Touching Points Healing Lives
Acupuncture
Open 6 Days a week
Rated 4.9 stars from 335+ reviews
We’re thrilled to announce receiving hundreds of five-star reviews! While we’d love to share these testimonials, regulations from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) prevent us from displaying patient outcomes for regulated services such as Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Podiatry, and Acupuncture on this website. To read client feedback, please visit our Google Reviews directly.
accelerate Your Recovery with Acupuncture
Seasoned Acupuncturist
Experienced acupuncturist dedicated to providing tailored care that meets your individual health needs. With a deep understanding of traditional acupuncture techniques and a holistic approach to healing, they create personalised treatment plans designed to address the root cause of your health concerns. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, stress, or other health issues, their focused and effective care ensures that your well-being is always the top priority. Learn more about their qualifications and expertise in the detailed profile below.
5-Star Excellence
This collective is proud to showcase hundreds of heartfelt 5-star Google reviews, reflecting the unwavering dedication of practitioners to excellence and patient satisfaction. Each review tells a story of trust, exceptional care, and the meaningful connections individual practitioners have built with those they serve.
Money-Back Guarantee
100% money-back guarantee within 14 days if their service doesn’t meet your expectations, providing peace of mind on your health journey. They only take on cases where they are confident they can make a meaningful difference
Decades of Dedication
Since 1990, this collective has been a cornerstone of the community, earning trust and appreciation while joyfully supporting generations of families.
With over 65,500 patients treated, the journey is rich with stories of care, commitment, and lasting relationships.
Patient-Centric Care
In this cozy and welcoming collective hub, a spirit of inclusivity and vibrancy is celebrated. Here, humility meets excellence, and every moment is devoted to patient-centered care.
Your well-being isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything, ensuring you feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Compassionate Care
A warm-hearted approach, fueled by genuine passion, is dedicated to making a positive impact on your life.
Care and support are delivered with a commitment to not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring a nurturing and welcoming experience you’ll truly value.
Acupuncture With a Collaborative Approach
At Brunswick Health, our independent acupuncturist runs their own practice, fully dedicated to providing personalised, results-driven treatment. With a focus on delivering exceptional care, they are committed to tailoring each session to meet your unique needs, ensuring that the highest standard of treatment is always provided.
A key strength of this approach is the ability to tap into the knowledge and expertise of other health professionals within the clinic when needed. While your acupuncture treatment remains the primary focus, collaboration with chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and podiatrists offers valuable insights for more complex cases, ensuring your care is well-rounded without shifting attention away from your acupuncture goals.
Specialising in areas such as pain management, fertility support, and stress relief, the acupuncturist offers comprehensive care designed to support your well-being. When necessary, they can consult with other practitioners to enhance the effectiveness of your acupuncture treatment, while keeping the process focused and centred on your original health objectives.
This integrated approach allows for a seamless experience where your acupuncture sessions remain at the forefront of your care, complemented by the broader expertise available within the clinic when required. You’ll benefit from personalised, attentive service that is enriched by collaboration, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your health and well-being.
Experience acupuncture that is tailored to your individual needs, delivered by a dedicated practitioner who has your success and well-being at heart.
Acupuncturist Chris Doyle
Meet Chris Doyle
Introducing Chris Doyle, a practitioner with over 30 years of experience and a background in traditional Chinese medicine, dedicated to providing exceptional care.
Chris holds multiple certifications, including a Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture, Advanced Diploma in Health Science Acupuncture, and a Diploma in Applied Science Remedial Therapies. He is also a member of the Australian Acupuncture Association, as well as AACMA and ATMS. Known for his mastery in acupuncture, Chris is committed to restoring the body’s natural balance through a variety of techniques.
International Experience and Expertise
Chris’s journey in acupuncture includes significant international experience, particularly during his tenure at Nanning Hospital in China. This experience has enriched his practice, allowing him to combine traditional techniques with modern innovations. His expertise spans multiple acupuncture methods, including Chinese Acupuncture, Japanese Acupuncture, and Laser Acupuncture, catering to a range of client preferences. For those apprehensive about needles, Laser Acupuncture offers a comfortable and effective alternative.
