FAQ
Do I have to receive acupuncture to be treated?
No. Complete Oriental medical care also specializes in Oriental bodywork, a combination of acupressure and structural therapeutics. The acupuncture points are worked with fingers and hands, in combination with soft tissue manipulation, stretching and joint rotation techniques. For severe internal disharmonies, however, acupuncture is recommended, as it works on a deeper level.
Do I have to believe in order to obtain results?
No. As a case in point, acupuncture works very well for horses, dogs and cats, most of whom probably don''t "believe" in acupuncture either. It is always beneficial to have confidence in your practitioner, but faith in a particular technique is not necessary to obtain results.
Should I tell my doctor?
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor, then it makes sense to tell him/her about your intention to have acupuncture. At the same time, you should always inform your acupuncturist of any other treatment you are receiving, such as medications, as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
What should I do after treatment?
It is often helpful to sit quietly and relax following treatment. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Avoid big meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol and stressful situations.
How will I feel after acupuncture?
Patients normally feel relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment is particularly strong. You may also experience a short-term flair-up of symptoms as your qi resettles itself.
What should I do before treatment?
Try to avoid the following:
� Eating a big meal within one hour of your appointment (digestion alters the pattern of your pulse)
� Fasting for more than six hours before your appointment
� Alcohol, tobacco, food or drinks that color your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment or just following a treatment
� Vigorous exercise or sexual activity within the hour before treatment
It also helps to be in a calm state. Try to arrive 10 or 15 minutes before your appointment to give yourself a chance to relax. Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn, and you should not wear any metallic jewelry, watches, or earrings. Makeup and nail polish should be minimized or eliminated. Please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics.
What will happen on my first visit?
For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you''ve received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to check your pulse. The structure, color and coating of your tongue also provide keys to your physical health. The purpose is to identify which energy channels need to be adjusted in order to address your specific complaint, and which require treatment to boost your overall vitality.
Stimulation of specific areas affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are around 500 acupuncture points on the body, and an experienced acupuncturist will use a selection of perhaps 10 or 12 of these for each treatment. Often during the course of treatment, different points will be selected as the patient''s condition changes. The acupuncturist may also supplement needle treatment with moxa, a smoldering herb used to warm acupuncture points. Other methods include lasers or electro-acupuncture. Massage, or tapping with a rounded probe, are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.
We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to receive acupuncture treatment. You should also be aware that the acupuncturist may need to access points on your torso, arms and legs.
How long do appointments last?
Your first visit will last 1 hour, and subsequent visits will be between 40 minutes and 1 hr.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes. Licensed acupuncturists are required to be certified in Clean Needle Techniques and only use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. However, it is good practice to verify your acupuncturist''s clean needle technique prior to accepting treatment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. One reason is that they are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests - 25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles - so thin that several acupuncture needles can fit into the middle of a hypodermic needle. Further, the actual insertion is done very quickly. While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort, sometimes followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling or numbness (desirable sensations known as "attaining qi"). The needles are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Most people find the experience relaxing, and some even fall asleep during treatment.
How deep do the needles go?
Acupuncture points are located on or close to the skin's surface, so needles are generally inserted from 1/8 to one inch. The depth of insertion depends on the nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age, and constitution, as well as the acupuncturist's style and training.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Yes, we are registered provider of most private insurance companies, including HBA or NRMA, HCF, MBF, Medibank Private, Australian Unity, GMF, AHM, NIB, etc. However, it is good practice to confirm with your insurance company beforehand.
How do I pay for treatment ?
All payments are accepted at our North fitzroy centre and Hawthorn clinic.
