How acupuncture enhances my wellness practice
By Henri-noel Venturini
book now
I am convinced that acupuncture is a very effective form of treatment that enhances my clinical practice immensely. When combined with the other treatments that I already offer (I have been a wellness practitioner for around 20 years) such as massage, moxibustion, cupping, herbal medicines, depression and anxiety coaching and Tai Chi and Qigong exercise programmes the Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine increases my ability to deliver even more positive and effective solutions to my clients that are very cost effective.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is linked to the belief that disease is caused by disruptions to the flow of energy or “qi”, in the body. It works through neuro-hormonal pathways by needling and stimulating the nerves at specific acupuncture points in the body. This improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process.
Acupuncture promotes the balance of energy that flows through the body, the benefits can extend to a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression, digestive complaints, pain and inflammation due to injuries, hay fever, headaches, insomnia or chronic digestive disorders and even care after surgery or palliative care.
Studies in the U.S. indicate that acupuncture can help relieve chronic low back pain, dental pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and symptoms of osteoarthritis. It has been shown to assist in the treatment of emotional pain syndromes such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It has also demonstrated clinical success in achieving pregnancy when used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization. Also that acupuncture can stimulate the release of natural pain relieving endorphins in the brain.
Reports commissioned by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association in Australia have identified that of 122 conditions, strong evidence supports the effectiveness of acupuncture for a number of conditions such as:
Allergic rhinitis/ Nausea and vomiting/ Post-operative pain with vomiting and nausea/ Tension and Chronic headaches/ Knee osteoarthritis/ Chronic lower back pain
A further 38 conditions had moderate evidence which supported the use of acupuncture. These include the following:
Acute lower back pain/ Anxiety/ Cancer pain/ Constipation/ Depression/ Dry eye/ Menopause hot flushes/ Labour pain/ Insomnia/ Plantar heel pain/ Post-traumatic stress disorder/ Sciatica/ Shoulder impingement syndrome/ Shoulder pain
To conclude the reports clearly state there is evidence that treating certain conditions was cost effective and safe in the hands of a well-trained practitioner.
In New Zealand acupuncture is part of the referred therapies, and treatment by a registered acupuncturist are covered by ACC.
