Blue Balance Acupuncture Ipswich at Body Techniques (8 Roderick St), servicing the areas of Ipswich, Ripley, Yamanto, Boonah, Lowood, Gatton and Esk.
Acupuncture is a treatment used for healing many conditions and pain relief. It can be useful in treating stress and stress related conditions. The gentle treatment consists of using very fine needles at specific points on the body. The aim is to influence the natural functions of the body to aid healing. There are over 300 points on the body, but as little as one needle can be used for a treatment.
People receiving Acupuncture often report to me that they feel a greater sense of general wellbeing. They feel less tense emotionally and notice a greater sense of focus and productivity. And also a growing feeling of ease, in their interactions with others. Some of these comments have come from people who have come to me for a sore back! For most people this is an unexpected development. Let me explain why you should expect it…
Acupuncture is Therapy for Your Nervous System
Research results continue to reveal acupunctures effects on the nervous system. And through this action, it can help to heal us on a mental and physical level. When used as a prescribed series of sessions, much like you would use physical therapy for an injury, acupuncture Ipswich can be helpful for a wide range of conditions.
The Role of the Nervous System
Your Nervous System is the communication system of your body. The organs of the nervous system gather information from the body and external environment. The information is processed and interpreted and a response is executed. The response could be muscle contraction leading to a movement like walking. Or it could be to release neurotransmitters which act in chemical pathways to create a range of responses like changes in kidney function or to increase your heart rate at times of stress.
Two important divisions of the nervous system are the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems. The Sympathetic system is responsible for our ‘flight or fight’ response. The opposing, or balancing action of the Parasympathetic system is to ‘rest and digest’.
Many things happen when we experience stress. Heart rate and blood pressure increase. Breathing increases to allow for more oxygen to be sent to muscles. Sense organs become more focused. We are ready and alert! This is all good when you need it. But other organs get their blood and oxygen supply restricted, because you don’t really need to digest that breakfast or maintain fertility when your life is on the line! Once the danger has passed, your Parasympathetic system helps to set the balance back to regular function.
When Stress Persists- Blue Balance Acupuncture Ipswich
Unfortunately, due to our modern day stressful job or lifestyle, it is very common for people to exhibit an extended stress response. This low level stress state is not healthy for your organs and can lead to disease and weight issues. Fortunately we have acupuncture and you can also learn techniques to reduce your stress response.
Acupuncture has been shown to decrease activity of the ‘fight or flight’ response and also improve regulation of the ‘rest and digest’ action. So even when we are using acupuncture to directly effect the central nervous system, which results in muscle relaxation (to treat your sore back) you will also benefit from its action in regulating that part of your nervous system which keeps you feeling mentally and physically balanced.
I have written a more specific article: Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Most clients access acupuncture to help with conditions of:
- physical pain
- stress/anxiety/depression and stress related physical conditions
- internal medicine issues (like menopause)
Directly effecting the Nervous System gives acupuncture a unique treatment avenue which can lead to results where other treatments can not.
Each session lasts about one hour and is found to be very relaxing by most people. Sleeping during the treatment is quite common. Sterilised single-use needles are used.
What to expect during your consultation at Blue Balance Acupuncture Ipswich
Your appointment will usually take about an hour (45mins-1hr). As Acupuncture is an holistic therapy, information about all your body systems may be discussed as they each influence your health in different ways. You might be asked to stick out your tongue to allow for “tongue diagnosis” (read all about that here).
After a diagnosis is reached, you will discuss the treatment plan which may include the description of any herbal medicine required and the estimated length of treatment time. Acupuncture is relaxing. On average, the number of needles will range from 8-10. Insertion is quick and usually painless (or slight but gone in an instant) and sometimes followed by a feeling that can become hard to describe… tingling, floating, moving, loosening or no feeling at all. Many people fall asleep during the treatment while the needles are left in for about 20mins. Points are often selected on both sides of the body, so you will be asked to turn over to allow this.
Duration of Treatment
The required number of treatments at Acupuncture Ipswich will depend on the condition. Some are solved quickly in just a few sessions. Other long standing conditions will take longer. An estimate can be discussed at the initial consultation.
Following the treatment many people report feeling very relaxed and calm. I often suggest a short walk before driving due to this relaxed state but it’s not necessary and it’s fine to go back to work directly following a treatment session.
If you’d like to know more about how Acupuncture works, here is a link to some great podcasts. There is so much information here for you to choose from. Pick the subject matter that interests you most or subscribe to all of them and listen at your leisure.
