Acupuncture

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Imagine feeling so relaxed, pain-free, and stress free that you feel like you’re walking on a cloud…. this is what happens when you have acupuncture. During the time the acupuncture pins are retained (10-30 minutes), you are free to relax, meditate, sleep, or day-dream as your body heals. 

 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the utilisation of incredibly fine needles to stimulate body tissues, and restore your body, mind and spirit to a state of balance (homeostasis). Acupuncture points are carefully selected by your practitioner to gently relieve symptoms of your unique presentation whilst treating the underlying (or root) cause. These points initiate a a healing response in the body, and help to clear stress, boost energy levels and bring the body back into balance, naturally.

Acupuncture is an ancient medical system grounded in millenia-old Chinese theory and philosophy – particularly of Taoism, Yin and Yang. The traditional physiological view of the body in Chinese medicine involves the flow of Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) throughout various pathways of the body. These pathways, also called channels, flow through all of the organs and tissues of the body, and contain acupuncture points – over 500 in total. The smooth flowing of Qi is essential for the proper physiological functioning of the body. Acupuncture helps to move Qi, promote blood flow and restore the proper physiological functioning of the body.

Most importantly, traditional Chinese medicine understands that every single patient is unique and different, so every single patient that comes through our doors gets a personalised, tailored treatment matched to their unique condition.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Not at all. Most people find acupuncture treatments incredibly relaxing and many of our patients fall asleep during the treatment. We see a lot of needle-phobic patients and to date every single one of them has been surprised at how gentle, relaxing and calming the treatment is. Gentle sensations during the treatment are not uncommon and are totally normal. We do our best to make sure you are 100% comfortable during the entire course of your treatment.

 

How does Acupuncture work?

The research in this area is ever expanding. In current research, acupuncture helps to initiate responses from the central nervous system (CNS), increase blood flow, and stimulate the release and modulation (balance) of natural chemicals such as endogenous opioids, endogenous cannabinoids, neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and dopamine) and stress hormones.

  • The endogenous opioid system helps to diminish the stress response, reduces the effects stress has on the body, and builds resilience to stress. It has effects on the endocrine system (hypothalami-pituitary-adrenal or HPA axis), the autonomic nervous system (AND), and on emotional and behavioural responses (1, 2).
  • The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) is the fourth major regulatory system of the body. The ECS functions in the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, organs, immune system and endocrine system. The ECS aids in the regulation of everything from pain, blood pressure, inflammation, immunity, appetite, mood, metabolism and stress (3, 4, 5, 6).
  • Serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin are three of our feel good chemicals, and acupuncture can help to increase the levels and activity of these chemicals in the brain, nervous sytem and around the body (7, 8, 9).
  • Acupuncture helps to reduce the levels of stress hormones cortisol, ACTH, adrenaline and noradrenaline, thereby reducing stress levels (10, 11, 12).

How do these effects relate to fertility specifically? Head here to find out more.

 

Fun fact: the body’s own pain-killing hormones (endorphins, or endogenous morphine) are thought to be 4-6 times more potent than morphine!

 

How much training is required for Acupuncturists?

Receiving acupuncture or needling from an unqualified person can be risky, which is why the practice of acupuncture in Australia is now regulated by AHPRA. This means that to become a registered acupuncturist, practitioners, need to have completed a minimum of 4 years bachelor-level training including thousands of hours of Chinese and Western medical theory, as well as over 600 hours of clinical practice. Receiving needling from registered practitioners is the safest form of needling, which is why all of our practitioners are registered acupuncturists.

In addition, strictly all acupuncture needles used by our practitioners are pre-sterilised and single-use only disposable needles, to conform to the highest health and safety standards.

References:

  1. Anjana B et al, 2014, Neurosci Bio Rev, 51, 138- 150
  2. Drolet G et al, 2001, Progress Neuro-Psychopharm + Biol Psych, 25, 729 – 741
  3. Fine P & Rosenfeld M, 2013, Rambam Maimonides Med J, 4, e0022.
  4. Barrie N & Manolis N, 2017, Eur J Rheumatol, 3, 210-218.
  5. Acharya N et al, 2017, PNAS 19, 5005-5010.
  6. McPartland J et al, PLoS One. 2014; 9(3): e89566
  7. Zhang W et al, J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):837-44
  8. Chin-Min Chuang. Am Jnl Chin Med 2007, 35, 779 – 791
  9. Lundberg T, Acupuncture in Medicine 2002;20(2-3):109-120
  10. So et al, Hum Reprod. 2009 Feb;24(2):341-8
  11. Eshkavari L et al, Endocrinology. 2015 Oct;156(10):3649-60
  12. Jensen L and Jensen S, Scand J Dent Res. 1982; Oct;90(5):397-403

Find Us

Bloom Chinese Medicine

Contact

2/106 Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore

Monday: 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

 

 

Bloom Chinese Medicine is an integrative Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinic committed to providing the best outcomes for our patients, and empowering them along their journey to optimal fertility and wellness. Centrally located in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, we have visitors from local suburbs and all over Queensland. Proudly servicing Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Buderim, Buddina, Kawana, Minyama, Parrearra, Warana, Birtinya, Bokarina, Wurtulla, Little Mountain, Caloundra, Aroona, Bells Creek, Meridian Plains, Palmview, Sippy Downs, Mountain Creek, Kuluin, Kunda Park, Diddillibah, Twin Waters, Pacific Paradise, Mudjimba, Marcoola, Bli Bli, Coolum, Yaroomba, Yandina, Ninderry, Valdora, Peregian Springs, Peregian Beach, Doonan, Noosaville, Noosa, Noosaville, Tewantin, Doonan, and Nambour.