Most Asked Questions
Are acupuncture needles reused?
Are acupuncture mats effective?
Are acupuncture needles sterile?
Can acupuncture help nerve pain?
Can acupuncture help Anxiety and Stress?
Can acupuncture help tinnitus ?
Can acupuncture help sciatica?
Can acupuncture help bursitis
How does acupuncture work?
Can acupuncture help with weight loss?
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
What does acupuncture treat?
What acupuncture points can cause pneumothorax?
Why does acupuncture hurt sometimes?
Acupuncture when pregnant
Why doesn’t acupuncture work sometimes?
Which acupuncture points improve kidney function?
Which acupuncture points help in sleeping?
Why do acupuncturists look at the tongue?
Why are ear points used in acupuncture/
Will acupuncture help a pinched nerve?
Will acupuncture help lower back pain?
Will acupuncture help with sciatica?
Can acupuncture cure arthritis?
Can acupuncture cure knee pain?
Can acupuncture cause nerve damage?
Can acupuncture be used for fertility?
Can acupuncture be used for plantar fasciitis?
Can acupuncture be used during pregnancy?
Can acupuncture be used to induce labour?
What is acupuncture with electrical stimulation, are there side effects?
Can acupuncture be used with cupping?
Are acupuncture needles reused?
Acupuncture needles are never reused at Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic or at any clinic throughout Australia. Any clinic that reuses acupuncture needles is going against regulations set out by AHPRA. Each needle comes from the manufacturer sterilised and packaged for one use only. At Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic we only use high quality acupuncture needles from well respected industry manufacturers.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/are-acupuncture-needles-reused
Are acupuncture mats effective?
Acupuncture mats, commonly referred to as acupressure mats are wonderful for relaxation and a good way to activate lots of acupuncture points on the body. These can be helpful for general tension in the body and can be a good addition to meditation. However, to truly target a problem area, a detailed consultation with a Chinese medicine practitioner and customised treatment is recommended.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/are-acupuncture-acupressure-mats-effective
Can acupuncture help nerve pain?
Acupuncture treatments may be carried out for patients with any type of pain including nerve pain. At Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic many patients are treated with acupuncture that have nerve pain.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/can-acupuncture-treat-nerve-pain
Can acupuncture help with anxiety?
Patients with anxiety are often treated with acupuncture. After a detailed consultation a customised treatment is designed to bring back balance to the body, mind and emotions. At Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic we see many patients with anxiety.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/can-acupuncture-help-with-anxiety
Can acupuncture help with tinnitus?
There are many different types of tinnitus and all are generally poorly treated with modern medicine. Using Chinese medicine and acupuncture patients with tinnitus may be helped depending on the type of tinnitus. Treatment time can very depending on severity, duration and type of tinnitus.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0964528420938380
Can acupuncture help sciatica?
At Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic it is very common to have patients with sciatica seeking acupuncture. Understanding why you have sciatica is the first step, this comes through a thorough consultation so a customised treatment can be put in place using acupuncture and associated therapeutic approaches. Treatment time can very depending on severity, duration and type of sciatica.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/is-acupuncture-good-for-sciatica
Can acupuncture help bursitis?
Bursitis is a type of inflammation that many people suffer from in different areas of the body. Bursitis most commonly affects the hip, knee, elbow and shoulder. Patients with bursitis often receive acupuncture treatment at Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic. Treatment for bursitis with acupuncture is only carried out following a detailed consultation.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/can-acupuncture-help-bursitis
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by activating the body’s own innate powers of healing. There is a 5,000 year long history of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory that understands how the body, mind and emotions all work together. Acupuncture is just one technique that makes use of this theory base to help us overcome injury and disease on the physical, mental and emotional levels. The most basic understanding we have of life is that there is a lifeforce, this is an animating lifeforce that allows all function to occur in the body – this lifeforce is referred to as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). In Chinese medicine theory, it is believed when Qi becomes stuck, blocked or injured then disease and health problems will arise and by undoing these blockages we can return a state of health. There is no magic behind Chinese medicine and acupuncture, it is merely a way of returning balance to a patients body, mind and emotions so that it can overcome health challenges using its own innate abilities that have stopped working effectively.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acupuncture
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/how-does-acupuncture-work
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
Acupuncture helps relieve pain by getting that body’s own natural healing abilities to work more effectively. Most pain is due to inflammation either from an acute injury or from old chronic problems. Our bodies can overcome inflammation and pain but sometimes we have a hard time doing so, especially if our bodies have become overwhelmed or stressed for too long. In cases where there is inflammation, both acute and chronic, acupuncture works by bringing back balance to the body and allowing inflammation to naturally decrease thus reducing pain. Acupuncture may also relieve pain from excessive muscular tension by relaxing muscles and improving blood flow to various parts of the body. If you have pain and are considering acupuncture please call the clinic and ask if acupuncture is a good option for you.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acupuncture
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/how-does-acupuncture-work
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is just one of the tools used by a Chinese medicine practitioner to return balance to a patient. Acupuncture does not directly treat any condition as diagnosed by modern medicine but rather treats imbalances found in each patient as in accordance with the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is believed that when a patient’s system is in better balance it then has a better chance of naturally overcoming other health concerns. It is in this way, our acupuncturist will treat patients that present with any and all health concerns including headache, migraine, jaw pain, bursitis, sciatica, tinnitus, digestive upset, infertility, anxiety, depression and stress, sleep disorders, knee pain, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome. Rebalancing treatments are also available at all stages of pregnancy and for people that are just feeling overwhelmed and out of sorts. If you are not sure if you would benefit from acupuncture please call us and ask!
