WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of extremely fine needles at specific points on the body. While widely known for helping with aches and discomfort, it is also often used as a complementary approach to support relaxation, balance, and overall wellbeing. The practice is rooted in traditional concepts of vital energy, or ‘qi,’ and aims to support the body’s natural processes.
WHAT IS IT?
From a medical perspective, acupuncture involves stimulation of nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. Many people report feeling more relaxed and balanced following a session. Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy to support wellbeing, stress management, and general comfort.
In the context of women’s health, acupuncture is frequently included in holistic care approaches aimed at supporting menstrual and hormonal health, overall wellness, and stress management.
Acupuncture may also be used alongside integrative and functional healthcare approaches, as part of a broader plan to support wellbeing and balance in daily life.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN IT HELP?
Acupuncture is often used as a supportive therapy for a wide variety of experiences and conditions, including but not limited to:
- Musculoskeletal discomfort (back, neck, joints, and muscles)
- Headaches and tension
- Digestive concerns
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep support
- Menstrual and women’s wellness support
- Fatigue and general wellbeing
Note: Acupuncture is a complementary therapy and is not a replacement for medical care. Outcomes vary for each individual.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TREATMENT?
During your initial appointment, I will review your health history, current concerns, and any medications. This helps me determine the most appropriate acupuncture approach for your comfort and safety.
You will lie comfortably on the treatment table with blankets and towels for privacy. Fine acupuncture needles will be gently inserted at specific points. Many people feel little to no sensation; occasionally a mild pinch or heaviness may be experienced.
Needles are typically left in place for 25–35 minutes and then carefully removed. After the session, I provide guidance on ways to support your wellbeing and complement your acupuncture treatment.
FAQ’s About Acupuncture
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY DO?
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It operates on the principle that the body’s vital energy, known as “qi” flows through pathways called meridians. When this energy flow is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to various health issues. Acupuncture seeks to restore harmony by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points along these meridians.
The mechanism behind acupuncture’s effectiveness has two primary interpretations:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective: From this viewpoint, acupuncture’s goal is to unblock or redirect the flow of qi. The insertion of needles at precise acu-points is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing responses. This can include releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation, ultimately contributing to overall well-being.
- Medical Perspective: Some Western practitioners suggest that acupuncture influences the nervous system. Needle insertion may stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, leading to the release of endorphins. Acupuncture can improve blood flow and direct the immune system to an area of the body thus directing the body’s healing response in areas that need it. It also may prompt the autonomic nervous system to release chemicals that influence factors like blood pressure, inflammation reduction, and brain function.
In essence, acupuncture offers an integrated approach to health by promoting health and well-being.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are exceptionally thin, and most of the time, people feel almost nothing. However, sometimes you might feel a minor pricking or pinching sensation.
CAN ACUPUNCTURE BE HARMFUL?
While acupuncture is a safe therapy, the risk of adverse effects increases when administered by an unlicensed or inexperienced practitioner. In such cases, clients may face potential risks, including but not limited to collapsed lungs, bacterial infections, or viral infections, which can result from inadequate experience or subpar hygiene practices.
I have completed rigorous safety testing and have high hygiene standards in everything I do. I am licensed with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand (CMCNZ) and AcuNZ and previously the CAA in Canada.
HOW LONG TO DO THE EFFECTS LAST?
Everyone is different and will react differently. Typically, a single acupuncture session provides temporary symptom relief, while a tailored treatment plan, often comprising of appointments spread over several weeks or months, tends to have more enduring and lasting results.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE OR AFTER A TREATMENT?
To prepare for an acupuncture session, consider these guidelines:
- Alcohol Avoidance: Prior to your appointment, it’s recommended to abstain from alcohol, as it can dull your senses, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your acupuncture treatment.
- Balanced Meal: Please eat at least 4 hours before your appointment or you can experience dizziness or nausea or even fainting.
FOLLOWING A SESSION
- Rest and Relax: Take it easy after your appointment. It’s quite common to feel ‘spacey’ or extra relaxed after a treatment so lean into it and enjoy the post-treatment sensations.
- Gentle Exercise: Some gentle movement after a treatment can help reduce possible soreness after. Keep the exercise easy and gentle.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water after an acupuncture treatment.
Who Shouldn’t get Acupuncture?
People with bleeding disorders, which elevate the risk of bleeding or bruising from a treatment. People with pacemakers should not get electro-acupuncture.
Side-Effects of Acupuncture
SIDE EFFECTS
Most people do not encounter adverse effects from well-performed acupuncture. Nevertheless, depending on factors like acupuncture point selection and the patient’s overall health, minor side effects may arise.
Occasionally, some soreness may occur, typically in sensitive points or if a significant trigger point was addressed. We advise hydration and mobility to alleviate this discomfort, which usually subsides within 24 hours.
Most commonly, acupuncture imparts increased energy; however, some may feel temporary fatigue, especially on an empty stomach. Rest and listening to your body are important in such cases, with most people feeling revitalized by the following day.
Though infrequent, minor bruising may appear at needle insertion sites, primarily having aesthetic implications and no significant discomfort.
In some instances, individuals may experience muscle twitching, either related to needled muscles or unrelated. These twitches are typically brief and tend to resolve. Inform me if they persist.
Rarely, lightheadedness may arise during or after acupuncture, potentially linked to emotional or physical release, dehydration, or an empty stomach. Rising slowly and deep breathing can help counter it. If lightheadedness persists, sitting down is advised.
LIST OF CONDITIONS FROM WHO THAT ACUPUNCTURE IS RECOMMENDED FOR:
Gastro-intestinal
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Indigestion
• Food allergies
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acute/chronic ulcers (pain relief)
• Constipation/ diarrhea
• Colitis
Gynecological & Hormonal
• Infertility in women and men
• Menopause
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Diabetes
• Morning sickness
• Menstruation (irregular, heavy, or painful)
Heart & Circulatory
• Heart problems/palpitations
• Numbness/poor circulation
Respiratory & Immune System
• Acute sinusitis
• Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
• Common cold, flu, cough
• Immune system deficiency
• Acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma
• Emphysema
• Rheumatoid arthritis
Wellness
• Fatigue, stress, insomnia
• Emotional & psychological disorders
• Depression, anxiety
• Side effects of radiation & chemotherapy
Neurological and Musculo-skeletal
• Headache and migraine
• Neck pain/stiffness
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis /joint problems
• Back /sciatica/ pain
• Shoulder/ knee pain
• Sports injuries/ sprains
• Tendonitis/tennis elbow
• Cervical-brachial syndrome
• Post-operative pain
• Peripheral neuropathies
• Facial palsy (early stage)
• Intercostal neuralgia
• Facial pain
• TMJ/jaw pain
• Meniere’s disease/dizziness
• Trigeminal neuralgia
Addictions
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Drugs
Kidney/Bladder
• Stress incontinence
• Urinary tract infections
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
• Conjunctivitis
• Toothache
• Post-extraction pain
• Chronic pharyngitis
Acupuncture by Jena 