#SheSociety asked President of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) – Waveny Holland the most frequently asked questions on acupuncture.
- What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine treatment that can be traced back over 2,000 years. It really is considered one of the oldest health care systems in the world. Acupuncture can support the treatments of a number of conditions and injuries. When you visit a qualified acupuncturist they will do a thorough assessment and a diagnosis is made and with your consent to treatment very, fine, single use, sterile and disposable needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points along your bodies energy pathways to rebalance the flow of energy known as Qi in Chinese. This is to achieve balance and wellness. Your practitioner might also stimulate the acupuncture points using methods like acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage. Every single consultation in is individualised.
- What can acupuncture help with/ what are its benefits?
Research has shown acupuncture to be very effective over a wide range of conditions including low back pain, osteo-arthritis of the knee, tension headaches, post-operative nausea and vomiting, allergic rhinitis and weight management to name a few. Acupuncture focuses on a drug-free, natural approach to pain relief and takes an holistic approach to health by addressing the underlying cause of the condition as well as the symptoms. Acupuncture can also assist in the prevention against disease and the maintenance of your general wellbeing. Its approach links the mind, body and emotions.
- What makes acupuncture so good for weight loss?
Acupuncture, when used in conjunction with sensible eating and exercise, has been shown in studies to increase the amount of weight lost. The emotional and mental aspects of being over weight are also addressed during an acupuncture treatment making it a truly holistic approach to weight loss.
- What can people expect during or after their first acupuncture treatment?
Generally, people feel relaxed and energised after an acupuncture treatment. As the purpose of acupuncture is to move qi/energy to rebalance the body some people may feel some sensation when the acupuncture points are needled.
By visiting an Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association(AACMA) member practitioner who is properly qualified and registered in Chinese medicine you are ensured of a high quality treatment and explanation of your treatment
- What should you avoid after your acupuncture treatment?
As every treatment is in individualised for the diagnosis, your practitioner is best placed to tell you if you should avoid anything after treatments.
Certainly common sense should also be employed for example after lower back pain treatment it would be very unwise to be lifting and moving anything heavy
SheSociety is a site for the women of Australia to share our stories, our experiences, shared learnings and opportunities to connect.
Leave a Reply