Acupuncture Treatment Melbourne

Acupuncture Treatment Melbourne – An Ancient Healing Art.

拯救之法 妙者用针 

~ Law of saving: the ingenious chooses needles

Acupuncture treatment gently inserts very fine needles at specific points on your body. It was invented by the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners over 5000 years ago. Acupuncture has been widely used for reducing or relieving pain and other ailments. It is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery. At Almond Wellness Centre acupuncture clinics, we’ve been dedicated to providing exceptional acupuncture treatment to Melbourne northern and eastern suburbs since 2003. 

Why choose our acupuncture treatment in Melbourne?

Here are 6 compelling reasons to choose our Master of Acupuncture in Melbourne:

1. Established in 2003, our acupuncture clinic has been serving and assisting individuals in the Coburg and Ringwood areas, earning the reputation as the most reputable acupuncture practice in Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs.
2. Our welcoming and compassionate staff ensures your experience is comforting, encouraging, and reassuring, with utmost respect for your privacy at all times.
3. You will have personalised, unique acupuncture treatment plans tailored to your individual conditions.
4. Experience a natural, drug-free approach to alleviate symptoms or pain, addressing the root cause rather than just masking it.
5. All acupuncturists are university-trained, fully qualified and registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board in Australia. Chief Chinese acupuncturist Dr. Richard Zeng brings over 25 years of full-time professional experience in hospitals and clinics across China, Germany, and Australia, assuring the highest standards of care.
6. Safety is paramount in our clinics. we use only sterilised disposable needles and high-quality herbs/supplements. Your acupuncture treatment is designed for relaxation and comfort, prioritising your well-being.

How does acupuncture treatment work?

Acupuncture treatment engages the Qi by inserting needles at these specific points known as acupoints. These acupoints lie along meridians, which are believed to be channels that conduct the flow of vital energy, or “qi,” throughout the body. The goal of acupuncture treatment is to restore the proper flow of Qi, promoting natural balance and well-being.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Benefits of acupuncture treatment include:

• Encourages the body’s natural healing abilities
• Activates the body’s self-healing process
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improves the overall energy of the body
• Gentle and relaxing

Does research support acupuncture?

From a scientific perspective, acupuncture’s mechanisms are not yet fully understood. However, research suggests several potential ways it affects the body.Needles may trigger the release of endorphins, natural painkillers, leading to pain relief. Acupuncture can also stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, promoting blood flow and tissue repair. Additionally, it may influence the autonomic nervous system, balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic responses for relaxation.

8 ways acupuncture Influences the body, with scientific studies:

1. Pain Relief: Acupuncture is well-known for its analgesic effects. Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances in the body. Endorphins help to reduce pain perception and promote a sense of well-being. (Harris, R. E., et al. 2009; Zhang, R., et al. 2017)
2. Modulation of Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture has been found to influence the levels of various neurotransmitters in the brain and central nervous system. For example, studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can regulate serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which play important roles in mood regulation and pain perception. (Lee, J. H., et al. 2009; Wu, J., et al. 2018)
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture has shown anti-inflammatory effects in both experimental and clinical studies. It can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a reduction in inflammation and tissue damage. (Kim, T. H., et al. 2008; Zhao, J., et al. 2017)
4. Modulation of Autonomic Nervous System: Acupuncture has been observed to influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. It can balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, leading to relaxation and stress reduction. (Li, P., et al. 2013; Lee, J. H., et al. 2020)
5. Regulation of Blood Flow: Acupuncture can affect blood flow and microcirculation in the body. Studies have shown that acupuncture can dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow to the treated area, and enhance microcirculation, which aids in tissue repair and healing. (Tsuchiya, M., et al. 2011; Xu, H., et al. 2019)
6. Brain Connectivity and Plasticity: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can modulate brain connectivity and plasticity. Acupuncture can influence brain regions involved in pain processing, mood regulation, and other bodily functions. (Napadow, V., et al. 2009; Bai, L., et al. 2010)

While these studies provide valuable insights, more research is needed. Individual responses to acupuncture vary, depending on factors like the condition, acupuncturist’s expertise, and patient’s health.

