Patient’s Guide to Acupuncture

At Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne, we believe that acupuncture is a valuable therapy for a range of health conditions, and we want our patients to have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

1. Please note that acupuncture is not a substitute for conventional medical care, and patients should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider if they are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about their health. Acupuncture should be used as a complementary therapy, in addition to other forms of treatment that may be recommended by their healthcare provider.
2. While acupuncture performed by Chinese medicine practitioners is not currently covered by Medicare, the majority of private health insurance providers do offer rebates for acupuncture treatment. Patients should check their insurance schedules to determine their level of coverage for acupuncture therapy and be aware that there may still be out-of-pocket expenses.
3. While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and qualified practitioner, there is a small risk of adverse side effects, such as infection, bruising, or dizziness.
4. Patients should always inform their acupuncturist of any medical conditions or allergies they may have, and should report any adverse side effects to their healthcare provider.
5. Be honest and open with your acupuncturist: In order for your acupuncturist to develop an effective treatment plan, it is important to be honest and open about your medical history, symptoms, and any other relevant information. This will allow your acupuncturist to tailor your treatment to your specific needs and help you achieve the best possible results.
6. Be patient: While some patients may experience significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few acupuncture treatments, others may require more frequent or longer-term treatment in order to achieve the desired results. It is important to be patient and consistent with your treatments, and to communicate regularly with your acupuncturist about your progress.
7. Take an active role in your healthcare: Acupuncture is just one of many complementary and alternative therapies that can be used to support overall health and wellbeing. Patients should also consider making lifestyle changes, such as adjusting their diet, incorporating exercise into their routine, and managing stress, in order to support their overall health and achieve the best possible results.
8. Follow your acupuncturist’s advice: In addition to acupuncture treatments, your acupuncturist may recommend other therapies or lifestyle changes in order to support your overall health and wellbeing. It is important to follow your acupuncturist’s advice in order to achieve the best possible results and to support your overall health.
9. Keep an open mind: Acupuncture may be a new and unfamiliar therapy for some patients, and it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to try new approaches to health and wellbeing. With the guidance of a qualified and licensed acupuncturist, patients can explore the potential benefits of acupuncture and determine if it is the right therapy for them.
10. Be mindful of your emotional health: Acupuncture is not just a physical therapy, but can also have an impact on emotional wellbeing. Patients should be mindful of their emotional health and discuss any concerns they may have with their acupuncturist or healthcare provider.
11. Manage your expectations: While acupuncture can be a safe and effective therapy for a range of health conditions, it is important to manage your expectations and be realistic about the potential outcomes of treatment. Patients should discuss their treatment goals with their acupuncturist and be prepared to adjust their expectations as needed.
12. Be an advocate for acupuncture: As more people discover the potential benefits of acupuncture, it is important to be an advocate for the therapy and to help educate others about its potential benefits. Patients can share their own experiences with acupuncture and help spread the word about this valuable therapy.
13. Keep a journal: Patients may find it helpful to keep a journal of their acupuncture treatments, including any changes in symptoms, side effects, or other observations. This can help patients track their progress over time and communicate more effectively with their acupuncturist about their treatment.
14. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Patients should feel free to ask their acupuncturist any questions they may have about the therapy, including questions about the treatment process, potential side effects, or other concerns. A qualified and licensed acupuncturist will be happy to answer your questions and help you feel more informed and comfortable with the therapy
15. Take care of yourself after treatment: After receiving acupuncture treatment, it is important to take care of yourself and to avoid overexertion or activities that may exacerbate your symptoms. Patients may also benefit from drinking plenty of water, eating a light meal, and getting plenty of rest after treatment.
16. Be mindful of potential interactions with other therapies: Patients who are receiving acupuncture should be mindful of potential interactions with other therapies or medications they may be taking. Patients should always inform their acupuncturist of any medications they are taking or other therapies they are receiving, in order to avoid potential interactions or adverse side effects.
17. Make time for relaxation and stress reduction: Stress can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing, and patients who are receiving acupuncture may benefit from making time for relaxation and stress reduction practices such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.
18. Stay informed and educated about your health: Patients who are informed and educated about their health and wellbeing may be more likely to make positive choices and achieve better outcomes. Patients should seek out reliable sources of information about acupuncture and other complementary and alternative therapies, and should make an effort to stay informed and educated about their overall health and wellbeing.
19. Work closely with your healthcare providers: Acupuncture should be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other forms of treatment that may be recommended by your healthcare providers. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop an integrative approach to their health that is tailored to their specific needs and goals.
20. Embrace a holistic approach to health and wellbeing: Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that aims to support overall health and wellbeing by addressing the root causes of health conditions and imbalances in the body. Patients who are receiving acupuncture should embrace a holistic approach to their health and wellbeing, taking into account physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
21. Be mindful of the potential costs: While acupuncture can be a valuable therapy for a range of health conditions, it is important for patients to be mindful of the potential costs associated with treatment. Patients should be aware that acupuncture may not be covered by all insurance plans, and that out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on the practitioner and the specific treatment plan.
22. Be prepared for a unique experience: Acupuncture is a unique and individualised therapy that can vary from patient to patient. Patients who are receiving acupuncture should be prepared for a unique and personalized treatment experience, and should communicate regularly with their acupuncturist about their preferences, needs, and concerns.
23. Be open to feedback and adjustments: Acupuncture treatments can be adjusted and modified over time based on the patient’s progress and response to treatment. Patients who are receiving acupuncture should be open to feedback and adjustments to their treatment plan, and should work closely with their acupuncturist to ensure that they are receiving the best possible care.
24. Celebrate your successes: Achieving positive health outcomes can be a cause for celebration, and patients who are receiving acupuncture should take the time to celebrate their successes and acknowledge their progress. Celebrating successes can help to motivate patients to continue with their treatment and to maintain a positive attitude towards their overall health and wellbeing.
25. Consider the potential long-term benefits: Acupuncture can be a valuable therapy for a range of health conditions, and patients who are receiving acupuncture should consider the potential long-term benefits of treatment. Long-term benefits may include improved overall health and wellbeing, reduced symptoms of chronic conditions, and a greater sense of balance and harmony in the body.