What happens during an initial consultation?

Does acupuncture hurt?

How long will it take to see improvement?

Is there anything I need to do before an appointment?

Is there anything I can't do after a treatment?

Are there any possible side effects?

Do I need to undress for my treatment?

What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

 

 

 

What happens during an initial consultation?

On first meeting your practitioner will ask you many questions about your main complaint and then ask questions about your general health. The extra questions are what gives your practitioner a complete picture of you and are important for the direction of you treatment. So don’t be put off when asked about your sleeping and eating habits when you actually want help with an elbow or knee complaint. Following an in depth chat a treatment will follow. Your treatment may include and one or more of:

• acupuncture; 

• moxibustion;

• cupping; 

• tui na massage;

• gua sha; 

• liniment use;

• TDP heat lamp therapy;

• lifestyle & diet advice;

• exercise advice.

 

 

Does acupuncture hurt?

There are said to be seven different sensations associated with acupuncture: Achy, sharp, electric, tingling, numbing, difficult to describe sensation and no sensation. Most people will feel a bit of an achy sensation (which is great), a difficult to describe sensation or no sensation at all. It is always encouraged to observe exactly what you are feeling without necessarily reacting to it.

 

Be okay with what your feeling, as sensation is part of the treatment experience. However, if you were ever to feel a strong sharp pain during acupuncture, just inform your practitioner and they will remove the relevant needle.

 

 

How long will it take to see improvement?

This is often the number one question people have in mind and the most difficult to answer. Some people only require one treatment whereas another person with a seemingly similar issue may require four treatments, and another may require 10 treatments. It all depends on you as an individual and how well you body responds to treatment. Just as some people may take half a painkiller for a headache other people may need to take two every time.

 

Treatment number and treatment frequency depends on your age, your complaint, how long you have had the problem, what your constitutional strengths and weaknesses are and how well you implement advice given. A treatment plan should be discussed with your practitioner during your initial consult.

 

 

Is there anything I need to do before an appointment?

Try not to have a large meal or stimulating drinks such as coffee, tea or energy drinks. Avoid doing a workout that induces sweating before arriving and try not to rush just to arrive on time. Loose comfortable clothing is preferred.

 

 

Is there anything I can’t do after a treatment?

Try to avoid any strenuous activity after a treatment. If you need to drive home after a treatment wait a couple of minutes until you are feeling alert before heading home.

 

 

Are there any possible side effects?

Acupuncture can have a number of minor side effects. These include low level bruising, temporary lowered blood pressure, temporary lowered blood sugar levels, fatigue, nausea, light-headedness and dizziness. However, these side effects are rarely noticed at all. If you feel unusual or concerned after a treatment you should call your treating practitioner and let them know what’s going on.

 

 

Do I need to undress for my treatment?

Quite often there is no need to remove clothing for acupuncture. However, depending on where the problem area is or if massage or cupping is being included in your treatment, then some clothing may need to be removed for ease of treatment. Level of undress during a treatment should always be within your comfort zone. Speak to your practitioner if you have any concerns.

 

 

What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Acupuncture is part of a system of health care based on the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The techniques and combinations of points used are decided on according to a comprehensive consultation and diagnostic system aimed at helping with any disease process of dysfunction you may be experiencing. Acupuncture, in Australia, can only be carried out by a practitioner who has a four-year Bachelor Degree in Health Science and Chinese Medicine.

 

Dry needling is a technique where a needle is inserted into a tight muscle or a muscle in spasm to relax it and goes no further to help with any other symptoms or cause of disease. Dry needling is often carried out by chiropractors, physiotherapists and myotherapists. The minimum qualification to do dry needling is a one to two day course. 

 

For more information please click the following link: Dry Needling Vs Acupuncture