Everything you need to know about Acupuncture | Acupuncture FAQ
We hope you find the answers here to everything you need to know about acupuncture! If you have any further questions please reach out to our clinic on (03) 8394 7665.
What does acupuncture do?
Acupuncture points are used to stimulate the central nervous system. This in turn stimulates the release of chemicals into the muscles, spine, and brain.
These chemical changes can help heal the body, whilst encouraging mental and physical well-being.
This is why acupuncture can be used in a wide variety of situations, from fertility and pregnancy to skin healing and endometriosis.
Why do I feel so good after acupuncture?
As modern medical researchers continue to study the effects of acupuncture, they have found that the needles used in traditional Chinese medicine stimulate the release of endorphin, a naturally occurring painkiller in the body.
Endorphins are released not only during physical exercise, but also during sexual intercourse, childbirth, and falling in love. Acupuncture can help relieve stress and anxiety and may have many numerous positive health benefits.
Why should you trust us and not another acupuncture clinic?
You can be confident in the level of care and professionalism you will receive at Qi Medicine.
It is not only your results that matter- but we deeply care about our professionalism and reputation as the best in our industry.
We have been in the business of providing exceptional quality health solutions for more than 20 years and guarantee to provide you with only the best solutions possible.
- Full client care team here to support you 6 days per week.
- A tailored treatment plan to help you achieve your specific goals.
- Off-peak discount times through the week and HICAPS claiming.
- A 20-year established clinic with deep connections with all the best health professionals in the area.
- A combined wealth of over 80 years’ experience within our team of close doctors.
- Easy access and parking available.
What should I do to prepare for my session?
- Wear loose, comfy clothing.
- Avoid stimulants like coffee, sugar, and no alcohol.
- Avoid too much or too little food in the stomach- but always have something in your belly.
- Bring some water and snacks- clients often report feeling hungry and thirsty afterwards!
- Don’t exercise or do anything too strenuous after your session- you’ll be in healing and recovery mode for the next 12-24 hours.
What should you expect from your first session?
We want to make it as quick, easy and cost-effective for you to get to your goals. This is important to us as we really care about your outcomes, and we care about getting results!
You’ll meet with your doctor after you have pre-filled in your intake form online (24 hours before your session), describing you, your health history and your health goals.
You will get the most out of your session if you arrive early, enjoy a light refreshment, and begin to unwind from the bustle of the day.
A consultation will then follow where your doctor will determine your problem and the reasons for it, followed by a deeply relaxing acupuncture session, after which you will notice an immediate change.
A treatment plan will be discussed with you detailing a simple yet effective plan to get you out of the struggle you may be facing, and towards your health goals.
An ongoing time will be reserved for you with your doctor with the minimum requirement for appointments to get great results.
What happens to your body after acupuncture?
The most common side effect of acupuncture is improved sleep, increased energy, reduced stress, improved digestion, and a general feeling of well-being.
Some people experience one or several of these benefits regularly and depending on the type of treatment these after-effects may vary.
Why have I been recommended one or more acupuncture sessions per week?
As you may well know, acupuncture doesn’t work in just one session.
Plus the after-effects of acupuncture generally remain strongest 2-3 days after a session.
After this, the impact may lessen, and results may begin to fade.
Receiving a session weekly or several times per week will ensure the strongest response in the body, which in turn can lead to a shortening the treatment timeline.
This means the changes we are looking to support in the body have the best chance of working with more frequent sessions.
‘Stretching out’ treatment to fortnightly or monthly will result in a far more diluted result and may be ineffective in some cases.
How long after acupuncture do you see results?
During your initial visit, your acupuncture practitioner will set out a treatment plan based on your needs.
This will include the recommended number of sessions based on the results you are seeking, plus any herbs, supplements, dietary, and lifestyle changes.
The length of time needed for it to work depends on what medical problem is being treated and the type of acupuncture being used.
For example, people suffering from pain, anxiety, or stress will normally notice a reduction in their symptoms after the first 8 sessions. For more chronic disorders treatment may take several months.
If you would like to support the best possible results, follow the treatment plan set out for you by your Chinese medicine doctor.
What are the side effects of acupuncture?
Side effects of acupuncture are minimal but sometimes may include:
- Sensitivity at needle insertion site
- A small amount of bleeding or bruising where the needles are placed
- Drowsiness
- Some numbness or tingling at the insertion site
- Feeling dizzy or faint
All of these are transient and will be managed at the time of treatment by your health professional.
What should I avoid after acupuncture?
You should avoid vigorous exercise, coffee, junk food, alcohol, and stress. Where possible, you should also avoid cold temperatures, digital screens, and stressful situations.
If you feel lightheaded or dizzy after an appointment, you should relax in our waiting room with a snack and a drink before jumping in a car to drive home.
How long do the benefits of acupuncture last?
The benefits of acupuncture may last for weeks, months, or even years in some cases.
However, depending on the condition that you are being treated for, how severe your symptoms are, and your medical history, the length of time you might benefit from treatment could vary greatly.
Some people may see longer-lasting benefits than others.
Everything you need to know about cosmetic acupuncture | Cosmetic acupuncture FAQ
What can I expect in the cosmetic acupuncture treatment?
Once you have booked, a comprehensive intake form will be sent to you to fill out before your appointment.
When you arrive and have had a tea, you will be taken to one of our relaxing treatment rooms by your practitioner.
Your practitioner will then sit down and go over your skin history, current skin issues, skin goals, as well as some general health questions to help them devise a Chinese Medicine treatment plan for you.
Next you’ll get onto the bed, ready to relax, and your practitioner will start a your treatment with a traditional jade stone facial, followed by acupuncture on both your body and your face.
It is best to come with a clean face, with no make up, and comfortable, loose clothing.
How often do I need to get cosmetic acupuncture done?
Just like general health acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture works best as an on going treatment plan to get you to your skin goals.
We recommend to start off with 12 sessions weekly, then you can do maintenance ever 3-4 weeks.
And if you have a special occasion coming up (wedding/birthday), we can get you in for some weekly treatments before the big day!
Are there any side effects of cosmetic acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture at Qi Medicine is done by registered and experience practitioners and so it is very safe.
Some common side effects may include localised pain of needle insertion and on rarer occasions, small bruising.
Does cosmetic acupuncture hurt?
Less than getting a wax or having skin needling!
The needles are super fine and with fast needling technique, there may be some localised pain on insertion which usually can’t be felt after a moment or two.
Can I have cosmetic acupuncture done if I have botox or fillers?
Absolutely, but we recommend you wait at least 2-3 weeks after your botox or fillers to allow them to settle in first.
Please make your practitioner aware of any work you have had to your face in your appointment.