Acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners are required to register
Some medical practitioners offer acupuncture after completing a short course. However, the philosophy of acupuncture is complex, so you should only use a qualified acupuncturist. Since 2000, all Victorian acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have been required to register. You don't need a doctor's recommendation to see an acupuncturist.
Risks of acupuncture
In the hands of unskilled practitioners, acupuncture can cause a number of problems, including:
Allergic reactions - Herbs sometimes burn on the skin, creating specific hot spots near acupressure points. Herbs are just as powerful as medicines and need to be treated with the same respect and care
Infection - If needles are not sterilized, bacteria can cause a local infection. There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV, or any other blood-borne disease if needles are reused
Skin damage - Awkward insertion or needle into a blood vessel can cause bleeding, bruising and pain.
Unexpected side effects -- such as increased pain, depression, convulsions, or insomnia. Acupuncture can produce significant changes in the nervous system, and stimulating the right points in the right way is crucial.
How is acupuncture performed
Pre-sterilized disposable needles should be used. Depending on the location of the treatment, you can either sit or lie down. When done well, acupuncture is painless because the needles are very thin (about 0.2 mm wide). When the needle is inserted, you may feel a slight tingling, warmth, or heaviness around you, or even nothing at all.
Acupuncturists can use other techniques, including:
Cupping -- a suction device that brings blood to acupoints
Chinese herbs - mixed by an acupuncturist, or in pre-prepared tablets or granules
Laser - activates acupuncture points instead of needles
traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic massage - techniques applied to specific points or meridians
moxibustion - putting herbs on or applying them to points.
You will usually feel relaxed and refreshed after a acupuncture for a while, but the specific response depends on each person. For example, some people feel energized, while others feel lethargic. Occasionally, symptoms get a little worse before they get better.
The number of treatments you need depends on your condition. In most cases, people experience a reduction in symptoms after several treatments. The idea of acupuncture is to restore the natural balance of energy in the body. Once balance is restored, the body can take care of itself and no further treatment is needed.
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