of primary health care, known as Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has an uninter-
rupted history of development dating back
thousands of years in China and other parts
of East Asia.
ing it one of the oldest and most long-standing
health care systems in the world. It first came
to Australia in the 1850s with Chinese migra-
tion to the Goldfields. The first structured edu-
cation teaching programs started in the 1970s.
and increasingly popular form of health care
that is being used by people from a wide
range of cultural and social backgrounds.
processes and focuses as much on the pre-
vention of illness as on the treatment.
through the body's meridians (a network of
invisible channels through the body). If the
flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked
or there is an inadequate supply of qi, then
the body fails to maintain harmony, balance
and order, and disease or illness follows.
(acupuncture points) along the body's me-
ridians (channels of energy) to clear energy
blockages and encourage the normal flow of
qi through the individual.
stead of needles, or may apply mild electri-
cal stimulation to the acupuncture points. An
acupuncturist may also apply suction cups,
magnet therapy, or moxibustion. Moxibus-
tion involves the burning of a slow smoulder-
ing herb (moxa) above the skin surface and is
commonly used in conjunction with acupunc-
ture. Various forms of massage may also be
applied. Your practitioner may prescribe and
dispense Chinese herbs, and may recommend
dietary and lifestyle changes to assist in the
treatment of your condition.
question. Most people are surprised that acu-
puncture doesn't really hurt. You may feel a
slight pin prick when the needle is inserted,
followed by a mild distending sensation, tin-
gling, numbness, heaviness, electric sensa-
tion, or an achy feeling. This is called deqi
("the arrival of qi"). Usually you will not feel
the needles once they are left in place as you
relax during the treatment.
of general well being and relaxation. Although
individual responses vary, most people expe-
rience an improvement in sleep, digestion
and energy levels. Some people experience a
mild exacerbation of symptoms after the first
treatment, but this does subside and will be
followed by an improvement in the condition
over subsequent treatments.
suburbs, and regional areas. Acupuncture
should only be performed by a qualified acu-
puncture practitioner who has met AACMA's
standards. It is important that you consult a
practitioner who is accredited with the Aus-
tralian Acupuncture Association Ltd.
area visit www.acupuncture.org.au
3.
the symptoms
4.
body, mind and emotions
5.
maintenance of general well-being
reduce complications. Acupuncture
addresses the underlying cause of a
condition in order to reduce the likelihood
of its recurrence.
2.
pain, improve general well being, and may
reduce the need for medication and/or
surgery.
3.
physical problems. The earlier a disorder is
detected the better, so regular checkups
are recommended.