Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It's based on the concept of balancing the flow of qi (or "life energy") through pathways called meridians. The idea is that by stimulating these points, you can help restore balance and promote healing.
People use acupuncture for a variety of reasons, including pain management, stress relief, and treatment of various health conditions. Scientific evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, but many people report positive outcomes. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or one of our friendly staff to determine if it's a suitable option for you.
Why People Use Acupuncture
Pain Management: Many people seek acupuncture for pain relief, including chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and migraines. It’s believed to stimulate the body’s natural painkillers and promote healing.
Stress Reduction: Acupuncture is often used to help manage stress and anxiety. It can promote relaxation and balance the body's stress response.
Improving Digestion: Some use acupuncture to address digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and nausea.
Enhancing Sleep Quality: Acupuncture can be used to help with insomnia and other sleep disorders by promoting relaxation and addressing underlying imbalances.
Supporting Overall Wellness: Beyond treating specific issues, acupuncture is also used as a preventive measure to maintain balance and health.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body using fine needles. Here’s a more detailed look at what acupuncture does and how it is believed to work:
Stimulates the Nervous System
Neurotransmitter Release: Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system, leading to the release of neurotransmitters and hormones such as endorphins (natural painkillers), serotonin, and dopamine. This can help modulate pain and improve mood.
Pain Modulation: The stimulation of certain acupuncture points can influence the body’s pain pathways, potentially reducing pain perception and altering pain signals.
Promotes Circulation
Improves Blood Flow: Acupuncture can enhance local blood circulation, which helps with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the removal of metabolic waste products.
Healing Support: Better circulation can support the body’s natural healing processes, aiding recovery from injuries or surgeries.
Balances Energy (Qi)
Qi Flow: According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps balance the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), which is considered a vital energy that flows through pathways called meridians. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture aims to restore balance to this energy flow.
Energetic Balance: It is believed that balancing qi can improve overall health and well-being, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
Regulates Bodily Functions
Organ Function: Acupuncture is thought to influence the function of various organs by stimulating corresponding points. This can help regulate systems such as digestion, respiratory function, and endocrine balance.
Homeostasis: The goal is to restore and maintain homeostasis, or the body’s natural equilibrium, which supports overall health and helps prevent illness.
Enhances Immune Function
Immune Response: Some studies suggest that acupuncture can enhance immune function by increasing the production of immune cells and improving the body’s response to pathogens.
Inflammation Reduction: Acupuncture may also help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
Modulates Stress Response
Stress Reduction: Acupuncture can help regulate the body’s stress response by affecting the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation, and reducing levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Emotional Balance: By addressing stress and emotional imbalances, acupuncture can support mental health and overall emotional well-being.
Supports Mental Clarity and Sleep
Improves Sleep: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, acupuncture can help improve sleep quality and address sleep disorders.
Enhances Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that acupuncture may help improve cognitive function and mental clarity by supporting brain health and reducing anxiety.
Overall, while the exact mechanisms of how acupuncture works are still being studied, it is believed to have a multifaceted effect on the body, addressing both physical and mental health issues through a combination of physiological and energetic pathways..
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture is a technique that uses acupuncture to improve the appearance of the skin and reduce signs of aging. The idea is to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, improve circulation, and promote collagen production, which can lead to smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
During a session, a practitioner inserts very fine needles into specific points on the face and sometimes other parts of the body. The goal is to enhance blood flow, increase collagen and elastin production, and promote overall skin health. Some people also find that cosmetic acupuncture can help with issues like acne, rosacea, or puffiness.
While many people report positive results, such as improved skin texture and tone, it’s worth noting that the effectiveness of cosmetic acupuncture can vary from person to person. It’s often used as a complementary treatment alongside other skincare routines and lifestyle changes.
Book an Acupuncture appointment with Dr Eliza Shrestha.
Welcome and thank you for booking an appointment with one of our subcontractors at Thornbury Apothecary. All treatments and services are at our NEW location, 800 High Street, Thornbury 3071. Please select the service or treatment and book in a time with one of our subcontractors.
**Please note there are 24hr cancellation fees of $54 for treatments and services which are NON-REFUNDABLE **
Acupuncture Packages Available
Introductory Special $110
10 pack session means you save $5 each session.
20 pack session means you save $10 each session.