Gentle and Professional Care
With over 30 years of professional experience, Chris is known for his gentle yet professional approach. He has a unique ability to alleviate anxiety and create a calming atmosphere, ensuring clients feel at ease from the moment they enter his practice. This combination of a gentle demeanour and skilful acupuncture application makes him a trusted choice for those seeking relief and balance.
Holistic Approach to Well-Being
Chris’s practice focuses not just on treating symptoms, but on promoting overall health and preventing future ailments. He believes in acupuncture’s ability to activate the body’s self-healing capabilities, offering clients a path to a pain-free and healthier life.
If you’re interested in how acupuncture can support your health and wellness, contact Chris at 03 9380 8099 for more information. Discover a world of relief and balance through his expertise.
Collaborative Care
In addition to Chris’s services, other independent practitioners, including chiropractors, physiotherapists, and myotherapists, are also available and trained in dry-needling techniques. While these practitioners operate independently, they complement the range of holistic health services available, providing clients with a collaborative and integrative approach to care.
Acupuncture Modalities
In his practice, Acupuncturist Chris Doyle skillfully employs a variety of modalities alongside traditional acupuncture to enhance treatment efficacy and address a wide range of health conditions.
Electroacupuncture:
This modality involves applying a small electric current to acupuncture needles once they are inserted, enhancing the stimulation of acupuncture points. It’s often used for pain relief and to address muscle spasms.
Cupping Therapy:
Cupping uses glass or silicone cups placed on the skin to create suction, which helps improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce inflammation.
Moxibustion:
Moxibustion involves burning a small, spongy herb called moxa (made from dried mugwort) near the skin’s surface. This technique is used to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Gua Sha:
This involves using a smooth-edged instrument to scrape across the skin where there is pain or inflammation, improving circulation. Gua Sha is often used to relieve muscle pain and tension.
Acupressure:
Similar to acupuncture but without needles, acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. It’s used to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote overall health and well-being.
Dietary and Lifestyle Advice:
Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chris provides recommendations on diet and lifestyle to support treatment outcomes and promote overall health.
Each of these modalities can be used individually or in conjunction with others, depending on the patient’s needs and the practitioner’s assessment. Chris tailors his approach to each patient, selecting the most appropriate techniques to address specific health concerns and promote optimal wellness.
What to Expect on Your First Acupuncture Visit
Chris Doyle, a seasoned acupuncturist combining traditional and mainstream diagnostic techniques to offer a comprehensive approach to wellness. He welcomes individuals exploring acupuncture’s potential benefits and is committed to addressing any inquiries, ensuring you understand how acupuncture could enhance your well-being.
Your first appointment involves an extensive evaluation, incorporating both time-honoured practices and contemporary medical assessments to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique health concerns and objectives. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation:
Engage in a thorough conversation with Chris about your health history, lifestyle, and specific issues or goals. This discussion may delve into your sleep patterns, diet, emotional well-being, and any symptoms you’re experiencing, utilising a blend of traditional and modern diagnostic approaches.
Examination:
Expect a comprehensive physical examination, including traditional assessments like tongue and pulse evaluations in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), complemented by modern diagnostic methods, providing a holistic understanding of your health.
Personalised Treatment Plan:
Based on insights from both traditional and mainstream diagnostic techniques, Chris will craft a custom treatment plan that identifies the optimal areas for needle insertion and outlines the recommended number of sessions to effectively address your needs.
Acupuncture Treatment:
During your session, Chris will apply ultra-fine, disposable needles with precision and care, ensuring a comfortable experience. These high-quality needles are designed to minimise discomfort, facilitating a relaxing and potentially soothing treatment, even for those new to acupuncture.
Additional Therapies:
Chris may recommend supplementary therapies such as cupping, moxibustion, electro-stimulation, or ear candling, depending on your condition and preferences—especially beneficial for those cautious about needles.
Post-Treatment Discussion:
After your session, there will be time to discuss your treatment experience, anticipated sensations post-treatment, and any questions you might have, laying the groundwork for your ongoing care plan.
