Western medical acupuncture is an adaptation of traditional Chinese acupuncture using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, and the principles of evidence based medicine. It is performed by a medical practitioner, like your GP.

While Western medical acupuncture has evolved from Chinese acupuncture, its practitioners no longer adhere to concepts such as Yin/Yang and circulation of qi, and regard acupuncture as an adjunct to conventional medicine.

Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin, muscle, and connective tissues. It stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers, including endorphin and serotonin, in the pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received by the brain. Acupuncture also works locally to increase blood flow to the treatment area.

Acupuncture seems to have a beneficial effect on the health of some individuals. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing, a relaxed state and restful sleep after treatment.

Western medical acupuncture does not claim to treat every medical condition, nor every individual. It is important to discuss your suitability for acupuncture with your doctor.

Acupuncture is proven to be effective in a wide range of painful conditions and is commonly used for musculoskeletal pain, including chronic low back and neck pain, knee osteoarthritis pain, migraine, and tension-type headaches.

For any other conditions, please discuss this with Dr Chua at the acupuncture assessment to determine if your condition would respond to acupuncture.

The same types of sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used in dry needling and acupuncture.

Dry needling involves the insertion of needles into “myofascial trigger points” located in muscles. These can some times be felt as a hard painful knot in the muscle. This releases the trigger point and brings about pain relief.

Acupuncture uses the insertion of needles into particular points on the body to effect changes in the body’s systems and help the body to heal itself (restore homeostasis). The points used may not lie in the areas of the body where you are experiencing your problem. For example, there are points on the foot which are useful for treating some headaches.

In many cases, myofascial trigger points can correspond to classical acupuncture points.

Acupuncture is generally very safe, and particularly so in the hands of a qualified medically trained practitioner, like your GP, who can adequately assess the risks and benefits of applying the therapy.

Serious side-effects are very rare – less than one per 10,000 treatments.

Only sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used. There is also the option of the use of lasers, instead of needles. Eye protection can be offered during treatment, but the lasers used in medical acupuncture are low level lasers and thus safe.

Acupuncture needles are very fine – much finer than needles used in giving injections.

You may or may not feel a short sharp pricking sensation when a needle is first inserted. Acupuncture works by stimulating nerves, so a sensation of tingling, warmth, or ache indicates that the treatment is working. These sensations generally settle quickly during the treatment session. It should not feel uncomfortable.

Acupuncture may be performed using a laser device which stimulates acupuncture points with the use of visible red light. Acupuncture laser devices are not high powered so do not heat, or cause tissue damage. You will be offered the use of eye protection during laser acupuncture. This modality may be suitable if you are really scared of needles.

After determining that your conditon is suitabe to be treated with acupuncture, you will be booked in for your treatment session at the next available appointment. It usually takes around 20 minutes.

The number of sessions would depend on the acuity of your condition. Acupuncture sessions are usually 1-2 weeks apart, for up to 10 sessions, depending on your response. Generally, more acute conditions respond quicker. Chronic conditions, which have been present for more than 3 months, might take a longer time to respond.

Acupuncture is a privately billed service. Acupuncture services do attract a Medicare rebate, but are not bulk billed. Please contact the Clinic for more information about costs.

Full payment on the day of consultation is required. The Clinic does not issue accounts. EFTPOS and credit card facilities available. Personal Cheques are not accepted.

Unfortunately, acupuncture is not covered under the Chronic Diseases Management Plan Team Care Arrangement.

We understand that sometimes life gets in the way, and you might need to reschedule your acupuncture appointment.

It would be much appreciated if you could inform Reception of your reschedule or cancellation at least 24 hours prior. They can then rebook you for the next available acupuncture session. This also allows us to open the appointment to another patient for their acupuncture.

Failure to inform Ulladulla Medical Clinic at least 24 hours in advance will incur a $50 failure to attend fee.