Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique which aims to harness the body’s innate self healing capabilities to bring about a positive change. It does this by using fine, sterile needles, heat or pressure to stimulate specific points on the body known as acu-points.
Developed in Asia over 2000 years ago, acupuncture is now practiced all over the world. It is a surprisingly relaxing treatment which should leave you feeling grounded with a heightened sense of well-being.
Over the years we have found people come to us for acupuncture for a variety of reasons including:
- Pain Managemnt- Including muscular pains or injuries, menstrual pain, migraine management, joint or arthritic pains
- Menstrual Health disorders including endometriosis and PCOS
- Natural fertility and IVF support
- Digestive disorders
- Anxiety and stress management
The most common question we get about acupuncture is ‘so, how does acupuncture work?’
In Chinese medicine terms we think of acupuncture as tapping into our Qi (vital energy) and Shen (spirit or consciousness). We choose acu-points based on their energetic function in the body, for example we may select a point to nourish Blood or tonify the ‘Kidney Qi’ in cases of depletion, or points that “Clear Damp or Heat, or invigorate Qi or Blood” in cases of stagnation. When addressing injury or pain we like to think of acupuncture as guiding the body’s healing awareness to the site, switching off tight muscles, clearing inflammation and restoring energy flow.
Western studies have found acu-points to be sites with a higher density of nerve endings and other micro-vessels. You can think of these points as nodes of high neurological input which conduct the body’s bioelectrical impulses. When activated they cause a specific, biochemical change in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
We choose what points to stimulate, and therefore what messages to send to your body, based on your answers to our questions plus what your pulse, tongue and abdomen are telling us. Once stimulated it’s over to your body to respond.
There are acu-points located all over the body. The ones we use most frequently are situated on the limbs, ankles, wrists, abdomen and back. When stimulated, these points can elicit a specific healing response in the body, clearing stress hormones, boosting energy levels and naturally bringing the body back into balance. Drug free.
The second most common question is ‘does acupuncture hurt?’
The answer is an honest no, it really shouldn’t. Sometimes you will experience a dull ache when the point is activated (this sensation is called ‘deqi’ or ‘the arrival of qi’) or a twinge if a muscle releases, but it will only last a second. It should not at any time feel like an injection.
At Quiescence we practice gentle acupuncture techniques. We use the finest quality needles that allow for painless and effective treatments. For those who do not feel comfortable receiving acupuncture, we have many needle free techniques including moxa, cupping, guasha massage and ‘non-insertive’ Japanese acupuncture tools at our disposal.
We have seen many ‘needle phobic’ people through our doors over the years who have all become acupuncture converts. Trusting in the process; benefiting from its effects.
What to expect after acupuncture
Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing. It is common to feel calm, relaxed and grounded after an acupuncture treatment. Some people report a heightened sense of energy, while others can feel an overwhelming urge to sleep. In these cases it is likely due to the dramatic drop in stress hormones that are experienced during a treatment. If your baseline energy levels are low you will notice the lack of adrenaline keeping you going. If this happens to you, listen to your body, rest well and you will experience a significant healing process and a much calmer, sustainable sense of wellbeing.
To see the full price list please click here.
All our practitioners are registered with AHPRA and as such are covered by most major health care providers. You can claim on the spot with our hicaps machine.
We offer a 20% discount off the costs of acupuncture treatments and herbal consultations to health care card holders and students.
There are many different techniques and schools of thought within acupuncture and we are fortunate here at Quiescence to have excellent practitioners who all have their own unique ways of treating.
For more information please see our practitioner page or call the clinic.