FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Acupuncture suitable for me?

Acupuncture can be used to treat an enormous variety of conditions

from sporting injuries to digestive upsets or even the common cold. Anyone

from newborns to the elderly can benefit from a course of treatment. Acupuncture

is a very safe and effective form of medicine with a history of many thousands

of years. It can be used not only for the treatment of conditions or illnesses but

also to help keep you well and prevent illness from taking hold.

What should I do before treatment?

It is better to avoid drinking coffee or eating a large meal immediately prior to

acupuncture but don’t arrive at the clinic feeling really hungry or under the

influence of alcohol or drugs. Cigarettes, caffeine, or recreational drugs make

it more difficult for your practitioner to accurately diagnose your condition.

What happens during a typical treatment?

Chinese Medicine is a holistic treatment and your practitioner will take an

extensive case history, covering every aspect of your health, diet, and lifestyle

before making a diagnosis. This may include asking seemingly unrelated

questions about such things as your response to changes in the weather, your

menstrual cycle even if the condition you are attending for is not related to

your cycle or whether you sleep with your feet out from under the blankets!

Your answers will help identify patterns of disharmony which will allow your

practitioner to make a more accurate diagnosis. Your practitioner will also

take your pulse on both wrists and may ask to look at your tongue as both

provide valuable information about your constitution and presenting condition.

After making a diagnosis your practitioner will decide the appropriate treatment.

This may be acupuncture or Chinese herbs separately or in combination

or may include the use of moxibustion, tui-na, or gua sha. Your practitioner

may also make recommendations regarding your diet and lifestyle.

In comparison to needles that are used for an injection or to take blood,

acupuncture needles are very fine – not much thicker than a human hair.

A typical treatment will involve the insertion of 8-10 acupuncture needles

into points which may be selected either close to the affected area or as

far away from it as possible. The needles must stay in place for approximately

20-25 minutes, during which time most people drift into a state of deep

relaxation or may even go to sleep.

Will it hurt?

Most new patients are amazed how painless acupuncture is – 

the thought is worse than the reality. When the correct stimulus of the needle has

been obtained and the Qi has been activated, the patient may feel some heaviness,

distension, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling

up or down the affected energy pathway or meridian.

What should I do after a treatment?

Energetic changes in the body will continue for some time after the needles have

been removed so it is preferable to avoid any strenuous activity immediately

after treatment. To avoid undoing the effects of the treatment it is also

better not to consume any alcohol or recreational drugs.

How will I feel after acupuncture?

Depending on the type of treatment you have received, you may feel very relaxed

and calm or you may feel revitalized and more clear-headed. It is not

unusual to feel like resting after treatment and occasionally your symptoms

may flare for a short time before settling. Generally, the effects of the

treatment will be more obvious the following day.

Should I tell my doctor?

Yes, it is possible that a course of acupuncture may reduce your need for

some medications so it is essential that your GP is aware that you are

receiving treatment. Most medical doctors are supportive of acupuncture

treatment and it is better for you if all your healthcare practitioners are

able to work together.

Should I tell the acupuncturist of any medications I am taking?

Yes, when taking your history, your practitioner will ask you about any

medication you are taking. Many pharmaceutical drugs have noticeable

effects on the pulse and as this is one of the diagnostic tools used by your

acupuncturist, it is important that they are aware of your medications. It is

also possible that some of your symptoms are side effects of the medication

you are taking and it helpful for your practitioner to be alerted to this.

Should I continue to take my medication whilst having

acupuncture treatment?

It is very important to continue your medication. There can be serious

consequences from suddenly stopping some pharmaceutical drugs. Whilst

it is possible to use acupuncture to reduce the need for some medications,

this should only be done in full consultation with your GP.

Is acupuncture treatment covered by ACC?

Yes. ACC has recognized NZRA and NZASA members as Treatment Providers.

Once you have had a claim accepted by ACC you can then choose to go to

an acupuncturist for treatment. It is not necessary to have a referral from

your GP or other Treatment Provider – the choice isyours. It is not

appropriate for any other Treatment Provider to suggest that you should

not have acupuncture treatment for your injury. If this is suggested then

please let ACC know so that this can be followed up. It is important to note that

ACC will only cover the treatment of a specific injury. You should not expect

your practitioner to treat conditions other than your injury under ACC.

Why should I go to a member of NZRA or NZASA for

treatment?

Members of NZRA or NZASA are required to meet the highest entry-level

qualification of all acupuncture practitioners in New Zealand. They are also

required to complete 20 hours of Continuing Education every year in order

to maintain their Annual Practising Certificate and must abide by the Rules

and Ethical Guidelines of the organization. If the acupuncturist you choose

is a member of NZRA or NZASA then you can be sure that you are in the

safe hands of a competent practitioner.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is extremely safe when practiced by a qualified practitioner. After

four years of full-time training, members of NZRA or NZASA have an

in-depth knowledge of Chinese Medicine and the meridian system as well as

anatomy and physiology from a Western medical perspective. All members

of NZRA or NZASAmust use sterile single-use needles and abide by the

Clinical Guidelines of the organization. Occasionally a small bruise may occur

 at the site of the needle insertion but this is not usually painful and will

clear in a few days.

Will the needles be sterile?

Yes, members of the NZRA, NZASA are required to use pre-sterilized single-use

needles which are disposed of immediately after removal.

How many treatments will I need?

Generally, a course of treatment is accepted as being 8-10 individual sessions. 

Very commonly your condition may resolve in fewer than

this, but if it is a long-standing condition then it would not be unexpected to

require considerably more. Initially, you may be asked to attend for

treatment two or three times a week, and then as symptoms improve,

weekly treatment would be likely. Your first appointment may last for

close to an hour but subsequent visits may only take 30 or 45 minutes.

Is there anything I should advise the Practitioner?

Most acupuncture practitioners will ask you to complete an information sheet

on your first visit. The questions asked will cover basic information such as

your name, address, and age, the reason for your visit, and how long the

condition has been present. They will also ask about any medication you may

be taking and whether or not you have had any surgery, even if it is not

specifically related to the reason for your visit. You should also advise the

practitioner of any of the following conditions:· Pregnancy· Bleeding disorders·

Diabetes·Any form of cancer· Hepatitis· HIV/Aids· Epilepsy or seizures·

Skin infections·Heart conditions - especially if you have had a pacemaker inserted.

Do acupuncturists also use other forms of treatment?

Acupuncture is just one aspect of Chinese Medicine. A typical treatment

may also include the use of moxibustion (the burning of a herb close to acupuncture

points or on the needles), gua sha (scraping of the skin to cause slight

redness), tui na (a form of massage), or cupping (the application of vacuum

cups to the skin, most commonly used on the back). Your practitioner may

also give you Chinese herbs to take. These are traditionally prescribed as

dry herbs which are to be boiled with water. In more recent years herbs

are becoming more available as freeze-dried granules, pills, or capsules

which are very easy to take.