Aftercare Guidance:
Chris will provide advice on self-care and lifestyle modifications to complement your acupuncture treatment, including dietary tips, exercise recommendations, and relaxation techniques.
It’s important to note that responses to acupuncture can vary among individuals. Some may experience immediate relief or rejuvenation, while others may observe gradual improvements over time.
Following your initial consultation, you will gain a clearer understanding of your condition, the potential role of acupuncture in your treatment, the root causes of your issues, the expected recovery timeline, preventive measures, and essential lifestyle changes to aid in your recovery.
What to Expect on Your Second Acupuncture Visit
During your second visit, the session will build upon the initial assessment, incorporating both traditional and contemporary approaches to refine your personalised acupuncture treatment plan. Here’s what you can anticipate:
Review and Progress Assessment:
Chris will begin by reviewing your response to the initial treatment, discussing any changes in your symptoms or overall well-being. This review combines traditional observations with modern insights to gauge your progress and adapt the treatment plan as needed.
Detailed Discussion:
You’ll have the opportunity to share any new developments or changes in your condition since your last visit. This dialogue is essential for Chris to tailor the ongoing treatment to your evolving needs, ensuring a holistic approach to your wellness.
Refined Acupuncture Treatment:
Based on your feedback and any new findings, Chris will proceed with the acupuncture treatment, potentially adjusting the points of needle insertion or the treatment focus to better align with your current health status.
Integration of Additional Therapies:
If beneficial, Chris may incorporate or adjust additional therapies such as cupping, moxibustion, or electro-stimulation, further personalising your treatment experience.
Post-Treatment Consultation:
Following the acupuncture session, there will be time to discuss your experience during the treatment and any sensations or improvements you’ve noticed. This is also an ideal moment to address any questions or concerns.
Aftercare and Lifestyle Recommendations:
Chris may provide further aftercare advice or suggest adjustments to your lifestyle and self-care practices to enhance the efficacy of the acupuncture treatments and support your overall health and well-being.
Future Treatment Planning:
You and Chris will discuss the plan for subsequent sessions, adjusting the frequency and focus of treatments as needed to optimise your health outcomes.
It’s important to remember that individual responses to acupuncture can vary. While some individuals may experience immediate relief or a sense of rejuvenation, others may notice more gradual improvements. The second visit is a pivotal step in your ongoing journey with acupuncture, allowing Chris to fine-tune your treatment plan for maximum benefit.
Do I Need a Referral from a Medical Doctor?
You don’t need a medical referral to consult an acupuncturist. Registered acupuncturists function as primary healthcare providers within the realm of complementary and alternative medicine. You can directly schedule an appointment with a qualified practitioner. It’s important to ensure the acupuncturist is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which guarantees they meet the national standards for practice and education. You can easily check the national register here.
Before booking your session, it’s wise to verify the details of your health insurance policy regarding acupuncture treatment coverage.
AHPRA manages the registration process for all qualified health practitioners, such as medical doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and podiatrists. This ensures that registered practitioners meet national standards for education, competence, care quality, and ethical conduct. AHPRA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the quality and integrity of healthcare in Australia.
Is Acupuncture Covered by Health Insurance?
Many health insurance plans offer coverage for acupuncture treatments within their ‘extras’ or ‘supplementary benefits’ category. However, the level of coverage can vary significantly depending on the policy tier you have selected.
To determine exactly what your insurance plan covers for acupuncture, it’s recommended to contact your insurance provider directly. They can provide detailed information specific to your policy, helping you understand your coverage entitlements and any associated out-of-pocket costs for acupuncture services.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
As independent contractors within our collective hub, acupuncturists are committed to delivering a professional, personalised experience for every client seeking acupuncture services. Recognising the importance of trust and satisfaction in healthcare, they offer a Satisfaction Guarantee for all initial consultations. If your first session does not meet your expectations, you are welcome to request a full refund within 14 days of your appointment.
This guarantee reflects the acupuncturists’ confidence in the effectiveness of their care and their dedication to supporting your health journey. By creating personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, they ensure you feel valued and listened to from your very first session. The goal is to provide you with peace of mind and confidence in the natural healing process.
