What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is perhaps the most famous aspect of Traditional Eastern Medicine, and it forms an important part of our treatment methodology here at A Pinch of Prevention. Peter undertook 4 years of formalised study of this ancient tradition, and he uses it with great success in his treatment programs.Acupuncture is not like dry needling. It involves gentle needle application into specific areas or “point locations” on the body with the intent of bringing about positive changes to the affected area or system.
People have been using acupuncture for many years. Its first documented applications were found over 2000 years back.Acupuncture is one of the many medical treatment options for managing a variety of disease conditions. This modality is highly recognised and well researched.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is an intriguing combination of art and science and despite the endless work of the brainiest and greatest minds in modern research working on it, a comprehensive explanation in Western Terms as to exactly how it works is still, infuriatingly and gloriously, unavailable.
The body and its ailments were simply represented from a Traditional Eastern perspective as an imbalance or blockage in the constant energy flow surrounding our corporeal body. Acupuncture is a procedure done to clear or stimulate the sluggish areas of activity in the body. It was done at precisely placed points, where the energy flows closest to the body’s surface. Manipulation of these points allowed the energy to move more easily again, bringing a new lease of life back to the area or affected system, thus encouraging the diseased area or system to recover and regain its normal function.
A Pinch of Prevention offers acupuncture to residents throughout our service areas including Wishart, Mansfield, Holland Park, Robertson and Carindale and more.
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Who can benefit from acupuncture?
In clinical trials, acupuncture has shown to ease the condition of patients with the following illnesses:
- Pain-acute and chronic
- Low-back pain
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Knee pain
- Muscle and Tendon Sprains & Strains
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Headaches & Migraines
- Facial Pain
- Allergic rhinitis
- High and low blood pressure
- Stroke
- Painful periods
- Premenstrual Tension/Syndrome
- Fertility Issues affecting both Men & Women
- Insomnia
- Peri-menopausal symptoms—e.g. hot flushes
- Fibromyalgia
- Bell’s Palsy
- Neuralgia
- Post-operative convalescence
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Constipation
- Asthma
Is Acupuncture part of your physiotherapy treatment?
A Pinch Of Prevention performs an extensive assessment to determine the suitability of the patient for this treatment. The course of needling may be accompanied by a flexible program and hands-on treatment as necessary. Acupuncture has become increasingly common to be used in conjunction with a physiotherapy treatment regime.A Pinch of Prevention employs Acupuncture to treat acute and chronic pain, a musculoskeletal injury or sports injuries.
What is the Acupuncture Evidence Project?
The Acupuncture Evidence Project was published in 2017 and reviews all evidence to support acupuncture.
Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: The Difference
| Acupuncturist – Chinese Medicine | Dry Needling |
| Minimum 4 Year Bachelor Degree | Course takes 48 to 72 hours |
| Chinese Medicine Board Australian (CMBA) Registered practitioners | No Registration required-therefore minimum competence standards may or may not be applied. |
| A Holistic practise – This includes treating the affected area as well as the larger system that governs it. Based on a system over 2000 years old. | Treats the affected area only, in a deliberately painful manner, to force the muscle to release… By beating it into submission. |
| Required continuing professional development for registration | No continuing professional development required. |
| Strict infection control standards | Unknown standards |
| Professional indemnity insurance for acupuncture is mandatory | Some practitioners may not be covered for acupuncture or dry needling |