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Acupuncture - Commonly Asked Questions
How does acupuncture work?
The modern scientific explanation, based on many studies, is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will have a local effect on the injured tissue and also a more generalised systemic effect on the body itself. They can change the experience of pain, and trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the healing of the injury and the body's own internal regulating system.
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy (Qi) run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers, caused by DPI, is like a dam that backs up in others. This obstruction can be caused by factors associated with DPI, such as muscle tightness/spasm or by swelling in the case of more acute injuries.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help reduce DPI and also encourage the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
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What are the needles like? Do they hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. You can expect to feel no or only a very minor needle-like discomfort when the needle is inserted, and once the acupuncture point is reached you will feel a more generalised spreading, aching or numbing sensation. This is usually a pleasant sensation but it can be more intense, again depending on the presentation of your problem.
Acupuncture needles are sterile, very sharp, thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The actual point is solid and has no cutting edges like a hypodermic needle therefore insertion through the skin is not painful like injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is also much less than when using a hollow needle.
Because your physiotherapist utilises single-use disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments. Apart from the obvious benefits of using single-use disposable needles this will allow you to give blood after and during the period of treatment if you are a registered blood donor.
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How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. It is our experience that people respond differently to Acupuncture. Unfortunately, Acupuncture will not help everyone; the reason for this is unknown and cannot be predicted prior to treatment.
At WSP we believe that you should see a noticeable improvement in your problem within 4 or 5 sessions, over a 2 week period. If there is no improvement at all then Acupuncture would be discontinued. However, provided some improvement has occurred then more complex or long-standing conditions may require one or two treatments a week for several weeks or months. For acute problems, fewer visits are required.
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Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Side effects are very rare and are limited to minor bleeding which stops within seconds or sometimes the needle may leave a bruise. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated. Occasionally the original symptoms can worsen for 12-24 hours, this is a good sign as it shows that the Acupuncture has had an effect and will usually be followed by an improvement in your problem over the next day or two.
Other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
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Does acupuncture really work?
From our experience and from reading evidence based studies on Acupuncture then we believe that, when used at the right time and on the right condition, it has the capability to help with your problem. Research has shown it to be more effective, than anti-inflammatory medication, in reducing pain and increasing function in people who have osteoarthritis (degeneration) of the knee.
It is also very effective in reducing DPI when combined with other physiotherapy techniques such as mobilisation, manipulation, exercises and advice and education and also importantly when used at the right time.
Unfortunately, Acupuncture will not help everyone; the reason for this is unknown and cannot be predicted prior to treatment. At WSP we believe that you should see a noticeable improvement in your problem within 4 or 5 sessions, over a 2 week period. If there is no improvement then Acupuncture would be discontinued.
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Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No, we have used it successfully on people who have a positive, neutral or negative attitude. Also remember at WSP it is used within a treatment programme which will also include other Physiotherapy techniques such as mobilisation, manipulation, exercises and advice and education.
Acupuncture is also used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients obviously have no opinion on Acupuncture or its effectiveness and actually seem to relax during treatment.
However it may be that a positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture as it would any other treatment. Most people seem to have a neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this") and we would expect to see a noticeable improvement within 4 or 5 sessions, over a 2 week period.
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Are there any “do’s” and “don’ts” for me on the day of a treatment?
DO: - Eat and drink regularly as normal, especially prior to your treatment
- Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor or specialist
- Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment, including your DPI or other unexpected reactions
- Give time to adjust to the possible strong generalised effects following acupuncture. Acupuncture can decrease blood pressure or make you feel ‘strange’. Allow time to sit in the clinic to relax following treatment.
DON’T: - Organise an important business meeting or plan to drive a long distance after your treatment. Acupuncture can make you sleepy or drowsy for 12-24 hours following treatment.
- Consider Acupuncture if you are or maybe pregnant. Certain points are contraindicated in pregnancy and its use would have to be carefully considered prior to beginning treatment
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Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
Because the Acupuncture is performed by a Physiotherapist it is covered by ACC and most other private insurance companies that have an allowance for physiotherapy treatment.
If in doubt then it would be advisable to check with your insurance company to ensure that it is covered.
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