
Scientific studies are still investigating the mechanisms by which and why acupuncture works. However, in Traditional Chinese medicine, a system of healthcare that is thousands of years old, it is believed that the body’s vital energy termed qi (pronounced as chi or chee) flows along meridians. Physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing results from the balanced flow of qi. The blockage of qi can result in disease.
Acupuncture is one of the TCM treatments that seeks to restore the normal flow of qi in the body. This is done by using needles on certain points of a meridian that are activated by the acupuncturist’s hands or through electrical stimulation. Acupuncturists believe that our bodies have over 2,000 acupuncture points.
Acupuncture Benefits
Apart from pain relief, acupuncture’s benefits cover emotional, digestive, ear and throat, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gynecological, neurological, and other miscellaneous conditions:
1) Relieve aches and pain
Acupuncture is known to help relieve the discomfort associated with different
types of conditions and diseases.
These include the following:
– Musculoskeletal pain, including chronic back and joint pain
– Postoperative nausea and vomiting
– Gynecological challenges such as menstrual pain
– Neurological conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis
– Respiratory disorders such as sinusitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
– Miscellaneous aches such as dental pain
By targeting specific acupuncture points, the needles stimulate the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which act as natural
painkillers, providing much-needed relief without the side effects associated with medication.
2) Reduce Stress
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The gentle insertion of needles triggers the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, helping to calm the mind and restore balance to the body’s stress response system.
3) Improve sleep quality
If you’re struggling with insomnia or erratic sleep patterns, acupuncture can be of help. By regulating the body’s circadian rhythm and promoting relaxation, acupuncture treatments can help individuals achieve deeper, more restful sleep. Clinical study findings published by The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences suggest that acupuncture may help increase nocturnal melatonin levels, the hormone that makes you sleepy, and reduce insomnia.
4) Enhance immune function
Maintaining a robust immune system is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Acupuncture has been shown to boost immune function by
stimulating the production of white blood cells that play a crucial role in defending the body against infections and illnesses. Regular acupuncture sessions may help fortify the immune system, reducing the risk of falling sick.
5) Increase energy levels
If you often feel fatigued or sluggish, acupuncture may offer the energy boost you need. By balancing the body’s energy flow and Helping improve blood circulation, acupuncture treatments can revitalise both the body and mind, leaving you feeling more energised and rejuvenated.
6) Help restore hormonal balance
Acupuncture may be particularly beneficial for women experiencing hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with menstruation, menopause, or fertility issues. By regulating hormone levels and promoting optimal functioning of the endocrine system, it is suggested that acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods.
7) Promote digestive health
Acupuncture can help treat various digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and gastritis. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to the digestive organs, acupuncture may help regulate digestion, alleviate symptoms, and promote gut health.
8) Improve mental clarity and focus
In an age where maintaining mental clarity and focus can be a challenge, acupuncture offers a natural solution by enhancing cognitive function, improving concentration, and sharpening mental acuity.
9) Boost emotional wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health, and acupuncture can play a significant role in promoting mental and emotional balance. By stimulating the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of
anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
10) Provide a holistic approach to wellness
Rather than simply treating symptoms, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalances within the body, promoting overall health and vitality. By restoring harmony to the body’s energy flow, acupuncture empowers individuals to achieve optimal well-being on all levels — physical, mental, and emotional.
As with any treatment, acupuncture may carry some risks, which may be mitigated by taking the following steps:
• Talking with your healthcare provider – It is best to talk with your provider and health expert about other treatments you have received and medicines that you are taking. You should also discuss if you are wearing a pacemaker, experiencing chronic skin problems, are pregnant and expecting, have allergies, or have implants.
• Choosing an accredited and licensed acupuncturist – acupuncture is safe when performed by an experienced, licensed acupuncturist with thousands of training hours. In 2020, the World Health Organisation updated its recommendations for acupuncture practitioners to a minimum of 1,568 hours of basic training or 2,468 hours of advanced training
ALSO READ: Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraine Relief
Book the Best Acupuncture Treatment in Sydney
At Healthstin, we always strive to provide a holistic approach to treatment. This is the very reason why we offer Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, remedial massage therapy, cupping, and Gua sha at our Allied Health Clinic in Hurstville.
One of the most sought-after remedial therapists in Sydney, Mr. Bing is also an accomplished acupuncturist with a track record for helping thousands of people find long-lasting relief from pain and recover from health conditions and injuries. He is renowned for offering the best acupuncture treatments in Sydney.
If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of acupuncture, go ahead and book a session with our acupuncturist now. Just call 1300 090 931 or Book an Appointment.
