Acupuncture 101
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to improve the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating sites on your body — commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. This is done by inserting fine, sterile needles into the skin.
It’s very useful for relieving pain, as the acupoints can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, and by affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Anything – it’s a complementary treatment to many ailments. We’ve seen success with the follwoing conditions:
- Menstrual irregularities, including period pain (dysmenorrhea) which can be reduced by up to 50 percent2. Keep in mind that it’s best to visit your gynaecologist beforehand to rule out physical issues, such as cysts.
- 食物敏感
- 過敏反應 — acupuncture can reduce and even eliminate allergic reactions or seasonal allergie
- Gut Issues — normal gastrointestinal and bowel function can be restored to address bloating, or constipation
- Pain relief, including chronic lower back pain, migraines, muscle tension, and post-operative pain.
Can my child be treated using acupuncture?
Yes, kids aged 8 and above can be treated effectively. Some of the most commonly treated conditions in children are:
- Allergic rhinitis
- 食物敏感
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Digestive problems
- Skin allergies and eczema
How do I know if acupuncture is right for me?
Get in touch with your health coach to discuss whether it’s suitable for you. You can also book in for a consultation with our doctor and practitioner before you decide whether to go ahead.
What if I’m scared of needles?
The needles are very fine and can even be used on kids. At LifeHub we use manual manipulation of needles, which allows for very precise movements, instead of electric currents
Is it painful?
You may feel a slightly sharp sensation at the start as the needles are inserted. However, it’s less painful than an IV or finger prick test. There may also be an achey sensation during the treatment – this is good and means it’s working.
How is acupuncture different to dry needling?
Dry needling also works by inserting needles into areas specific points, but is designed specifically to remove or reduce muscle tension. Acupuncture focuses on restoring the flow of energy using your body’s meridian pathways. It can be used for many different many other applications, from pain relief to gut issues, to nausea.
How many sessions until I see results?
A course of treatment usually takes 8-10 sessions but individual responses will vary. Some people see the biggest results after their first session, others will need 5-6 treatments to see a breakthrough. For treatment of pain, the results are more dramatic after the first few sessions.
How often can I do acupuncture?
Again, it’s very individual. We recommend up to twice a week for more specific conditions, then you may be able to reduce the frequency to once a week.
How long is an acupuncture session?
Sessions can last anywhere from 30-90 minutes.
Why is there a heat lamp?
At LifeHub, we use a heat lamp for ‘cold syndromes’, identified using Traditional Chinese Medicine. Also, we need to ensure you’re not too cold during the treatment. It also keeps you comfortable and warm when your legs are exposed.
References
1https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/relieving-pain-with-acupuncture
