Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that falls under the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The practice involves stimulating points on the body by penetrating the skin with a fine needle to stimulate healing of a variety of health conditions. While many people’s understanding of acupuncture & needling therapies is that it is only useful for pain conditions, it is increasingly being used to complement overall wellness and manage other day-to-day issues and health complaints.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific sites (the acupuncture points) along the body’s meridians (energy pathways) to help clear blockages and encourage Qi (energy) to flow through the body as normal. The time it takes for changes to occur is dependent on your condition and whether it is chronic or acute.
Acupuncture does not typically cause pain or discomfort. Most patients describe a slight, dull ache or a tingling sensation when the needle is inserted. This can be a sign that the acupuncture point is being activated.
Please advise your therapist immediately if you experience any pain or discomfort during treatment.
Preconception and Fertility initial consultation is 90 minutes duration
Subsequent appointment 60 minutes duration
General appointment 60 minutes duration
Virtual appointments can vary between 30-45 minutes.
Your first acupuncture appointment includes a diagnostic assessment and preliminary treatment. We will implement a treatment plan which can include a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment strategies, herbal formulas and nutritional and lifestyle advice.
Follow up appointments will continue with your treatment plan.
Clothing – It is best to wear loose clothing that can be rolled up to gain easy access to common acupuncture points. After your first treatment, you will have a good idea of what areas need to be accessed and you can dress accordingly.
Food – ensure you have eaten a small snack within an hour of treatment
Alcohol – please do not drink before acupuncture treatment.
Exercise – please plan to exercise before your appointment rather than after. This will allow the balancing effect of the treatment to take effect.
Yes. Acupuncture and other therapies compliment the use of Western medicine. Most medical doctors are supportive of acupuncture treatment and it is better for you if all your health practitioners can work together.
Although practitioners cannot anticipate all the possible risks and complications that may arise with each individual case, you should be aware that the following side effects can occur.
- Relaxed or sleepy – it is normal to feel sleepy or relaxed following treatment, please feel free to sit and have a glass of water
- Drowsiness – occurs after treatment in a small number of patients and if affected, you are advised not to drive.
- Minor bleeding or bruising following acupuncture. A common side effect of cupping therapy is bruising which can be tender for a couple of days and may last over a week.
- Pain – let me know if you become uncomfortable during the treatment or experience pain.
- Symptoms can get worse after treatment although uncommon. Please let your acupuncturist know.
- Fainting – please let your practitioner know if you haven’t eaten for some time prior to treatment and always get up slowly following a treatment.
- Burns – heat therapy is often used during treatment, please tell the practitioner if the heat is uncomfortable or too hot. Moxibustion is a herb called Artemisia that is burnt and used externally to warm acupuncture points
- Infection – only fine sterile, single-use disposable needles are used
- Chinese Herbal Medicine – the clinic offers herbs in pill, capsule or granular form that have all been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and are of the highest quality. All drugs have the potential to interact so please inform your practitioner of all medications, including vitamins you are taking. Some may be inappropriate during pregnancy or in high doses. Please always follow your practitioner’s prescription.
Apart from the usual medical details, it is important to let your practitioner know:
- If you have ever experienced a fit, faint or funny turn
- If you have a pacemaker or any other electrical implants
- If you are pregnant
- If you have a bleeding disorder
- If you are taking anti-coagulants (blood thinners)
- If you have damaged heart valves or have any other particular risk of infection
Book Your Appointment Today!
Simply Call Balance Acupuncture Brisbane 0405 181 825