FAQ'S | kaizen

AcupunctureFAQs

What is acupuncture?

It is an energetic and holistic medicine that works on a deep level

to help:

· Promote your body's own innate healing abilities

· Improve blood circulation

· Balance hormones

· Increase relaxation

· Reduce pain.

· Maintain homeostasis

Each treatment is bespoke and tailored to the individual.

How do I book an appointment?

Your appointment can be made by phone, email or online. If you are unsure about any aspect of treatment and wish to talk to Zoe, you can call her on 0416 976 618.

Does acupuncture work?

Clinical evidence suggests acupuncture may be beneficial for a huge variety of conditions. Although, quality and sizeable research into acupuncture is very limited compared to say pharmaceuticals and therefore, even positive results generally call for more research Click here for more details.

Anecdotal evidence and its continued use across China and the rest of the World for the past 2,000 years suggest that it can be very effective. The focus is on treating the person and not the disease. Individual results can vary.

How is acupuncture performed?

Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into carefully selected points which correspond to the TCM theories of energy meridians that run through the body. According to this theory, acupuncture needles correct unbalanced energy in the body when the needle is inserted in a precise location. With the needles in place, a patient may feel very little, or may feel a slight energy sensation flow briefly through the body.

Are you a registered practitioner?

Zoe is a fully qualified practitioner of Chinese Medicine. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture and Licentiate in Acupuncture. She is also a member of the Chinese Medicine Registration Board (CMRB) and ATMS and which means she upholds a strict code of ethics and accountability.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is considered safe in the hands of a well-trained practitioner. As long as you are being treated by an acupuncturist who is a member of the Chinese Medicine Registration Board (CMRB) you can be sure that he/she has completed thorough training in appropriate Western Medical Sciences and acupuncture.

What do the needles look like?

Acupuncture needles are made of high-grade stainless steel and are extremely fine, so a patient barely feels them. Indeed, many acupuncture needles can fit down the hollow section of a typical hypodermic needle used to take blood or give injections.

Are the needles sterile?

All the needles are sterile, come in sterile packaging and are disposed of safely after a single use.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Because acupuncture needles are very fine, the prick of the needle as it goes through the skin is barely felt. Some people report a little sensation – slight numbness, a dull ache or a tingling sensation as the needle begins to affect the energy of the body.

How long are needles left in for?

Needles generally stay in for 20 – 25 minutes. When Zoe uses motor point techniques for pain and muscular issues, the needles stay in for 5-10 seconds.

How will I feel?

Most people find that the acupuncture treatment is very pleasant and invokes a deeply relaxed state. It is not unusual for patients to fall asleep during their session. Some people feel a little drowsy after acupuncture, but this is transient and is usually remedied by eating and drinking something.

How does acupuncture work in general?

Very fine stainless-steel needles are inserted in acupuncture points located along channels (or meridians) and produce specific reactions in the related organ system. In acupuncture terms, the needle influences the flow or movement of qi and blood.

Research shows us that acupuncture increases endorphin output (which accounts for the relaxation patients feel during and after treatment) but clearly there are other mechanisms of action, not yet well understood, which bring about therapeutic benefit.

Sometimes leads are attached to the needles and a small electrical current is passed through them. The sensation may be barely perceptible, but the needle is made to vibrate gently and stimulate the underlying blood vessels and tissues. The treatments designed to increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries often use this approach.

Sometimes low-level cold laser is used instead of an acupuncture needle. In this case it is the laser beam which stimulates the acupuncture point rather than a needle.

Will I need to get completely undressed?

No, you will only need to expose the parts of your body where the needles are inserted. It is easiest to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you require will depend on whether your condition is acute or chronic, and how strong your energy is as a whole. However, you should expect to feel some relief within two to three treatments.

Do I need to be ill to have Acupuncture?

No. In China, acupuncture is used as a form of preventative medicine. Feeling well is so much more than just not feeling unwell. Good health is a reflection of your sense of well-being.

Are my treatments confidential?

Yes, absolutely. No one else has a right to this information without your consent.

Do I need to do anything before treatment?

No, not really, but it is preferable to make sure you have eaten something in the hours prior to your treatment. Before your initial consultation we will email you a questionnaire to fill out prior to your appointment. Taking the time to do this at least a day before your appointment will allow more time for treatment during your initial consultation.

Will I need to do anything after treatment?

Acupuncture affects people in different ways. Some feel a little light-headed or tired after their first treatment, whilst some report feeling invigorated. However, it is recommended to try and relax as much as possible in the hours following a treatment.

Can I have acupuncture if I’m pregnant?

Yes. Acupuncture can be very helpful for various pregnancy-related symptoms. Please make sure that Zoe is aware if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

How can acupuncture help me in my pregnancy?

Acupuncture: natural and non-invasive during pregnancy. Acupuncture has been

found to be a natural and non-invasive way to treat a number of pregnancy-related

symptoms, such as Sciatica, Cramps, Threatened miscarriage, Nausea and vomiting,

Carpal tunnel syndrome, Back pain, Fatigue and exhaustion, Insomnia,

Anxiety and depression, Anaemia, Constipation, Vaginal discharge, Heartburn, Itching,

Oedema, Sinusitis, Haemorrhoids and more.

Breech and posterior positions.

Research has shownthat Acupuncture (more specifically moxibustion) is a safe and

effective way to turn a mal-positioned foetus. An Italian study of 260 women

experiencing their first pregnancy found that 75% of those treated with acupuncture

had their babies turn, in comparison to 47% in those with no treatment. In a similar Chinese study, 81% of the babies turned with acupuncture, compared to 49% in the control group with no treatment.

Natural Birth Preparation. Clinical trials have indicated that Acupuncture can assist in reducing average labour time and improving the chances of a natural birth.

Is the cost of treatment covered by my private health insurance?

Individual schemes have different terms and conditions, so please check with your health provider. Zoe is covered with all health funds that offer rebates for Acupuncture. We have a HICAPS machine at Kaizen, so for single treatments we can claim on your behalf at the time you pay. You will only pay the gap. For packages, we will give you a receipt to claim directly.

Do the acupuncture packages have an expiration date?

No. Acupuncture is considered a medical treatment as such, once you purchase a package it is yours to use whenever you like. We would never suggest you purchase a package unless we thought you would benefit from a course of treatment within a reasonable timeframe

Will you be able to help me cut down on my medication?

It depends on what you are taking, and the reason you are taking it. This will only be done in conjunction with your GP.

Where does acupuncture come from?

Acupuncture is a branch of Eastern Medicine and had been developing for thousands of years. The style that Zoe most commonly uses is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This is a system created in the 20th century in China when there was no access to Western medicine and a replacement was needed. TCM drew wisdom from across all the schools of Chinese Medicine and brought it together into a standardised system for the first time. This legacy survives today, as TCM is the style most commonly used to carry out clinical research.