Acupuncture
Acupuncture is derived from five thousand years of traditional practise, from Chinese Medicine (CM). Treatment involves the careful insertion of very thin solid metal needles at very specific points of the body for therapeutic purposes.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most accepted complementary therapies in Australia and has gained acceptance in even conventional medicine across the Western world. Many Australian GPs may refer their patients to a registered acupuncturist.
Acupuncture involves the careful insertion of very thin solid metal needles at very specific points of the body. As a drug-free alternative, acupuncture is gaining lots of attention, especially in assisting with the treatment of chronic pain.
To practice acupuncture in Australia you need to be qualified with a Bachelor degree in a relevant Chinese Medicine subject, and then be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
How can an acupuncturist help you?
A major philosophical concept of acupuncture is that vital energy, called Qi, circulates throughout the body via a network of pathways known as meridians.
Imbalances in the flow of Qi is thought to cause illness. Acupuncturists aim to correct the flow of this vital energy to restore the body to balance and so maintain the health of this person.
Scientific research trials around the world have found that when acupuncture is performed by a skilled practitioner, it is a safe and useful treatment for many disorders.
In today’s world, people are increasingly struggling with high-stress work situations and may need help with their sleep, stress and mood. With more people sitting at desks for long periods of time and even working from home they are experiencing increased stiffness, aches and muscle pains.
Acupuncture can be a useful therapy to support your health naturally when dealing with the stresses and strains of daily life. You may want to visit an acupuncturist to have some relaxation and quiet time and improve both your body and your mind.
If you’re trying to conceive, or preparing to have a baby, some acupuncturists specialise in fertility treatments for both men and women. As a complementary therapy, acupuncture can have a wide range of uses to support your health and wellbeing in combination with Western treatments.
Did you know?
The origins of acupuncture can be traced back to more than 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest health care systems in the world.
Australia is the only country in the world where registration of acupuncturists is mandatory for practitioners to work.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for hay fever, depression, facial pain, induction of labour, knee pain, lower back pain, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and tennis elbow.
Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points over the human body.
The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society has more than [1,100] Chinese Medicine practitioners as accredited members. Search and find a practitioner today!
As part of Natural Medicine Week, Natalie Hume from the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, interviews Kristi-Anna Brydon, from Vitality Therapies. Find out more about Acupuncture and the types of reasons people would visit an Acupuncturist.
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