Your well-being is the priority in every session, with a focus on delivering care that aligns with your personal health goals. This strong commitment to excellence builds trust and fosters a professional, supportive environment throughout your treatment.
Diverse Acupuncture Techniques
Chinese & Japanese Acupuncture
Traditional Cupping Therapy
Electro-Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Ear Candling
Acupuncture FAQ's
Browse our general FAQ for quick answers. Didn’t find what you were looking for? Give us a call or send us an email—we’re here to help!
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the precise insertion of ultra-fine needles into the skin at strategic points across the body, reaching varying depths.
Renowned primarily for its effectiveness in pain management and enhancing joint mobility, acupuncture has also gained recognition for its broader therapeutic potential, often yielding unexpectedly positive outcomes, even among skeptics. In China, acupuncture is not only a revered therapeutic practice but also an integral part of pre- and post-operative care, attesting to its perceived benefits in enhancing recovery and overall well-being.
The underlying philosophy of acupuncture is deeply connected with the concept of “qi” (pronounced “chee”), which is understood as a vital force or energy that circulates through meridians—invisible channels within the body. TCM suggests that health issues arise from disruptions or imbalances in the flow of qi. By targeting specific acupuncture points, practitioners aim to restore balance, thereby activating the body’s innate healing mechanisms, enhancing the release of natural analgesics like endorphins, modulating serotonin levels related to mood regulation, and fortifying the immune system.
Despite its ancient origins and widespread acceptance in Eastern cultures, acupuncture’s integration into Western medical practices has been gradual. Often met with skepticism due to differing medical paradigms and the reliance on pharmaceutical interventions, its adoption is nevertheless gaining momentum as more individuals seek holistic and non-pharmacological treatment options.
In countries such as Australia, acupuncture is subject to stringent regulatory standards. This ensures that practitioners are adequately trained and licensed, maintaining the highest levels of professional practice and patient safety. Such regulation not only supports the legitimacy of the practice but also reassures patients of the care quality they can expect from acupuncture treatments.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Pain Management:
Acupuncture treatments are designed to reduce chronic pain and improve mobility. Whether you’re managing back pain, migraines, or arthritis, these sessions aim to support both relief and recovery. Acupuncture can also address joint pain, jaw pain, menstrual cramps, and conditions like fibromyalgia.
Stress and Anxiety Relief:
Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce stress and anxiety. Practitioners use targeted techniques to help you reach a state of relaxation and mental clarity, promoting overall well-being and balance. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing depression or insomnia.
Digestive Health:
Address common digestive issues such as IBS, bloating, and acid reflux with personalised acupuncture care. Practitioners tailor treatment plans to support your digestive health, helping restore comfort and balance to your system. Acupuncture is also known to alleviate nausea and vomiting, including chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Women’s Health:
Specialised acupuncture treatments for women’s health include support for fertility, management of menstrual disorders, and alleviation of menopausal symptoms. These targeted treatments are designed to assist women through various life stages and address reproductive health concerns.
Respiratory Conditions:
Acupuncture can provide relief for respiratory issues, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma, by promoting balance in the body’s immune and respiratory systems.
Neurological Issues:
For individuals undergoing stroke rehabilitation or managing conditions like Bell’s palsy, acupuncture offers a complementary approach that supports recovery and neurological health.
Reproductive Health:
Beyond fertility support, acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles and ease the symptoms of menopause, contributing to hormonal balance and overall reproductive well-being.
Additional Conditions:
Acupuncture is also used to support individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, fatigue, and even addiction withdrawal, including smoking cessation.
Can Acupuncture Help With Chronic Pain?
Acupuncture is increasingly recognised for its effectiveness in managing chronic pain by leveraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Through precise stimulation of acupuncture points, acupuncture helps boost circulation, release endorphins—our natural painkillers—and alleviate inflammation, resulting in significant pain relief and enhanced physical functionality.
Despite skepticism, often dismissing acupuncture as a “placebo effect,” an expanding body of scientific research is beginning to validate its efficacy. In China, acupuncture has long been integrated into mainstream healthcare and trusted by billions. Globally, it is slowly gaining acceptance as research supports its therapeutic potential.
