Does acupuncture hurt?

When done by a registered and experienced practitioner acupuncture should not hurt. However, some points are more sensitive than others. Some points may have a little sting upon insertion then the sensation will quickly dissipate. After the needles have been inserted, common sensations of acupuncture are heaviness, numbness and a sense of relaxation. Treatment as a whole should be relaxing involving some quiet peaceful time in a comfortable environment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture on the whole is a very safe treatment. However, acupuncture does involve some risk. Due to the fact acupuncture involves skin penetration the risk of infection is present. If an acupuncturist uses standard hygienic procedures during treatment, such risks will reduce significantly.

Another risk of acupuncture is a pneumothorax. This is when the space between the lungs and chest cavity is punctured by an acupuncture needle. This is a rare occurrence. It may occur when acu-points around the upper back, chest or shoulders are used. One sure way to avoid a pneumothorax is to only use points on the arms and legs, commonly done at Gardenvale acupuncture.

How long does an acupuncture treatment take?

About 30 minutes. It might take a little longer depending on what we are treating. If you are relaxed and comfortable we like to retain the acupuncture for 30-40 minutes. If it’s an acute condition and the patient  is quite uncomfortable or anxious we’ll reduce the treatment time. After the acupuncture is performed we give each patient a buzzer button. That way if they are ever uncomfortable they can please the buzzer and the practitioner will attend shortly. 

Are the practitioners qualified and registered?

Yes, all practitioners at Gardenvale Acupuncture are registered acupuncturists with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). All practitioners are members of a professional association and have appropriate professional indemnity insurance. An acupuncture qualification is a four year Bachelors degree.

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Acupuncture treats the whole body rather than just a local issue. If we are treating pain for example, we won’t necessarily use acupuncture in that painful spot. We’ll use an area away from the pain in an attempt to send a signal to the midbrain to get it to turn the pain response down or off. Hence we attempt to facilitate the body to heal itself.    

Dry needling is a term describing local needling into myo-fascia trigger points. These are areas in the body which are tender and emanate sensation when needled. Such techniques have been used as a component of acupuncture since its inception. Acupuncture can both be used as a localised needling or distal needling. Local sore points are referred to as Ahshi points. These represent something quite similar to trigger points. Generally, acupuncture will be less sensitive than dry needling, as an acupuncturist will have had extensive training and significant experience.

Will you do acupuncture in the area of my pain?

Not necessarily. Acupuncture is often more effective when practised distally or away from an injury or painful sight. This way we can perhaps move the painful area or palpate it to see if there is an improvement. This also negates the risk of make the condition worse which sometimes happens with local needling. 

How much does a treatment cost?

All of our current pricing is accessible on the Gardenvale Acupuncture website. The only variance may be if herbs are applicable and for how long they are  prescribed for.

Can I claim my acupuncture treatment?

If you have the appropriate extras for your health insurance, you can claim through our HICAPS terminal. Currently there is no option to claim acupuncture through Medicare, including chronic health care plans.  

How many treatments will I need?

This will depend on this issue at hand. Something acute like a back strain or a sore neck might  only take a few treatments to resolve. However chronic conditions may require extensive sessions to help. A treatment plan will be discussed during the initial consultation.

How long is an acupuncture session?

For the initial consultation we allocate 1 hour. The actual acupuncture treatment will usually take between 30 and 40 minutes.

How does acupuncture work?

This is a bit of a tricky question.  From a biomedical perspective there are only theories as to how acupuncture works.  Traditional theory talks about channels or pathways called meridians, these could be considered a network of interrelated tissues providing a signal network.  Stimulating one of these channels may have the following response:

1. Neurotransmitter and Endorphin Release

Acupuncture stimulates peripheral nerves, particularly A-delta and C-fibers, which send signals to the spinal cord and brain. This can trigger the release of:

  • Endorphins and enkephalins (natural painkillers)
  • Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which affect mood and pain perception

These biochemical changes help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.

2. Modulation of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

Functional MRI (fMRI) studies show that acupuncture can modulate activity in the brainstem, limbic system, and cortical areas involved in pain and emotion. This suggests it alters how the brain processes sensory information and regulates autonomic responses.

3. Local Tissue Effects

At the site of needling:

  • Microtrauma triggers a local immune response, increasing blood flow and promoting tissue repair.
  • Adenosine, a molecule with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, is released.
  • Myofascial release may also occur, reducing muscle tension and improving mobility.

4. Immune and Anti-Inflammatory Response

Acupuncture can down regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-? and IL-1?) and up regulate anti-inflammatory markers, helping to modulate chronic inflammation.

5. Autonomic Nervous System Regulation

Studies show acupuncture affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, helping to:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Lower heart rate and blood pressure
  • Improve digestion and sleep

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe, can I take other medications at the same time?

Chinese herbal medicine is relatively safe, this practice usually involves multiple herbs used together in a formula. This means the dosage of all the  particular herbs is kept low. Herbs can have side-affects such as minor digestive complaints, however this can be rectified by your practitioner. It is possible for Chinese herbs to interact with existing medications and supplements. It’s important you inform your practitioner of all existing medications to reduce this risk.

What types of products do the herbs come in?

Granules

The herbs come in a granule product. These are mixed with warm water, usually about 40ml, then it’s down the hatch. We do offer the service of capsulating the granules. These can then just be swallowed with water. 

Capsulated powders

We also have a select number of herbs in powder form. These are capsulated and available from the font desk. There are a number of pre-made formulas for common complaints:

  • Sleep
  • Stress
  • Common cold
  • Bloating 

Tinctures 

The tinctures are raw herbs that have been soaked in alcohol and water. The liquid is then drained and bottled. These are a lighter potency and are often used in conjunction with other herbal medicine and supplements. 

Our range includes:

  • Bowel Moving
  • Period Drops
  • Digestive
  • Stress

Do the herbs taste awful?

Yes… well not all of them, but some are a tad bitter. But remember, if they were really tasty perhaps they might not be so good for you. If you find the taste of the granules a tad unpleasant, then don’t forget there are the alternative above to make things easier.