Should I Fear
Acupuncture?


Acupuncture has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, despite its well-deserved spotlight many people remain apprehensive or even fearful of acupuncture.

By understanding the reasons behind your apprehension and learning about the benefits and safety of acupuncture, you can make an informed decision about whether to explore this holistic approach.

Fear of Needles

One of the reasons people are hesitant about acupuncture is a fear of needles. The thought of having needles piercing your skin can be extremely intimidating. However, if you know what to expect from an acupuncture treatment, anxiety can be managed.

Acupuncture needles differ significantly from hypodermic needles used for injections or blood draws. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, approximately the width of a human hair, and are crafted to be nearly painless when expertly inserted by our highly trained practitioner.

Many of our patients report feeling little to no discomfort during acupuncture treatments. The sensation is often described as a slight tingling or a dull ache, and any discomfort typically subsides quickly.

Safety Concerns

Individuals may have concerns regarding the potential for infection or injury resulting from acupuncture needles. Our licensed acupuncturist adheres to rigorous hygiene and safety standards. In our clinic we apply single-use, sterile needles that are discarded after each use, mitigating the risk of infection. Acupuncture is widely regarded as a highly safe practice.

Fear of Pain

Many individuals are worried about the potential pain associated with acupuncture. However, acupuncture is generally regarded as a therapy with minimal discomfort or pain.

The sensation encountered during acupuncture differs significantly from the sharp pain commonly associated with injections or other medical procedures. Many of our patients find acupuncture sessions to be profoundly soothing, with any discomfort usually being mild and transient.

Doubts Regarding Effectiveness

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, and continues to be used throughout the world by millions of people every day. In recent decades, there has been increasing evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrating that acupuncture exerts significant therapeutic effects on treatment outcomes.

While it may not be a cure-all, many people find relief from pain, stress, indigestion, and other ailments through acupuncture.

Doubts about Education and Acreditation

In Australia, acupuncturists are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) which is governed by the  Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agent (AHPRA) a central government  regulatory body.

According to the course accreditation standards, acupuncture programs studied at the bachelor level must have a minimum of 4 years’ training, in contrast to the standard 3-year bachelor’s degree in science and biomedicine in Australia.

Our practitioner is a registered ‘ACUPUNCTURIST’. She completed a 5-year double-bachelor-degree, divided equally between theory, clinical practice, and study of Western medical sciences. She also attended an internship program at a prestigious hospital in NanJing (China).

Tips to Make the Most of Your Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, despite its well deserved spotlight many people remain apprehensive or even fearful of acupuncture.

By understanding the reasons behind your apprehension and learning about the benefits and safety of acupuncture, you can make an informed decision about whether to explore this holistic approach.

Turn off your mobile phone

Turning off your phone during your appointment helps eliminate distractions, allowing you to fully engage in your treatment or therapy and be more receptive to the guidance and support provided by the therapist. Without the constant buzz of notifications and the urge to check your messages or social media, you can relax and focus on the present moment.

Take time off before and after acupuncture

When scheduling your acupuncture appointment, ensure you’re not involved in overly stressful activities immediately before or after. Also, avoid overbooking yourself on the day of your appointment, as maintaining a relaxed state during the acupuncture treatment is essential.

Dress appropriately for your acupuncture treatment
  1. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up, particularly if you are wearing pants or long sleeves. This will allow the acupuncturist to access the areas being treated. Areas that commonly need to be accessed include: from the knees down, from the elbow to the fingertips, and the neck and shoulders.
  2. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that limits mobility and breathing. Consider layered pieces you can add or remove to regulate your body temperature as needed.
  3. Wear fresh, clean clothes without heavy odours .
  4. Avoid strong fragrances from perfumes, colognes, or scented products. These can be distracting or overpowering in the treatment room.
Avoid stimulants on the day of your treatment

Avoid any stimulants on the day of your appointment. These include: coffee, black and green tea, matcha, yerba mate, energy drinks that contain caffeine, chocolate, cocoa, Coca-Cola, nicotine, prescription drugs, herbs like ginseng, guarana, gotu-cola, supplements containing: taurine, carnitine and B-complex vitamins, foods containing flavour enhancers.

Stimulants, whether natural or synthetic, are psychoactive substances known to heighten alertness, elevate heart rate and blood pressure, induce anxiety, and potentially trigger arrhythmias. They can prompt the body’s fight-or-flight response, which acupuncture aims to mitigate.

Drink plenty of water and eat before your treatment

Avoid going to your appointment on an empty stomach to prevent feeling lightheaded. Eat a small meal two hours before your acupuncture treatment.

Stay well-hydrated before your session. This can help improve the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment.