Since its origins in China 3,000 years ago, acupuncture has been used to treat many health issues. Fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points to balance the flow of “Qi” or vital life force energy.

Of all the complementary health therapies available in Australia today, acupuncture is one of the most widely used. In fact, 80 percent of general medical practitioners refer patients to acupuncturists.

An acupuncturist is a practitioner who has undergone studies in the practice to achieve their professional status. While some undertake a short course, others study for a degree in Chinese Medicine to gain the skills and knowledge needed to practise this ancient art.

Because acupuncture is holistic, taking into account a patient’s overall health, your practitioner will get a picture of your general wellbeing and recommend a treatment course based on this. They may use other complementary therapies alongside acupuncture to achieve the best results.

The theory is that your practitioner can tap into your energy system through 350 points in your body by inserting fine needles to different depths. This helps restore the energy flow to its proper state, stimulating healing and preventing further issues.

Some scientists say that acupuncture points are sites where the body’s tissue, nerves, and muscles can be manipulated. This improves blood flow, which in turn helps your body function to its best ability, and also helps release neurotransmitters. These include dopamine and serotonin, which affect your mental wellbeing, and other neurotransmitters that blocks pain.

Because needles are used, you may be wondering does acupuncture hurt? Don’t worry. The needles are very fine, so you will be unlikely to feel pain but may experience mild stinging or aching.

Acupuncture is used for many problems, including pain, musculoskeletal disorders, issues associated with aging or nutrition and obesity – in fact a whole range of diverse areas!

And acupuncture for fertility is an area that is also gaining ground. It is believed to stimulate blood flow to reproductive organs, as well as relieving stress and balancing hormones.

The benefits of acupuncture are many. Practitioners say that because it kick-starts the body into healing itself, it is an entirely natural process. It is also considered low-risk as long as the correct procedures are followed and have few side-effects. Other treatments can be used alongside acupuncture and can help patients who don’t like to or can’t take painkillers.