The Feel Amazing Chatswood Acupuncture Information Page

Here at Feel Amazing Wellness Centre, we have been offering Needling and Acupuncture in Chatswood since 2005 (for over 16 years) for a myriad of conditions. Ranging from the treatment of injury, back pain, sciatica, migraines, anxiety (and other related symptoms), fertility issues and many other health and wellbeing concerns. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest treatment system in the world. There have been countless books written on the subject and studies conducted proving its effectiveness. This includes pain relief, relaxation, and it is increasingly being used in mainstream health care. The aim of this approach to wellness is to optimize your health by restoring energy and balancing your body system. It’s a natural, traditional and effective way to feel amazing.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine/TCM?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for over a thousand years and is still being practised today as a popular and effective form of holistic health and wellness treatment. Techniques used can include acupuncture, cupping, tuina and moxibustion, as well as herbal substances to treat various conditions of illness.

Our body is made up of different vital substances like qi (energy), blood and body fluids, which are all essential in maintaining a healthy life. Imbalances in these can lead to illness, so treatment is focused on restoring this balance, supporting and protecting the body’s functioning. Presenting signs and symptoms are treated, as well as underlying health conditions that may have led to current illness. This is achieved through balancing the qi and blood, as well as yin and yang. Our Chatswood Acupuncturist may prescribe herbs or Acupuncture during a TCM consult.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture plays a major role in this type of treatment. There are over 360 acupuncture points in our body and the points to be targeted are based on the presenting health conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine and sterile thin needles through the skin at these specific points on the body. It is where the qi (vital energy) flows within the meridians. Once the needles are inserted, they are left in the body for 10-30 minutes.

During or after the needle insertion you may experience different sensations varying from tingling, mild pain, dullness and others. This is a result of the acupuncture needle stimulating the movement of qi within the body.

Acupuncture is an effective practice and has minimal side effects. If any are felt, then the body will restore to normal within minutes to days depending on your condition. Your practitioner can advise you about this further if needed.

Benefits of acupuncture and TCM include:

• Performed correctly by a trained practitioner it is safe, with minimal side effects
• It controls some types of pain
• It can be combined with other treatments
• Being an alternative to some pain medications, especially when these can not be tolerated

How acupuncture works on a physical and emotional level:

Research suggests acupuncture works on a physical and emotional level in the body. This occurs through balancing the energy levels in the body. It is thought that there may also be neurological reasons for this as well, possibly due to the points where muscles, nerves and connective tissues can be stimulated, increasing blood flow and releasing the body’s natural pain killing substances.

What can acupuncture treat?

Clinical studies show that acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions. This includes:

• Musculoskeletal problems
• Pain
• Nausea
• Migraine and headache
• Insomnia
• Infertility
• Anxiety and depression.

Things you may not have known acupuncture can help with:

Acupuncture is known to reduce inflammation in the body, so this is beneficial for treating seasonal allergies, by reducing the unwanted immune response and allergic reactions.

Problems with digestive function can also be treated with acupuncture, as too can sciatica pain, and treatments can help with insomnia.

Does acupuncture hurt?

While the experience can be different for everyone, acupuncture usually doesn’t cause pain. Some people may feel a sense of pressure or ache. Others feel nothing at all! Sometimes when the needles are inserted it may cause discomfort that is usually temporary. Most acupuncture points are close to the surface of the skin. The depth of their insertion depends on the individual, condition being treated and location of the points. Any other soreness after treatment should dissipate within 24 hours. Sumin our Chatswood Acupuncturist is very gentle.

Are there any risks?

As with any therapy there are risks and benefits. Possible risks of acupuncture are:

• Contraindications exist if a patient has a bleeding disorder or takes blood thinners. Medical advice should be sought before treatment and the practitioner informed.
• Minor bleeding, bruising, and soreness can occur at the insertion sites.
• Unsterilized needles are an infection risk

All needles used at Feel Amazing in Chatswood are single use sterilised professional grade acupuncture needles. Only our experienced practitioners will provide this treatment. It is not offered by our other massage therapists unless they have the additional appropriate qualifications and experience.

How should I feel afterwards?

Some people may feel energised, others drained or fatigued. If the latter is the case then listen to your body and rest. Everybody’s needs are different but by paying attention to our bodies we can improve our health and wellbeing.

How can I get the most benefit from acupuncture treatments?

Depending on the severity of your health condition, the number of sessions needed to get full benefit of this treatment can vary from 3 to 15 treatments. These may occur along with lifestyle and dietary changes which are discussed at appointments.

What qualifications does our TCM practitioner/acupuncturist have?

To be registered in Australia and recognised by health funds and professional associations, a bachelor degree course (usually 4 years duration) is the minimal requirement. Acupuncturists are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. ‘Acupuncturist’ and ‘Chinese medicine practitioner’ are protected titles for registered practitioners.

Our registered TCM and acupuncture practitioner Sumin is qualified in this field and has experience in providing treatments. Her treatments are eligible for health fund claims through HICAPS. She is also a registered nurse, so can bring her knowledge of medical science into these traditional medicine practices.