Acupuncture is a popular form of alternative healthcare that's used to treat a range of physical conditions, particularly those that cause pain. Despite being practised across Australia, it developed from traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is typically provided as a course of sessions that will vary in length and frequency depending on the condition being treated. You can access acupuncture treatments at alternative health providers, conventional health centres and spas with a focus on well-being. 

Practitioners carry out treatments with the goal of balancing Qi, which is the body's energy source, by stimulating nerve endings with the acupuncture needles. The theory is that a body with an out-of-balance energy source is susceptible to illness, and balancing QI can reverse some illnesses. The needles used for acupuncture are very fine and treatment isn't typically considered painful.

Conditions Treated With Acupuncture

The range of conditions that acupuncture can treat is wide and variable, but some conditions are more commonly treated with acupuncture than others. These conditions include back pain, stomach cramps, migraines and reproductive health conditions, such as endometriosis. Acupuncture is also often used to ease the side effects caused by chemotherapy, such as nausea. Acupuncture can also be used to treat anxiety and low mood, and you can use acupuncture as a standalone treatment or in combination with another form of treatment.

What To Expect At Your Acupuncture Appointment

When you attend your first acupuncture appointment you can expect an initial consultation to allow the practitioner to gather information on why you're seeking treatment and what symptoms you're dealing with. This will allow them to recommend a course of treatment suited to your needs. Depending on the condition you're seeking treatment for, it may be necessary to remove some clothing during treatment, and treatment will generally be carried out on a treatment table that will enable you to lie down and be comfortable for the duration of your session.

The thin acupuncture needles will be inserted into the acupuncture points that are correlated with the part of your body you are seeking healing for. The practitioner may gently turn the needles when they are in place, and you may experience a warm sensation at the treatment site. The turning is done to allow the practitioner to get the needles to the depth they feel is best for you. Once in place, the needles will be left for several minutes will the hope being that the nerve endings will be stimulated in such a way that healing will begin. After treatment, you can go about your day as usual and should not feel any discomfort.

If you think you'd benefit from acupuncture, book an initial consultation with an experienced local practitioner.

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