Sunshine Coast Acupuncture
A modern approach to an ancient medicine, providing our Sunshine Coast patients with the most effective means of reaching their health potential.
Acupuncture aims to release pain and inflammation whilst promoting circulation. Studies have shown it can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. View our pricing.
What can acupuncture help with?
According to the Acupuncture Evidence Project[1], clinical studies have shown it to be a beneficial for over 100 different conditions, including (but not limited to):
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Acute and chronic pain: back and neck pain, headaches/migraines, tendonitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and arthritis
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Psychological and emotional disorders: depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and insomnia
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Digestive disorders: IBS, colitis, gastritis and constipation
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Urinary and reproductive disorders: menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, infertility, and menopausal symptoms
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Managing symptoms of chemotherapy and radiation: including fatigue, generalized pain, dry mouth, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, and vomiting
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Allergies
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Respiratory issues: cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma
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Insomnia and sleep issues
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Heart palpitations
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High blood pressure
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Addictions to nicotine, alcohol, and drugs
[1] Source: McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review (Revised edition). Brisbane: Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd; 2017.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture helps the body rebalance itself by stimulating acupuncture points in different areas of the body according to Chinese medicine principles. One explanation for how it does that is by stimulating parts of the brain that control the release of endorphins, or pain relieving chemicals.
Another explanation is that is helps promote blood circulation and improves physiological processes in the body which in turn helps reduce inflammation and promotes a better state of overall health. Many acupuncture points are near muscular or nerve pathways which helps explain how acupuncture is able to promote healing.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture helps the body rebalance itself by stimulating acupuncture points in different areas of the body according to Chinese medicine principles. One explanation for how it does that is by stimulating parts of the brain that control the release of endorphins, or pain relieving chemicals.
Another explanation is that is helps promote blood circulation and improves physiological processes in the body which in turn helps reduce inflammation and promotes a better state of overall health. Many acupuncture points are near muscular or nerve pathways which helps explain how acupuncture is able to promote healing.
There must be something to acupuncture. You never see any sick echidnas.
Anon
What happens at my first acupuncture session?
The first acupuncture consultation will entail a comprehensive discussion regarding your main health concern and questions about your medical history and general health. As well as discussing your sleep quality and stress levels, emotional considerations, menstrual cycles (when relevant), lifestyle factors and exercise.
The practitioner will also feel your pulse and check your tongue.
You’ll lay on the treatment table with needles left in for 20-40 minutes, giving you time to switch off and relax. Allowing the pins to do their thing.
Does acupuncture hurt?
If you’re scared of needles, you are not alone and many clients ask if acupuncture hurts. The needles are fine and thin and most being 20-50 times smaller than a regular intravenous needle.
Acupuncture isn’t meant to hurt and when performed by an experienced professional, it shouldn’t. However, occasionally you may feel some sensation during your treatment especially as some parts of the body are more sensitive than others.
What should I wear to my appointment?
You should wear something that you are comfortable in. I suggest wearing loose fitting trousers or a skirt that can be lifted above the knees should you require pins in the legs. A singlet/tank top or a loose fitting shirt in case pins are needed in your arms.
How to get the most from your treatment
It’s best to have eaten at least two hours prior but not a full tummy of food and ensure you’re hydrated too. Acupuncture works with the body’s energy so there’s got to be something in the tank.
Arrive a little earlier to fill out any necesary paperwork and please bring with you any recent blood work, scans/x-rays/reports or cycle info ladies.
How will I feel after acupuncture?
Like anything, it will vary from person to person, but generally the first 24-48 hours can see any of the following:
- Relaxed: great! Take the time to rest and let your body heal.
- Emotional: some patients may notice they become quite sensitive afterwards and spend time crying and grieving or perhaps irritable. These are all normal responses and this is a great release.
- Increased elimination: sometimes the body starts a bit of a cleanout and you might notice excess urination or bowel movements.
How may treatments will I need?
Acute problems can be treated two to three times per week.
Chronic problems (symptoms for more than three months) are typically treated weekly.
However, a number of factors determine the number of treatments that are required. How long you have had the problem, your age and lifestyle factors contributing to the problem.
Is acupuncture right for you?
Still unsure if acupuncture is the right treatment for you?
We can help you figure that out.
Get in touch with our Sunshine Coast clinic today and see how we can work together to create a plan for healing.
Simply, feel better.