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/what-can-acupuncture-treat
What acupuncture points can cause pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax is a condition that can occur spontaneously or when an external object punctures a lung causing part or all of the lung to deflate and be unable to refill effectively. This can cause breathing difficulties. A pneumothorax can happen during lung biopsy, pacemaker replacement and many other medical procedures. Pneumothorax can be sometimes be overcome with rest and is sometimes a medical emergency, however, it is always best to speak medical treatment if you or someone you know suspects it has occurred. Pneumothorax may also occur from dry needling and acupuncture. Any needling over the upper trunk of the body on both front and back has potential to cause a pneumothorax. The good news is the risk of pneumothorax, when seeing a properly trained acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner, is incredibly low. At Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic, there has never been a case of pneumothorax at the clinic and we recommend only seeing a properly trained acupuncturist for any type of therapeutic needling.
https://acupuncture.org.uk/news/what-is-pneumothorax/
What does acupuncture do to your body?
Acupuncture stimulates the body in an effort to reactivate its own natural functions including healing from injury and disease.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/how-does-acupuncture-work
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/what-can-acupuncture-treat
When doesn’t acupuncture work?
Acupuncture doesn’t always work because as it can depend on individual factors like health conditions, treatment expectations, the skill of the practitioner, and the severity of the ailment and the ability of the patient to follow through with the proposed treatment plan. Other reasons why treatment may not be successful is due to anatomical anomalies. In cases when the structure of the body prevents positive treatment outcomes, patients are often referred to our chiropractors for further treatment.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/why-doesn-t-acupuncture-always-work
Is it okay to have acupuncture when pregnant?
Acupuncture treatment can be undertaken at all stages of pregnancy. At Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic our practitioners treat pregnant patients during the first, second and third trimester. During the first trimester it is common to see patients that have morning sickness, anxiety and also those that have undergone IVF to help keep the body in balance and support the pregnancy. During the second trimester it is common to see patients with low energy, anxiety and muscular aches and pains including pelvic instability, back pain and pubic symphysis pain. During the third trimester it is common to see patients for back and shoulder tension, stress and pre labour treatments. If you are pregnant and have any specific questions about treatment during pregnancy please call and ask.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/acupuncture-pregnancy
Which acupuncture points improve kidney function?
According to Traditional Chinese medicine theory the points on the Kidney Meridian have potential to help kidney function. This is 27 points in total. However, it is usually the points around the ankle that have strongest influence including KID 6 and KID 3. In Chinese medicine it is important to remember that we do not treat individual organs directly but we aim to improve function of the entire body. Some research shows that acupuncture can help improve kidney function in cases of Chronic Kidney Disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38189090/
Which acupuncture points help in sleeping?
Common acupuncture points to help with sleep include Anmian which is located behind each ear at the base of the skull, Shenmen which is located at the wrist near the pinky finger and Neiguan which is located on the wrist close to the palm. However, this is just a small selection of points used for sleep. A full consultation with one of our practitioners is recommended for a customised treatment to suit each patient individually.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/which-acupuncture-points-help-with-sleeping
Why does an acupuncturist look at the tongue?
From a Chinese medicine practitioners perspective there is a lot of information gained by looking at the tongue of a patient. The shape, size and whether or not there’s any coating are of importance as too are specific marks that can be seen in different areas of the tongue. Each area of the tongue relates to specific organs and the colour, shape and size gives further information about the internal balance or lack of balance relevant to each patient. Next time you see your acupuncturist make sure to ask what you tongue says about you.
Are acupuncture needles used in the ear?
Acupuncture needles are often used in the ears. In fact, there is an entire micro system of acupuncture points in each ear. This means that the entire body can actually be treated just by using ear points. Each organ and each body part has a relevant acupuncture point located in the ear. Ear acupuncture is famous for being used for drug detoxification in clinics all over the world. Ear acupuncture is often used as an adjunct therapy for acupuncture treatments provided by practitioners at Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic.
Will acupuncture help a pinched nerve?
Acupuncture is often used to help people that are experiencing pain from a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve is a term used to describe a nerve that is being compressed or squeezed by surrounding tissue or inflammation resulting in pain, tingling and numbness. Treatment with acupuncture is aimed to relax soft tissue and decrease inflammation ultimately reducing pressure on the nerve pathway to alleviate symptoms.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/the-use-of-acupuncture-for-a-pinched-nerve
Will acupuncture help with lower back pain?
