Acupuncture in South Melbourne
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny single-use needles into specific areas of the body for specific effect. It is usually explained as improving the free flow of Qi energy within the body. This actually means acupuncture affects circulation, bringing more oxygen, nutrients and the body’s own natural healing chemicals to different parts of the body.
Studies have shown that acupuncture:
has a calming effect on the nervous system to ease your body into a healing (parasympathetic) state helping to reduce stress and manage anxiety symptoms
signals the body to release endorphins which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals to help manage stress, improve relaxation and help you feel better
signals the body to release natural anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing chemicals to help you with pain-relief
People use acupuncture for varied reasons:
mental health support for stress relief, and to help manage anxiety and depression
help managing flare ups from chronic conditions
Generally speaking, a series of acupuncture sessions (5-10 sessions) are recommended for optimal relief and/or management of your symptoms.
Chinese herbs may be recommended as an adjunct to your acupuncture session to help with your health and well-being goals
Laser acupuncture
Laser acupuncture treatment involves the use of low level laser light therapy upon the acu-points that would be used in a traditional acupuncture session. It utilises the far-infrared end of the light spectrum to stimulates the acupuncture points and improves the local blood and lymph circulation.
The clinical therapeutic application of the laser system is great news for people who are a bit nervous about needles, but would still like to receive the benefits of acupuncture. Laser acupuncture is perfect for treatments with children, people suffering with fibromyalgia flare ups, or post surgery swelling.
Laser stimulation of the acupuncture points induces a healing response in the body and increased circulation to the local area. Laser acupuncture treatment may be able to assist with pain relief and management.
Cupping
Cupping is great for:
releasing large groups of tight muscles
releasing tight knots
improving circulation to the local areas
stimulating the local acupunture points
may be helpful to release toxins from the body
improving muscle recovery (post sport event or post workout)
Cupping can be a stand alone session of 30-minutes, or can be incorporated into a longer session of acupuncture, massage or combination treatment at Bing’s Natural Health.
Let us know if you are interested in having cupping included in your session. We will be able to advise you if this will be helpful for you.
NB: Cupping can leave red or dark colored marks on the skin which may last up to 7-10 days after the session.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is used when your acupuncture treatment requires a stronger stimulation. It can be used to strengthen a weak muscle, to reduce spasming of a muscle, or to help with pain reduction.
Some cases we may use this for at BNH are:
to relieve symptoms of restless legs syndrome,
to improve symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
to relieve acute lumbar pain
to relieve sciatica pain or sciatic numbness
to improve symptoms of frozen shoulder
Electro-acupuncture is a technique that stimulates the acupuncture points by sending a small gentle electric current between pairs of needles. This is done by attaching the pair of needles to a device which generates a gentle, continuous, pulsating, electric current. The intensity of the treatment can be controlled by reducing or increasing the electrical current. The small electrical current is not painful, and at most the patient may feel some mild tingling, or slight muscle twitching, depending on the sites being treated.
Electro-acupuncture is generally considered to be safe in the hands of a well-trained practitioner, but occasionally (as with all health treatments) may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases.
This may be included in your acupuncture session if its appropriate for your condition. Let us know if you want to try electo-acupuncture in your session. We will be able to advise you if this will be helpful for you.
NB: Electro-Acupuncture is not recommended for patients with pacemakers, and should be used cautiously for patients who have suffered from epilepsy or seizures. It is always advisable and essential to discuss your full medical history with the practitioner before commencing electro-acupuncture for the first time.
Heat Lamp
Our clients love it when we use the heat lamp during their sessions. It provides a nice gentle soothing warmth over a large area. We use it to add gentle heat to a particular area to enhance the effect of the acupuncture treatment.
The gentle heat warms the body area, helps to release tight muscles which allows you to relax deeply. The warmth improves local circulation and provides a pathway for the body’s own healing chemicals into the local area.
Some cases we may use the heat lamp for include:
relief of menstrual pain and cramping
improve circulation to reproductive area
to help ease dicomfort from digestive issues like bloating
help to warm cold bellies
help to warm cold feet
help to ease lumbar pain
The heat lamp is also known as a TDP mineral lamp. It contains a special mineral layer on a heated iron plate. This mineral layer includes around 33 trace elements which radiate far infrared emissions when it reaches a specific temperature.
The TDP mineral lamp therapy is only used in accordance with your body type and the stage of your condition. Your acupuncturist will know when and if this is suitable for you.
Moxibustion
The use of moxa in a session is very soothing, relaxing and energising when it is appropriate for you.
Moxa provides targetted areas of heat to provide a gentle warmth to a specific area or acupuncture point. It is used to enhance the traditional function of the acupuncture point it is placed on. Moxa improves circulation, and is said to help improve the body’s Qi energy
Acupuncture is like a plumber unblocking your drains. Whereas, Moxibustion (Moxa) strengthens your system, lifts your energy, and warms the body by increasing your life force (Qi).
Some cases we may use moxa to:
improve fatigue or tiredness
relieve knee pain
relieve digestive issues
improve some gynacological issues
Let us know if you are interested in having moxa in your session. We will be able to advise you if this will be beneficial for you.
Gua sha
Gua sha can be used over different areas of the body to:
release and relax tight muscles and knots
releases stagnation from the acupuncture channel pathways
improves local circulation
Gua sha is a muscular healing technique that involves using a gua sha tool to rub or scrape along oiled skin in specific directions over relevant areas. This technique is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and remains a popular practice in China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It is sometimes referred to as ‘spooning’ and temporarily leaves a red speckled area called Sha which may last for a few days.
Let us know if you want gua sha included in your session. We will be able to advise you if this will be helpful for you.
Facial gua sha is a different service that we offer as a standalone service as a 30- minute mini beauty session. Facial gua sha is currently not available.