WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is the insertion of extremely fine needles at various depths into specific points on the body. While it is most commonly known for treating painful conditions, it is also utilized for various other conditions. Acupuncture is based on the ancient belief that it can restore the flow of vital energy, known as ‘qi,’ within the body, thereby triggering the body’s natural healing processes, inducing relaxation, and contributing to overall well-being.
WHAT IS IT?
From a medical perspective, acupuncture operates by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, triggering the release of endorphins—the body’s natural pain-relieving substances. Additionally, it is thought that acupuncture exerts influence over the autonomic nervous system, prompting the release of chemicals that can impact blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and promote a state of relaxation within the brain.
Following a session, people often experience improved sleep, enhanced mental clarity, better digestion, and reduced stress. Temporary relief from ailments like headaches, nausea, muscle aches, and joint pain is also common.
In the realm of women’s health, acupuncture plays a pivotal role in hormone stabilization and balance. Consequently, it is frequently integrated into hormone-balancing protocols, including those addressing conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, hormone imbalances, and thyroid support.
Acupuncture has an effect on the nervous system, contributing to reduced anxiety, stress, and cortisol surges. Many people find acupuncture helpful for anxiety- and stress-related symptoms.
Due to its holistic approach, acupuncture is often employed as an integral component of functional and holistic medicine. Chinese medicine aligns seamlessly with integrative and functional healthcare models, designed to uncover the root causes of health issues while acknowledging the intricate links between emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental well-being
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN IT HELP?
Acupuncture can be helpful in variety of conditions:
- Chronic pain management
- Acute pain management
- Alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Headache and migraine relief
- Promoting overall well-being
- Balancing hormones
- Strengthening immunity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Alleviating lower back pain
- Enhancing women’s wellness
- Addressing neck pain
- Managing arthritis-related discomfort
- Easing insomnia
- Relieving sinus congestion
- Supporting digestive health
- Reducing stress
- Aiding in weight management
- Exploring infertility treatment
- Managing post-operative pain
- Many, many more…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a document outlining various health conditions and diseases that can be effectively treated with acupuncture. See conditions listed in this document at bottom of the page…
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TREATMENT?
When you arrive for your acupuncture appointment, I will begin by asking you about your current health condition and any medications you are taking. This initial consultation helps me determine the most appropriate acupuncture points for your treatment and ensures I am aware of any potential contraindications.
Once this information is gathered, you will lay on the treatment table in a comfortable position. I use lots of towels and blankets to allow access to acupuncture points while providing privacy and dignity throughout the treatment.
Next, I will delicately insert fine acupuncture needles into some acupuncture points. These needles are so fine that in many instances, you won’t feel any sensation at all. Occasionally, you might experience a mild pinch or a sensation of heaviness.
The needles are left in place for approximately 25-35 minutes before being carefully removed and properly disposed of.
Finally, I will offer guidance on how to optimize the benefits of your acupuncture treatment and how to support ongoing healing
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 