Acupuncture is often used for patients experiencing back pain. However, there many different reasons as to why a lower back is in pain. Therefore, we highly recommend a full consultation to understand the reasons behind lower back pain and then create a treatment plan.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2015/328196
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/will-acupuncture-help-with-lower-back-pain
Will acupuncture help with sciatica?
Acupuncture is often used for patients experiencing sciatica. Sciatica is diagnosed when pain is present from the lower back and down one or both legs, however there can be many reason why this pain is occurring. It is important to have a full consultation to understand why this pain is occurring and then create a treatment plan that can include acupuncture.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/is-acupuncture-good-for-sciatica
Can acupuncture cure arthritis?
People with arthritic conditions often used acupuncture to help reduce inflammation, reduce pain and improve function of the affected area. In this way, acupuncture can be a good approach to managing pain and loss of function associated with many types of arthritis.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/acupuncture-in-the-treatment-of-arthritis
Can acupuncture cure knee pain?
Patient with knee pain are often treated at Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic with acupuncture. Treatment is aimed at restoring balance to the body so that inflammation and pain may be overcome.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/acupuncture-for-knee-pain
Can acupuncture cause nerve damage?
It is considered possible but very difficult to cause nerve damage with acupuncture because acupuncture needles are not inserted through nerves. It would be very difficult to pierce a nerve with an acupuncture needle and impossible to sever a nerve with an acupuncture needle. However, it is possible to cause some microtrauma to the area around a nerve including the nerve sheath. If this occurs it may result in some temporary soreness, tingling or pain in the area. This is rare and in most cases will be self-resolving. If you have any worrying symptoms after receiving acupuncture please call your clinic and let your acupuncturist know.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/can-acupuncture-cause-nerve-damage
Is acupuncture for fertility available?
Patients with fertility issues often seek out acupuncture treatment. From a Chinese medicine perspective, it is important to bring the whole body in to better balance to improve fertility. Fertility patients are often seen by our Chinese Medicine practitioner at Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic whether they are undergoing IVF or trying for natural conception.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/is-acupuncture-for-fertility-available
Is acupuncture for plantar fasciitis available?
Patients with plantar fasciitis often come to the clinic for acupuncture.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/single-post/acupuncture-for-plantar-fasciitis
Is acupuncture for pregnancy available?
Acupuncture treatment can be undertaken at all stages of pregnancy. At Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic our practitioners treat pregnant patients during the first, second and third trimester. During the first trimester it is common to see patients that have morning sickness, anxiety and also those that have undergone IVF to help keep the body in balance and support the pregnancy. During the second trimester it is common to see patients with low energy, anxiety and muscular aches and pains including pelvic instability, back pain and public symphysis pain. During the third trimester it is common to see patients for back and shoulder tension, stress and pre labour treatments. If you are pregnant and have any specific questions about treatment during pregnancy please call and ask.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/acupuncture-pregnancy
Is acupuncture used with cupping?
Cupping is another technique used within Chinese medicine, often in conjunction with acupuncture. Cupping is often used for excessive tension in muscles and soft tissue and also for lung complaints including bronchitis, chronic cough and some types of asthma. Cupping is available at Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic.
https://www.melbournechinesemedicine.com.au/cupping
Can acupuncture be done without needles?
Acupuncture without needles is called acupressure. Acupressure is something that practitioners don’t usually use because it is not as strong as acupuncture. Acupressure is sometimes used for children and infants or taught to patients so they can continue treatment for themselves at home.
Is acupuncture used with electrical stimulation and are there side effects?
Acupuncture with low level electrical stimulation has been used for decades to increase the strength of acupuncture treatments when needed. It is often used when there is strong pain or long standing chronic problems presenting. When using electrical stimulation, acupuncture carries a higher risk of bruising at the site of acupuncture and greater risk for soreness after treatment. Electro acupuncture is always carried out within the patients comfort limitations and if a patient is concerned about areas after a treatment we encourage them to call their clinic and ask their practitioner about the issue.
Are acupuncture needles reused?
Are acupuncture mats effective?
Are acupuncture needles sterile?
Can acupuncture help nerve pain?
Can acupuncture help Anxiety and Stress?
Can acupuncture help tinnitus ?
Can acupuncture help sciatica?
Can acupuncture help bursitis
How does acupuncture work?
Can acupuncture help with weight loss?
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
What does acupuncture treat?
What acupuncture points can cause pneumothorax?
Why does acupuncture hurt sometimes?
Acupuncture when pregnant
Why doesn’t acupuncture work sometimes?
Which acupuncture points improve kidney function?
Which acupuncture points help in sleeping?
Why do acupuncturists look at the tongue?
Why are ear points used in acupuncture/
Will acupuncture help a pinched nerve?
Will acupuncture help lower back pain?
Will acupuncture help with sciatica?
Can acupuncture cure arthritis?
Can acupuncture cure knee pain?
Can acupuncture cause nerve damage?
Can acupuncture be used for fertility?
Can acupuncture be used for plantar fasciitis?
Can acupuncture be used during pregnancy?
Can acupuncture be used to induce labour?
What is acupuncture with electrical stimulation, are there side effects?
Can acupuncture be used with cupping?