One notable study contributing to this body of evidence is:
Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., … & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455-474. DOI link
This study, along with many others, underscores the potential of acupuncture for chronic pain relief, reflecting its growing acceptance and validation within the global medical community.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points or acupoints, which are believed to lie along meridians or channels that carry vital energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”). The stimulation is typically done using thin, sterile needles that are inserted into the skin. Below is a breakdown of how acupuncture is thought to work from both the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and the Western biomedical perspective:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective:
Balancing Qi:
Acupuncture is based on the principle that health is governed by the flow of Qi through the body. Illness or pain is considered to result from blockages or imbalances in this flow. Acupuncture aims to restore balance and the smooth flow of Qi, thereby promoting health and healing.
Meridian System:
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body has a network of meridians through which Qi flows. Acupoints are located along these meridians, and stimulating these points is believed to influence the organs, systems, and Qi flow related to that meridian, correcting imbalances and promoting overall health.
Western Biomedical Perspective:
Neurological Effects:
Research suggests that acupuncture points are strategic for stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This stimulation can increase blood flow and trigger the release of the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins.
Immune System Modulation:
Some studies indicate that acupuncture can influence the body’s immune responses, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Hormonal Regulation:
Acupuncture may affect the endocrine system, altering the release of hormones that regulate various bodily functions, contributing to pain relief and an improved sense of well-being.
Psychological Impact:
Acupuncture can induce relaxation and stress relief, which are significant factors in overall health and can contribute to the healing process.
While a growing body of scientific research supports acupuncture’s efficacy for certain conditions, the exact mechanisms by which it achieves its effects are still being explored. Its effectiveness is often evaluated in terms of its impact on specific conditions, such as pain relief, stress reduction, and improvement in functional health issues.
Is Acupuncture Treatment Painful?
Acupuncture is generally not considered painful, though individual experiences may vary. Most people feel minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, much finer than those used for injections or blood draws, resulting in significantly less sensation upon insertion.
Some individuals describe feeling a slight prick, tingling, numbness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture points when the needles are inserted and manipulated. These sensations, often referred to as “de qi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, are considered a sign that the treatment is effectively stimulating the body’s energy, or qi.
Any discomfort experienced is typically mild and temporary. In fact, many find acupuncture to be a deeply relaxing experience, with some patients even falling asleep during their sessions. If you have concerns about pain or discomfort, it’s important to discuss them with your acupuncturist before starting treatment. The acupuncturist can adjust techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the session.
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Will I Need?
The number of acupuncture sessions you might need can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
Nature and Severity of the Condition: Chronic or more severe conditions typically require more sessions compared to acute or mild issues.
Duration of the Condition: Long-standing health problems often take longer to respond to acupuncture than recent ones.
Individual Response to Acupuncture: People respond differently to acupuncture, with some experiencing rapid improvement and others needing more time to see benefits.
Overall Health and Lifestyle: Your overall health, lifestyle, and adherence to any additional recommendations from your acupuncturist (such as dietary changes or exercises) can influence the number of sessions required.
Treatment Goals: The specific outcomes you’re hoping to achieve (e.g., pain relief, improved digestion, stress reduction) can also impact the length of the treatment plan.
Typically, a course of acupuncture treatment might start with more frequent sessions, such as once or twice a week, with the possibility of reducing frequency as your condition improves. Some individuals may see significant improvement within a few sessions, while others may require a longer series of treatments, potentially spanning several weeks or months.
After the initial phase of treatment, maintenance sessions may be suggested at less frequent intervals to consolidate the benefits and prevent recurrence.
It’s best to discuss your individual case and treatment expectations with the acupuncturist, who can provide a more tailored estimate based on their assessment and experience.
Will I Receive a Personalised Treatment Plan?
Certainly! Each treatment plan is meticulously personalised to align with your specific needs and goals. Your acupuncturist will work closely with you to develop a strategy that is both effective and adaptable to your lifestyle, ensuring it is realistic and sustainable for long-term success.
Can Acupuncture Help Prevent Illness?
