What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a holistic health treatment based on complex medical protocols. Following these protocols, very fine, sterile, single-use needles are inserted into the skin to address specific health issues.
According to the traditional theories of Chinese medicine, the body is traversed by an intricate system of channels that conduct Qi and Blood throughout the body. Qi is responsible for driving and catalysing all our physiological processes. If the flow of Qi and Blood becomes restricted or if there is an inadequate supply, the body’s normal physiological activities become compromised and dysfunction, pain, illness or disease follows. Acupuncture (and other Chinese medicine practices) work to address blockages, unhealthy accumulations and/or deficiencies of Qi and Blood, alleviating pain and restoring balance.
Acupuncture works to improve function and promote healing via the stimulation of specific anatomic sites commonly known as acupuncture points. There are more than 400 well-known (and up to 1600 lesser-known) acupuncture points on the body and each one has a number of physiological actions. Various combinations of points can be utilised to induce specific effects in the body.
During an acupuncture treatment, Karen carefully selects and gently stimulates a combination of acupoints to address your particular symptoms as well as the underlying causes of your health condition.
in Australia, ALL health providers offering acupuncture are legally required to be registered with The Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Karen has been continually registered and licensed to practice acupuncture by AHPRA since this legislation was introduced in 2012. Prior to 2012, Karen was certified to practice Chinese Herbal Medicine through her tertiary qualification and registration with her professional association.
What does scientific research about acupuncture show?
Contemporary research and clinical trials indicate that acupuncture can:
- positively alter neuro-endocrine factors
- increase the production of natural, endogenous opioids
- modulate abnormal immune responses
- stimulate physiological function via sympathetic nerve reflex responses
- increase blood flow to targeted areas
- provides drug-free pain relief
- effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments
- improves mood and significantly reduces stress
- reduces inflammation
- helps control the side effects of medications, including chemotherapy
- treats the symptoms as well as the underlying cause of disease and illness
- provides an wholistic and highly individualised approach to treatment
- assists in the prevention of illness and promotes general good health
- reduces inflammation
- What are the benefits of acupuncture?
What is Moxabustion / Moxa?
Moxabustion refers to a traditional heat therapy utilising “moxa”. Moxabustion is usually used in conjunction with acupuncture but can also be used on its own. Moxa is made from the fibres of the artemisia vulgaris plant. It has a wooly appearance and can be shaped into cones or rolled into sticks for use in Chinese (and Japanese) medicine. It stimulates physiological processes that are under-active and treats conditions caused or aggravated by cold.
Most people find moxa treatment very relaxing and enjoyable, especially people who feel cold and/or run down. It is also an extremely effective therapy for certain types of pain. When indicated, a take-home moxa treatment plan may be prescribed to augment and accelerate your treatment results in clinic.