Acupuncture

Our acupuncturists are highly trained and can help you with a range of conditions and symptoms.

The origins of acupuncture can be traced back over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest health care systems in the world. Today, acupuncture supports the treatment of a wide number of conditions.

Acupuncture at GO2 Health plays an important role in the support and wellbeing of our patients. We may discuss including it in your treatment plan and you could be amazed at what our highly trained and registered acupuncturists can do!

How does acupuncture work? 

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile, single use, disposable needles into specific sites (acupuncture points)

The traditional philosophy of TCM speaks to the acupuncture points being along the body’s energy pathways (meridians) and is used to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of energy, or Qi, through the body. The beautiful history of acupuncture and its understanding can play a significant role in the well-being of the patient.

Recent studies show a huge variation in how acupuncture may work. It is seen through fMRI scans to innervate various areas of the brain, increase the amount of P protein being produced, affect a variety of neurotransmitters and other communication pathways. Other explanations include reasoning around DNIC pathways and the traditional Gate theory of pain receptors.

There doesn’t seem to be one-way acupuncture works - rather, it seems there are a variety of body responses that can lead to things getting better. Best way for you to figure it out is to experience it at the hands of an experienced, trained and registered acupuncturist.

The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to rebalance the flow of qi.

Acupuncture and Science? 

There is a huge amount of research going on around the world on this ancient system. Like every other treatment, some of the research is good and some of it is bad. Much of the research fails in the research design and the design of the protocols.

At the moment, due to a variety of limitations, media often cite that acupuncture doesn’t work! What they mean, when you actually read the research, is that it’s hard to distinguish real acupuncture from sham. Both real and sham can generally to lead to improvement, this means you get better!

Often the research is done on a few points and generalised treatment. This is not how an acupuncturist works in the real world. At GO2, we tailor a program to suit your body, on that day, with your experiences and start with the idea that you are not exactly the same as everyone else! Maybe that’s why the research can be complex?

What are the benefits of acupuncture? 

• Focuses on drug-free pain relief
• Can be used in the treatment of a variety of acute and chronic conditions.
• Takes an holistic approach by addressing the underlying cause of the condition, as well as the symptoms. The approach links body, mind and emotions.
• Assists in the prevention against disease and the maintenance of general well-being

 

What is the difference between Acupuncture and dry needling? 

Our expert physiotherapists are all trained in dry needling. This is a part of acupuncture and has been documented for thousands of years. Physiotherapists at GO2 use acupuncture needles to release muscles and ‘trigger points’. This can be useful to release muscle spasm and help pain.

Acupuncturists use these techniques also but have the benefit of 2600 hours of specific training in the use of needles to see the body as a whole. To address underlying conditions and include digestive, psychological, gynaecological, physical and many other patterns into your treatment protocol.

Come and meet our very special people at GO2 and decide for yourself!