ACUPUNCTURE

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of therapy involving the insertion of fine needles into specific areas of the body to elicit physiological changes. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years & has several major benefits:

·         Assists in the prevention of disease

·         Treats both the symptoms and the cause of a wide range of disorders

·         Offers a holistic & natural approach that links body, mind and emotions

·         Effective treatment of many common ailments

·         Can provide drug free pain relief to assist in the body’s natural healing process and to maintain general well-being.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditionally acupuncture is said to manipulate the flow of Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) through the meridian network of the body. Acupuncture is used to clear obstructions within these meridians maintaining the free flow of Qi and achieving a balance of Yin and Yang within the body.

Is there a scientific basis for acupuncture?

Yes.

Among other things, acupuncture is known to have a ‘neuro-modulatory effect’ on the brain and has an inhibitory effect on the ascending and descending pathways of the nervous system. Due to this neuro-modulatory function acupuncture has a very broad clinical application.

With regards to pain relief this nervous system action results in the release of the bodies own ‘pain killer’ chemicals and stimulation of anti-nocioceptive pathways.

Some interesting research on the neuro-physiological mechanism of acupuncture therapy can be found through the following website:

http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~vitaly/

Acupuncture is not limited to treating painful conditions as is demonstrated by the list of conditions for which the  World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture as a viable treatment. The complete list of these conditions can be found here:

 http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html

Is acupuncture therapy painful?

Contrary to what one might think acupuncture is relatively painless. Acupuncture needles are very fine and are solid. Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to those needles used for an injection and thus are relatively painless.

It is important that you consult a well-trained practitioner of acupuncture as the skill of the practitioner also plays a part in this.

Should I wait until I am unwell to see my acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is effective for the prevention of health problems thus it is often recommended that acupuncture treatment be used regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle.

It has long been established that it is better to prevent poor health than to cure it, and the ancient Chinese believed that treating disease was like ‘digging a well after the drought’.

About your Acupuncturist

Dale Elsdon is a highly trained acupuncturist having achieved both a bachelors’ degree and a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dale operates a popular clinic on the central coast as well as being part of the team at the Inner West Spinal & Sports Injuries Centre.                                                         

Dale uses acupuncture therapy to treat a wide variety of disorders including acute and chronic injuries, postural disorders, pain syndromes, immune, digestive, respiratory,  

fertility and neurological conditions.

Dale has a treatment philosophy of integrated medicine and                                                                  

believes in working together with other therapists and medical

professionals in achieving the best patient outcomes.

Inner West Spinal & Sports Injury Centre Acupuncture Hours:

Fees for Acupunture Services

Private Health cover rebates are available for acupuncture treatments from most insurance funds. Check with your insurer for details or call this clinic.