How long before you see results from acupuncture treatment? 

The time it takes to experience the benefits of acupuncture can vary depending on individual factors and the specific condition being treated. You can notice immediate improvements after just one session, while others might require several treatments before significant changes are observed.

Generally, for acute conditions, such as a muscle strain or minor headache, positive effects may be noticed more quickly.

In contrast, chronic conditions, like ongoing pain or digestive issues, may require multiple sessions over a period of several weeks to see lasting improvements.

Can you feel better after only one session?

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that aims to address the root causes of health issues, and the effects can be cumulative over time. Some factors, such as the severity and duration of the condition being treated, an individual’s overall health, and their response to acupuncture, can influence how quickly results are seen. Patience and consistent treatment are crucial; therefore, multiple sessions are often recommended to achieve the best outcomes.

How often should you get acupuncture treatment?

Frequency depends on the condition and response. Weekly sessions initially create a foundation, later reducing to bi-weekly or monthly visits. Maintenance treatments may be needed for chronic issues. Your acupuncturists will tailor the treatment plan based on the individual’s needs and goals, and periodic evaluations will determine the optimal frequency of sessions.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Not really.

Actually, most of our clients feel calming and relaxing during and after the treatment.

Many people shy away from acupuncture just due to “the fear of needles”. However, unlike the injection needles acupuncture needles are very fine and smooth. The gauge of some needles we used in our clinic can be as little as 0.1 mm. Most people feel no pain.

When the needles are in your body (those acupuncture points), you may feel a slight sensation. They are either pressure, tightness, numbness or a sensation of heat. These sensations are called “De Qi” – means “Get the Energy”, or “Energy Has Arrived”. The “De Qi” sensation indicates we are adjusting your energy, hence re-balance your energy.

Is acupuncture treatment safe?

“One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition.”  ~ National Institutes of Health (NIH, America) Consensus 1997.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, well-trained practitioner using sterile needles. Occasionally bleeding bruising or soreness may occur at the insertion sites. However, with a good acupuncturist, the risk can be reduced to minimal and usually no damage to your body.

Safety is the first priority at Almond Wellness Centre Acupuncture Chinese medicine clinics. All of our acupuncturists are well trained fully qualified and experienced practitioners.

Do you re-use acupuncture needles?

Never.

Our acupuncturists are fully qualified, conscientious practitioners. We follow strictly infectious control procedure in the clinics at Almond Wellness Centre.

Only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used in both our Coburg acupuncture clinic and Ringwood acupuncture clinic at all time.

What not to do after acupuncture treatment?

After an acupuncture session, it is essential to take some precautions to optimise the treatment’s effectiveness and avoid any adverse reactions.

Here are 6 things to avoid after acupuncture treatment:

1. Strenuous activities: Refrain from engaging in intense physical activities or exercise immediately after acupuncture, as your body needs time to rest and respond to the treatment.
2. Caffeine and alcohol: Avoid consuming stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, as they can counteract the relaxation effects of acupuncture.
3. Hot showers or baths: Avoid hot showers, baths, or saunas after acupuncture, as these can interfere with the body’s natural adjustments following treatment.
4. Overeating: Avoid heavy meals or overeating after acupuncture, as it may disrupt the body’s balance and digestion.
5. Stressful situations: Try to minimize exposure to stressful situations or environments, as relaxation is vital for maximizing the benefits of acupuncture.
6. Exposure to cold or wind: After acupuncture, protect yourself from exposure to cold drafts or strong winds, as your body may be more sensitive to external factors.

By following these guidelines and allowing your body time to rest and heal, you can enhance the positive effects of acupuncture and support your overall well-being.

Acupuncture Treatment Melbourne Options at Almond Wellness Centre