Acupuncture can play a key role in illness prevention by fostering balanced energy flow and enhancing overall well-being. By maintaining optimal energy circulation, acupuncture supports the body’s ability to sustain vitality, much like the natural resilience often found in younger individuals.
Acupuncture treatments are known to alleviate stress and strengthen the immune system. This combination of stress reduction, improved energy flow, and immune support promotes a state of robust health, helping the body become more resistant to illnesses commonly associated with stress and imbalance.
By nurturing the body’s natural capacity to maintain wellness, acupuncture helps reduce the likelihood of illness and encourages a more vibrant, healthy lifestyle.
Can I See a Acupuncturist When Pregnant?
Acupuncture is widely recognised as a safe and beneficial practice during pregnancy when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. Acupuncturists with expertise in prenatal care are skilled in using techniques tailored to pregnant women, offering relief from common pregnancy-related issues such as back pain, pelvic pain, nausea, and difficulty walking.
This approach gently and effectively addresses discomforts by targeting specific points known to alleviate tension, improve circulation, and balance the body’s energy flow, promoting overall well-being for both mother and baby. Special care is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of the pregnant patient, with modifications made as needed to accommodate the changing body and avoid any acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Additionally, acupuncture can provide holistic support by addressing not only physical symptoms but also the emotional and hormonal changes that often accompany pregnancy. By fostering relaxation and balance, acupuncture can contribute to a more comfortable and harmonious pregnancy experience.
Can I See a Acupuncturist For Fertility?
Acupuncture is increasingly sought after as a complementary approach to enhancing fertility, with many individuals and couples finding it beneficial in their journey toward conception. It is believed to improve fertility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and reducing stress, all of which contribute to a more favourable environment for conception.
At our central health hub, you benefit from an integrated care approach tailored to your fertility needs. Chris, an experienced acupuncturist, collaborates closely with Carmen Farrugia, a naturopath who specialises in fertility and brings her expertise as a midwife. This collaborative approach from independent practitioners ensures that your treatment plan is holistic, combining the best of Traditional Chinese Medicine and naturopathic principles, while also taking into account the latest insights in fertility health.
Together, Chris and Carmen develop a personalised treatment strategy that not only focuses on enhancing fertility through acupuncture but also incorporates naturopathic solutions to improve your overall health and well-being. This may include dietary advice, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes, all aimed at optimising your fertility potential.
This integrated approach offers comprehensive support for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of fertility. Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or have been navigating it for some time, the combined efforts of Chris and Carmen provide valuable support and potentially enhance your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Can I See a Acupuncturist To Induce Labour?
Yes, you can consult an acupuncturist to help induce labour, especially as you approach or go past your due date. Acupuncture is often sought by pregnant women as a natural method to potentially encourage the onset of labour. It is believed to stimulate the body in ways that may help ripen the cervix, enhance uterine muscle contractions, and promote both relaxation and emotional readiness for childbirth.
When considering acupuncture for labour induction, it’s essential to choose a practitioner who is experienced in working with pregnant women and familiar with the specific points that are believed to support this process. Before proceeding, it is highly recommended to consult your healthcare provider or midwife to ensure that acupuncture is a safe and appropriate option for you and your baby, given your unique pregnancy circumstances.
Acupuncture sessions aimed at inducing labour typically focus on acupoints thought to encourage uterine activity and stimulate the body’s natural progression towards labour. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of acupuncture can vary from person to person. Some women may respond quickly to treatment, while others may not notice significant changes.
If you’re considering acupuncture as a method to help induce labour, discussing it with your healthcare provider and ensuring you seek treatment from a qualified acupuncturist who specialises in pregnancy and childbirth is crucial. While it can be a useful and natural part of your labour preparation, it’s important to manage expectations and understand that results may vary depending on individual circumstances.
What Should I Wear to an Acupuncture Session?
For your acupuncture appointment, we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access to areas that may require treatment. Shorts are suitable for lower body treatments, while a loose t-shirt works well for upper body areas. However, if you’re coming directly from work or are unable to wear such clothing, gowns are provided for your convenience. This ensures you can still receive effective treatment comfortably, regardless of your attire.
