Acupuncture

Dr Alex YAO MD FRACGP is our acupuncturist. Acupuncture is a well-established Chinese method of treating some medical conditions. It is an extra therapeutic tool used to complement Western medicine. You can safely combine acupuncture with prescription drugs and other conventional treatments, and we suggest your GP be aware of how your acupuncture treatment may be affecting your progress.

ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles at very precise acupuncture points.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.

WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:

· promotion of health and well-being,

· prevention of illness,

· treatment of various medical conditions. While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications.

Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

· Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhoea.

· Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.

· Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica & osteoarthritis

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· Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above, we are happy to answer your questions.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because we uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practised widely in Asia, America, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in Australia by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude will not block the treatment results.

ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DONT'S" ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

· Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.

· Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.

· Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.

· Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.

· Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE USEFUL FOR?
Traditionally, acupuncture practitioners have treated a large number of different illnesses; however, in Australia, the primary use is often to alleviate pain without using drugs, but its therapeutic applications have been gradually expanding.

Some common conditions that may successfully be treated or relieved by acupuncture include:

headache & migraine,
anxiety, depression,
insomnia;
gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, IBS,
Sinusitis
morning sickness, & nausea and vomiting of chemotherapy;
Infertility and as aid to IVF,
muscle problems including sports injuries, neck pain low back pain, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff problems,
arthritic conditions including the general pain of osteoarthritis of knee and hip, sciatica, bursitis.

Please click on the links above to provide more information on Acupuncture for specific conditions.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE USUALLY NEEDED?

The average number is about six, but this varies widely according to the condition and response of the individual patient.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms, reatment of an illness by acupuncture relies on the balancing of the individual's vital energy or Qi between two opposite phases - Yin and Yang. Acupuncture allows the flow of Qi along several energetic channels in the body ( Meridians) to help it heal itself and restore you to normal health.

Acupuncture is most effective when used as early as possible in the course of the medical problem AFTER an appropriate medical assessment.

IS IT PAINFUL?

Very fine needles are inserted through the skin at traditionally effective points. You may feel a slight discomfort or minimal painful sensation which often indicates that the treatment is working.

All the needles are sterile, single-use disposable needles, so there is no risk of infection from bacteria or viruses.

ADVICE TO PATIENTS UNDERGOING ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT-

Treatment is only given after an appropriate medical assessment. Before your appointment, you should avoid rushing around and/or having a large meal. Alcohol and excessive coffee intake should also be avoided. a short period of rest after the treatment enhances the response to acupuncture.

Sometimes symptoms may feel worse after a treatment HOWEVER, progressive improvement usually follows.

After a successful response to a treatment course a "booster" may be required to maintain your good health. Dr Yao will advise if this is necessary.

FEES-

As Dr Yao is a registered medical practitioner, you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate. The initial appointment is 40minutes long and costs $100 - $150. Follow up appointments are 20minutes and cost $55 - $115.

Ring 0294766307 for appointments

Mon- Fri 8.45 - 5.30pm

MORE INFORMATION

For more information email: alex@roystonclinic.com

See what the prestigious Mayo Clinic has to say about acupuncture