What is acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healing method dating back over 2000 years and is widely used around the world to treat many health conditions. 

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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine facilitates the body's natural ability to restore the natural flow of energy, commonly referred to as Qi. Good health depends on the quality of free flowing energy and blood throughout our bodies pathways, generally referred to as meridians. 

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This energy and blood flow is easily affected by everyday lifestyle choices, such as sedentary lifestyles (office jobs or lack of exercise), body clock irregularities (shift work) or poor nutritional choices. Health conditions, pain or emotional disturbances can all arise from this impaired free flow of energy resulting in imbalances, blockages, excesses or deficiencies. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine is effective in restoring the body back to its normal balance and promoting relaxation. 

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Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of incredibly fine single use disposable needles. The needles are inserted into different locations on the body’s surface, called Acupoints or meridians. Some needles may produce a gentle sensation and rarely will they create pain. Acupuncture in certain conditions is reported as a safe and cost effective treatment option with no to minimal reported side effects unless performed unsafely. 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

A large amount of research has been conducted to investigate how acupuncture works at a physiological level. The areas which have been studied most are the effects of acupuncture in relieving pain and inflammation. However many other physiological effects of acupuncture have been identified including modifying cardiovascular functions, gastric acidity and motility, bladder pressure, as well as many other actions.

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Among the most common actions of acupuncture is regulating the balance between the sympathetic (fight and flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. Increasing parasympathetic activation produces relaxation, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, improved sleep patterns and enhanced digestion.

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How does acupuncture relieve pain?

Acupuncture relieves pain via a series of complex signalling pathways, mediators and receptors. When an acupuncture point is stimulated (for example on the hand or foot) a signal travels up the spine to the brain stem and brain where a series of interactions are triggered between particular brain centres. This is known as the “mesolimbic loop of acupuncture analgesia” and involves numerous brain centres and mediators including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin and endogenous opioids such as endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins and endomorphins. To date over 30 chemical mediators have been identified as participants in this process. The completion of the mesolimbic loop then triggers another signal which descends to the dorsal horn of the spine producing a pain relieving effect. For those who are interested in the details of the physiology, a number of excellent review articles have been published in recent years.

Zhang et al 2014 – Mechanisms of acupuncture in persistent pain

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On The Road Acupuncture have a special interest and passion in assisting patients who suffer from: 

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• Stress, Anxiety and Depression

• Women's Health Conditions

• Fatigue and Immune support

• Digestive Conditions

• Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions

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Book in for an appointment today.

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If you have any questions about Acupuncture, please don't hesitate to contact Fiona Franklin our principle acupuncturist on 0403 504 628.  

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Or book an appointment today.