Can I Continue to Exercise or Play Sports During My Treatment?
This will vary based on your specific health concerns. Your acupuncturist will provide guidance on which activities you can safely engage in and which ones you should avoid throughout your acupuncture treatment. This personalised advice ensures that your treatment remains effective while preventing any potential interference or worsening of your condition.
Acupuncture Versus Dry Needling
Acupuncture and dry needling, while both involving the insertion of needles, are distinct practices with different philosophies, techniques, and applications.
Acupuncture:
- Origins and Philosophy: Acupuncture is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a history spanning thousands of years. It is based on the concept of Qi (vital energy) flowing through meridians in the body. The primary goal is to balance Qi to improve overall health and well-being.
- Technique: Fine needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points along the meridians to address Qi imbalances.
- Applications: Acupuncture is versatile, addressing a wide array of conditions such as pain, stress, anxiety, and digestive issues, following TCM principles.
- Training: Acupuncturists typically undergo extensive training, often 4-5 years, to study both TCM and acupuncture techniques.
Dry Needling:
- Origins and Philosophy: Dry needling, or intramuscular stimulation, is a more contemporary practice grounded in Western anatomy and neurophysiology. Unlike acupuncture, it does not incorporate TCM principles and focuses on muscle pain and tension.
- Technique: Needles are inserted directly into muscle trigger points to release tension, relieve pain, and address spasms.
- Applications: Primarily used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle tightness, spasms, and myofascial pain.
- Training: Professionals like chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and myotherapists can perform dry needling after completing shorter, specialised courses.
Key Differences:
- Philosophical Foundation: Acupuncture is based on ancient TCM concepts, focusing on balancing the body’s energy. Dry needling, on the other hand, relies on Western medical principles and targets specific muscle issues.
- Point Selection: Acupuncturists use TCM theory to select points along meridians, while dry needling focuses on anatomical muscle trigger points.
- Purpose and Scope: Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to a wide range of health concerns, while dry needling is more focused on relieving localised musculoskeletal discomfort.
Both acupuncture and dry needling provide unique benefits, but they are distinct practices with different goals. The choice between the two depends on individual needs, treatment objectives, and the expertise of the practitioner.
What's The Difference Between Chinese & Japanese Acupuncture?
What is Ear Candling?
The ear candling technique utilises a specially crafted hollow candle, made from natural fibers infused with beeswax and a blend of therapeutic herbs, to create a gentle suction effect in the ear canal. This mild vacuum is intended to aid in the removal of earwax and impurities, potentially enhancing ear health.
The quality of the ear candle is crucial for ensuring both safety and efficacy. Poorly made candles can pose risks, such as wax dripping into the ear, which could lead to burns or even perforations. To mitigate these risks, our clinic uses high-quality ear candles, meticulously crafted in Germany according to a traditional Hopi Indian recipe. These candles are composed of a pure linen roll impregnated with 100% beeswax and medicinal herbs, including sage, St. John’s wort, and chamomile, all of which are sourced from certified organic producers and free from environmental toxins like pesticides and fungicide residues.
For added safety, our ear candles feature an eco-friendly, cross-shaped linen barrier designed to prevent any liquid wax or excess condensation from entering the ear. This ensures a safer and more comfortable experience. Additionally, our candles are CE-certified (93/42-EEC) for medical devices in Europe, a rare distinction in the global ear candling market. They are regularly tested in an independent laboratory in Germany to meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
Our experienced Acupuncturist follows best practice protocols, utilising these practitioner-grade, certified ear candles to deliver a safe and effective ear candling experience while minimising any potential risks.
Useful Resource Links
Resource links
To find out more about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine you can check out these links:
Contact Us Today
We are conveniently located in the heart of Brunswick for easy access to all local residents.
Address: 1/68 Melville Road Brunswick, VIC 3055
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Areas We Serve
Brunswick, Brunswick West, Brunswick East, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Parkville, Coburg, Carlton, Fitzroy, Pascoe Vale South, Pascoe Vale, Thornbury, Northcote.
Registered Health Providers
