Acuhealth
FAQ’s
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient science and art of healing. It is a method of treatment involving
the insertion of fine needles into various points on the body to treat a wide range of illnesses
and disorders. The philosophy is that health depends on the flow and balance of qi/energy
through the body’s meridians or channels. There are over 500 acupuncture points, located
on the body. Put simply, the needling of these points aims to correct any imbalances in the
flow of Qi/energy. An acupuncturist considers each person to be unique and all treatments
are tailor-made to suit the individual, aiming to treat the person as a whole.
Why try Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a drug-free way that aims to provide relief from pain and various acute and
chronic ailments. It follows a holistic approach by not only addressing the manifesting
symptoms but also the underlying mechanism of your condition. In Chinese medicine, we
focus on the relation between body, mind and emotional wellbeing.
Is Acupuncture the same as dry needling?
While we are using the same needles, we have distinctly different approaches. Dry needling,
which is mostly practised within physiotherapy, addresses exclusively musculoskeletal
issues aiming for relief of symptoms, such as pain or range of motion. Needles are entered
into muscles, for example, to deactivate a trigger point. Acupuncture has a much broader
scope of conditions to treat and a complex medical philosophy behind. Following a holistic
approach, an acupuncturist will aim to balance body, mind and emotions. We use the
needles to activate the flow of Qi and blood based on the body’s meridian network. Thereby
it can treat both symptoms and the underlying cause of the disorder. Acupuncturists are
registered health practitioners who have studied for a minimum of 4 years.
What do I need to know before coming to my first Acupuncture appointment?
Each treatment that you have is customised according to how you present on the day. When
you come in for the first time, we will take a case history by asking you about your current
health concerns, history and a range of related matters, such as your diet, sleeping patterns,
lifestyle choices, menstrual cycle and your emotional wellbeing. We will also take into
consideration other factors like body/abdominal palpation, tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Based on what we identify as a ‘pattern of disharmony’, we will discuss with you a treatment
plan that may include follow-up sessions as needed.
Why is it best to get Chinese Herbs from a Practitioner?
Do I need to cook Chinese herbs?
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a part of Chinese medicine which can provide much relief for muscular tightness
but is also applied in many other conditions as it generally provides a pleasant experience.
There are several different types of cupping applications, which can be stationary, gentle
sliding or flash cupping. At AcuHealth, we use glass cups, silicone cups and plastic cups.
depending on your specific needs. Cupping may leave marks on the skin for a couple of
days.
Do health rebates apply?
Yes, if you have private health extras cover, acupuncture will likely be covered by most
insurance companies. We recommend checking with your insurance company before your
first treatment to confirm.
What is QI Beauty?
Qi Beauty is a natural system for rejuvenation and detoxification. Developed by
Kathy Pedersen, this system offers facial treatments using non-invasive gold-plated micro-magnets.
Qi beauty creates controlled High Gradient Static magnetic fields to stimulate the
natural recovery potential of skin for the best anti-ageing, pro-recovery results,
targeting volume loss, diminished collagen and elastin.
A typical facial consists of 1000 gold microspheres being placed gently on the surface of the
skin according to acupuncture points and following acupuncture channels. This generates a static magnetic field that helps to remove blockages and encourages the skin to lift, hydrate and energise.
Qi beauty aims to:
Tone dehydrated skin
Lift and define various facial features
Reduce the appearance of pigmentation
Reduce the depth of lines/wrinkles
Reduce broken capillaries
Maintain healthy skin
Enjoy a Qi beauty treatment at AcuHealth
Qi beauty treatments are done by Anthea. Because every face has different needs, every Qi
Beauty facial is unique and Anthea will use a different matrix for each individual.
Do Acupuncture needles hurt?
After experiencing blood taking, vaccinations, piercings or tattooing, you might associate
needles with pain. It is important to know that none of the needles used in the above-
mentioned practices compares to an acupuncture needle.
At AcuHealth, we use a variety of needles with a diameter ranging between as little as 0.14-
0.25mm, similar to the thickness of a hair strand. This is less than half the size of a typical
injection needle (0.5mm) or a quarter of the size of the needle used for drawing blood
(1mm).
Our acupuncture needles come with a silicone cover which makes the insertion very smooth.
We also use guide tubes that help us to insert the needle quickly through the skin level, i.e.
the level that contains all your pain receptors. Our patients often say that they do not even
notice the insertion.
In Chinese medicine, we are aiming for a sensation which is known as Deqi, “the arrival of
Qi”. Both the practitioner and the client can sense Deqi. You might perceive it as a pulling or
heaviness that is being exerted by the needle.
Talk to us if you are still feeling uncertain about acupuncture needles and we will be happy
to facilitate a most relaxing and comfortable environment for you to try and find out about
your tolerance.
What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture?
Both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture share many philosophic principles, such as the
theory of Qi flow through the meridians. At AcuHealth Acupuncture, our practitioners apply a
blend of gentle techniques including acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and herbal therapy
that take from both systems.
How will I know if my Acupuncturist has been properly trained?
All our practitioners here at AcuHealth Acupuncture are accredited with the profession’s
peak national bodies and AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Registration Association).
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion (moxa) is traditionally made from the dried Chinese herb mugwort and we often
use it alongside acupuncture by burning the herbs in the form of sticks, needle-head moxa or
gentle rice grain moxa.
It has a pleasant smell and creates a deep warmth in the body, stimulate points and restore
the flow of Qi in the body or expel pathogenic influences.
Is there parking at AcuHealth Acupuncture?
There is plenty of street parking available on York St. If you arrive early for your treatment,
grab a coffee from Ku-Tea next door while you wait.