Acupuncture: from Latin, ‘acus’ (needle) + ‘punctura’ (to puncture). One of the oldest medical treatments in existence originating in China more than 2,500 years ago. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM ) philosophy is rooted in the traditional teachings of Taoism, which promotes harmony between humans and the world around them. Acupuncture has been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin or applying various other techniques (for example low level laser) to the acupuncture points to restore balance and encourage the body to heal itself.

With Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explanation, the same as the rest of the universe, the human body and soul also has two main forces known as Yin (cold) and Yang (warm), which is a balance of opposites. These Yin and Yang forces should be in balance in our body and each organ. TCM believes that disease happens when the balance of these two forces is disrupted.

TCM believes that there are multiple channels throughout the human body (called meridian in TCM) that vital energy which is called Qi flows through them. Any imbalance and blockage in the flow of the energy will result in various diseases. There are more than 400 superficial points on the skin where these channels are accessible from. Inserting needles into these points with appropriate combinations is believed to bring the energy flow back into its proper balance.

Modern explanation about acupuncture:

Since acupuncture was introduced into the western medicine lots of studies and theories have been conducted and discussed. Most of the theories explain acupuncture’s effect by its influence on the nervous system. Studies have shown acupuncture’s effect on the nerve endings and the higher nervous centres in the brain.

There are multiple studies on effectiveness of acupuncture which shows it can help with various medical conditions which these evidences are increasing every year.

Most powerful argument in favour of acupuncture is accumulated clinical experience that comes with watching patients being treated with acupuncture and listening to their comments.

Since Dr Amir started doing medical acupuncture besides his western usual medicine, he is hearing lots of these positive comments from his patients who have tried acupuncture. He believes it is safe, drug free medical treatment which can make noticeable difference in many medical conditions.

Effectiveness:

Large ‘Gold standard’ meta-analysis demonstrate acupuncture to be the most effective treatment of chronic pain available. Level 1 evidence supports use of medical acupuncture in form of a needle or laser stimulation in the treatment of common pain, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and many other conditions. Robust clinical trials have shown acupuncture to be superior to standard treatment and to a scientifically valid placebo with an impact that is clinically relevant.

Simple answer is No!

Dry needling is focused on using strong stimulation on the muscles to get them to release.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, does not use strong stimulation and it is based on channel theory and using points to heal the body naturally.

Plus, people have used acupuncture for centuries, and it is now well regulated. Dry needling has been developed more recently, and there are no official guidelines.

Dr Amir does medical acupuncture which involves using his western and eastern medical knowledge in one place to get the best outcome.

Available evidence on incidence rates from large-scale perspective surveys show that acupuncture is very safe as far as it is being done by trained health practitioner.

Needles that are used for acupuncture are very fine needle and in general, acupuncture treatment is not a painful treatment.

In general, for Kids and people who have needle phobia the best way is using laser acupuncture. Please let Dr Amir know about this before your acupuncture treatment.

Before having acupuncture treatment preferably book normal appointment with Dr. Amir Faham to discuss your health issues. He will explain if acupuncture can help your condition and will prepare your treatment plan. Most patients need between 4 to 6 sessions to get benefit of the medical acupuncture treatment.

As Dr Amir is AHPRA and RACGP registered medical acupuncturist, you can access Medicare rebates for your treatments but there will be a gap of payment.

Unfortunately, when you use Medicare rebate, you are not able to claim from private insurance.

Non-attendance fee is 60$. please advise at least 24 hours before your appointment if you cannot attend.