Acupuncture

How does it work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine “TCM” describes pathways of energy carrying nourishment and information to all tissues and organs. These reflect the state of health of the body systems. The acupuncturist adjusts and rebalances these via certain points of the body.There is now considerable scientific documentation to show that these points, the acupoints, have distinct electrical resistance compared to other areas of the body’s surface, proving their existence.

What does a treatment involve?

The acupuncturist will ask not only details of the immediate problem, but also take a case history of past illnesses, familial tendencies, and aim to determine a complete picture of the patient’s health. Each treatment is tailor made for the individual.Needles are retained usually between 15 to 20 minutes while the patient is lying comfortably on the treatment table, after which some dietary and or exercise advice may be given. The whole process lasts about 45 minutes.

Needles?

Needle sterilization practiced by NZRA members complies with NZ Department of Health standards. Whangarei Treatment Providers use single use disposable needles only.

Will ACC cover the treatments?

Yes!ACC covers and endorses acupuncture treatment as long as the practitioner is ACC accredited, as applies to this clinic. Though, as is usual practice among other clinics and health professionals, there is a surcharge for each treatment.

How many treatments will it take?

There is no set number of treatments for any given problem. During the first appointment an indicator of how many sessions required will be discussed, as the general state of health of the patient and the seriousness of the problem must be ascertained. At this clinic your acupuncturist is dedicated to getting you back to health asap!

What can be treated with acupuncture?

In New Zealand acupuncture is well known for treating muscle and joint pain like sore backs, necks, shoulders, elbows, knees, sciatica and the like. But its field of treatment is far larger than this. The World Health Organisation endorses acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of illnesses, a list of which can be obtained here. This list includes many things:-

• Heart problems.
• Digestion, abdominal pain.
• Women’s health issues, PMT, period pain, menopause.
• Insomnia, anxiety.
• Sports performance enhancement.
• Male health.
• General maintenance of health and immunity.
• Acupuncture’s scope of treatment often surprises many people!

Will it hurt?

Most new patients are amazed how painless acupuncture is. However certain stimulus will give a feeling of heaviness, distention or slight tingling around the needle. The practitioner assesses the patient and uses more or less stimulus depending on the sensitivity of the individual. We are here to relieve pain, not induce it! So patient comfort is paramount.

Who is NZRA?

NZRA stands for the NZ Register of Acupuncturists and was incorporated as a society in 1977 to promote acupuncture and to ensure the highest standards of ethics and professionalism amongst its members. It is actively involved with the government to further regulate and incorporate the practice of acupuncture in NZ. NZRA members are the most extensively trained acupuncturists in the country. New members must have trained at a recognised college for a minimum of four years full time study. The NZRA is a member and affiliated with several worldwide organisations for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Further Information www.acupuncture.org.nz www.acupuncture.com

 

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