Acupuncture

ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a natural and non-intrusive therapy that uses very thin needles to bring the body,

mind and spirit back into balance and harmony. The use of the thin Acupuncture needles taps into

your energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and to bring you back into harmony,

health and wellness. Specific acupuncture points are stimulated all around the body, and are used

to reduce the signs and symptoms of your particular imbalance as well as treating the root cause

of this imbalance. The treatment of the root cause and lifestyle of the patient, allows our body to

come back into total harmony, so that the body doesn’t ‘bounce back’ into a disharmonious and

imbalanced state of dis-ease. Being a natural therapy and looking at the root causes of imbalance

makes Acupuncture a slower-working medicine, but in this regard it is a longer-lasting medicine.

As there are no chemicals used in Acupuncture there are very few to no side-effects, except for

feeling relaxed and the gradual release of signs and symptoms, coinciding with increased balance

and harmony throughout the whole body and the organ systems. One of the most important

aspects of Chinese Medicine that puts it apart from other natural therapies, is the holistic view

of the individual. Treatments are then fully personalised and tailored to each individual, their

lifestyle and health and wellness goals to achieve the maximum effect in each therapeutic

session.

ABOUT CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Chinese herbal medicine is very similar to Western herbal medicine as it uses plants, some

animals products, minerals and shells to help bring balance and healing to the body. Chinese

Herbal Medicine is based on formulas found in the Chinese Medical Classics from centuries ago.

Although these traditional formulas are still highly effective, they can be modified to suit each

individual and their personal imbalances. Traditionally the herbs were taken raw and boiled as a

tea, but powdered or herbs in tablet form are now available. When used in conjunction with

regular Acupuncture treatments each modality strengthens the effects of the other and allows the

body to come back into harmony more rapidly.

WHAT CAN CHINESE MEDICINE HELP WITH?

•Anxiety & depression

•Addictions

•Arthritis

•Common cold & flu

•Chronic pain

•Digestive dysfunction

•Dizziness & vertigo

•Headaches & migraines

•Insomnia & sleep issues

•Mental issues (focus, memory & mental

health)

•Menstrual problems

•Muscle tension & pain

•Mood imbalances & stress

•Palpitations and cardiovascular health

•Skin disorders

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT

Acupuncture appointments go for a longer period of time than most health consultations and

appointments. As Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a wholistic medicine, we spend a bit

more time than other health practitioners observing and investigating your signs, symptoms and

the body as a whole and how each system relates to the other.

Some find this a bit daunting and if you have a very detailed health history, it is best to come

prepared with lists of medications and your health history with you, just to make it easier for you

and your practitioner.

After having a chat about your current health and health history the Acupuncturist will take your

pulse and look at your tongue, these are further diagnostic tools we use to get more of an idea of

your internal health and relationships between physiological and pathological systems. Most

practitioners will also palpate your stomach and sometimes extremities, this is another diagnostic

tool we use to read the body and see how the energy and blood is flowing through your

meridians.

After we gather all of this information, the practitioner can then make a differential diagnosis

based on all of your individual signs, symptoms and body process and start to compose an

individualised treatment and treatment plan. And we can start the treatment!

Acupuncture needles are inserted superficially in all different parts of the body, this is a systemic

process as we need to get to the cause, or root of your disharmony and not just relieve the signs

and symptoms. The needles are generally left in for 20 minutes, giving you enough time to relax

and even have a little nap. Depending on your condition, we will do the treatment on the front of

your body, back, or both sides. While the needles are retained, practitioners sometimes use other

healing tools like Moxibustion, Gua Sha (Chinese stone massage) or cupping, according to your

condition. If the practitioner doesn’t need to use any of these other tools or modalities, you will be

left in peace to just relax and enjoy the treatment and some quiet time reconnecting with your

body and its healing process.

As we put needles in different parts of the body, wearing loose clothing helps so we can move

sleeves and pant legs out of the way without cutting off circulation, or you just being

uncomfortable in general. We have towels and covers to keep your privacy if you do need to

remove some items of clothing and to keep you warm while you relax during your treatment.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN AFTER AN ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT?

• As you have spent the last 30 minutes of the appointment in a calm, restful and sometimes

meditative state, you may feel a little tired or ‘spacey’ after the treatment. In these cases, please

take your time to leave the treatment room and the reception area for your own wellbeing.

• You may also feel dizzy or disorientated, again please take your time to leave the room and

reception space and let your practitioner know if it is too overwhelming.

• Acupuncture can stir up a lot of energy and things that have become stagnant in the body,

sometimes after a treatment you may feel worse than before the treatment but this should only

last for 24hrs.

• You may feel extremely tired or sore.

• Please make sure you rest and keep well hydrated after the treatment.

• Avoid stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, processed sugars and recreational drugs after

treatment.

• If you continue to feel that something doesn’t feel right or the pain or condition continues to

worsen after 12-24hrs please contact the clinic immediately.

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DRY NEEDLING & HOW IT DIFFERS

What is Dry Needling & What can it help with?…

Dry needling is a modern treatment designed to ease muscular pain.

During dry needling, a practitioner inserts several filiform needles into your skin. Filiform needles are fine, short, stainless steel needles that don’t inject fluid into the body. That’s why the term “dry” is used.

Practitioners place the needles in “trigger points” in your muscle or tissue. Dry needling is also sometimes called intramuscular stimulation. The points are areas of knotted or hard muscle.

Dry needling practitioners say the needle helps release the knot and relieve any muscle pain or spasms. The needles will remain in your skin for a short period of time. The length of time depends on the practitioner.

In-and-out techniques

Some forms of dry needling use techniques called pistoning or sparrow pecking. Both of these techniques rely on in-and-out needle insertion. In other words, the needles don’t stay inserted in the skin for long. The needles prick the trigger points and are then removed.

Non-trigger point technique

Some dry needling techniques treat a broader landscape of the central nervous system. This is called non-trigger point treatment. Instead of inserting needles only in the area of pain, the practitioner may instead insert needles in areas around the point of pain instead of directly on it.

This technique relies on the idea that pain is the result of a greater nerve or muscular issue, not just focused in the main area of pain.

Montville Body Balance needle practitioners rely on an array of useful techniques and tools.

Dry needling is a brilliant stand alone therapy however you will more than likely find it will be used to complement your treatment after extensive soft tissue and skeletal work. This allows for the very best outcome when coming in to have your condition treated.