Acupuncture Clinic

Acupuncture is a safe drug free alternative treatment to help manage conditions such as migraine, back pain, neck pain, fertility, depression and even hay fever.

For over 2,000 years acupuncturists have described acupuncture as a therapy that restores the flow of Qi, which is known as the flow of “vital energy”. Often it’s flow is compared to that of a water irrigation system where if a canal becomes blocked there is a backup where the plants upstream from the blockage become overwatered and the plants downstream underwatered. This would be explained as the plants/body parts downstream have received too little qi.

According to acupuncture theory, if we are able to remove this blockage and restore normal flow, the body/mind will heal itself assuming too much damage has not already been done.

Looking at modern theory of acupuncture, scientists are finding that the acupuncture needles stimulate the nervous system, causing the body to adjust its chemistry in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. This process can trigger the release of a wide range of chemicals including hormones, causing changes to the body’s internal regulation system. This change to the biochemical factors in the body can result in enhanced energy and reduction in various symptoms including pain and fatigue. This leads to a better sense of overall physical and emotional wellbeing.

While claims of the benefits of acupuncture may seem rather large, as more research is produced increasing amounts of data is pointing to the benefits of this safe, drug free alternative treatment.

The role of acupuncture as a safe natural pain reliever has never been more relevant. Doctors have become more reluctant to give out opioids due to the risks of dependence and the side effects associated with NSAIDS such as ibuprofen. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued recommendations to physicians that whenever possible, non-drug and non-opioid therapies should be tried initially for pain relief. 

Of the main non-drug therapies for pain management only acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the body’s own natural opioid production. Recent animal studies (2) have shown that acupuncture and electroacupuncture are able to cause significant changes to the bodies bioactive chemicals, such as serotonin, nor-epinephrine, as well as endogenous opioids in peripheral injury sites.

Those suffering from chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis can find good pain relief with acupuncture (3). Often in these conditions the patient undergoes a condition called central sensitization, a condition where the central nervous system becomes heightened to pain. This results in a significant pain response even when the pain stimulus may be minimal. Acupuncture is effective in these conditions by helping to release any painful trigger points, calming down the signals from the peripheral nerves and helping to settle the central nervous system commonly referred to as your brain.

Studies have been showing the positive effects of acupuncture on both depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (4). The acupuncture appears to cause inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines in the areas of the brain associated with depression as shown in studies with rats (5). Researchers have been exploring these effects further and acupuncture has been used in the US military for treatment of wounded soldiers and those suffering from PTSD and depression.

Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of allergic diseases for as long as it’s been around. Rhinitis both intermittent and chronic have both been treated successfully with acupuncture. The proposed mechanism of action is that acupuncture may reduce the pro-inflammatory neuropeptides, proinflammatory cytokines and neurotrophins. Acupuncture has also been shown in cause increased proliferation of helpful opioid-containing macrophages in inflamed tissues (6)

Acupuncture has been used to treat infertility for many centuries. Recent studies have shown promising results in assisted reproductive therapy with the addition of acupuncture has been shown to increase pregnancy rates (7). Research indicates that acupuncture may be able to improve menstrual health through the sympathetic nervous system stimulating the ovarian sympathetic nerves.

Male fertility

Acupuncture has also been used to help stimulate sperm production and improve sperm motility. Recent animal studies using electro-acupuncture has shown enhanced germ cell proliferation with acupuncture (8).

Acupuncture massage combines the benefits of acupuncture and massage therapy into one effective treatment. Massage following acupuncture can be effective in relieving any post treatment discomforts or pains from the acupuncture needles. The acupuncture can be effective in providing pain relief, releasing trigger points and calming the nerves, the massage then can be more beneficial as the body is already in a relaxed state.

Acupuncture knowledge can also be applied to the massage and by using the specific acupuncture points the therapist can provide a massage technique that is known as acupressure massage. By sustaining pressure over the acupressure points the therapist can create a stimulation similar to that of acupuncture without the need for needles. Using needles is more effective and creates more stimulation, however for those a bit wary of needles, acupuncture is a good place to start.

When visiting our Wilston Acupuncturists your consultation will start with a series of questions to help determine the best acupuncture treatments for you. Things that will be taken into consideration include have you had any acupuncture or dry needling before? Are you nervous or scared around needles? What is your general health like? What ailments or concerns you would like treated. If you are nervous around needles this is fine and common. Often patients are hesitant around needles as they are concerned that they may hurt. The needles that are used in acupuncture are very fine, and while there is sometimes a little pain on insertion this is often hardly noticeable. If it’s your first time, extra care will be taken to ensure that you are comfortable and that the needles will have minimal pain.

If you have had multiple acupuncture session previousl and have had no side effects then you may be a candidate for slightly more intensive acupuncture such as electro-acupuncture, where a small electric current is run through the needles to gently stimulate and muscles and nerves.

Are you looking for a Newmarket acupuncturist? Wilston Physiotherapy & Massage is located right on the border of Newmarket. Therefore if you are looking for Acupuncture in Newmarket pop in for a visit and see how we can help you.

Windsor is a suburb located near to Wilston Physiotherapy & Massage. If you are looking for a Windsor acupuncturist, come down the road and visit us at 209 Days Road.