FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please contact me for questions/answers about acupuncture not covered here…
Where is my practice?
Since Covid, my Brisbane Clinic in Charlotte St is closed and will not be reopened.
I am now only practicing in Ipswich at Body techniques. 8 Roderick St – book here.
Probably the most frequently asked question is: Does Acupuncture hurt?
Generally the answer is no. Many people fall asleep during Acupuncture – It’s relaxing. Quite often you won’t feel the needle go in – they are 0.2mm in diameter. Sometimes it might be a little uncomfortable. Sometimes it will be a short sharp pricking – gone in a second. The sensation can vary due to your condition eg. tight muscles can feel more during insertion. Acupuncture treatments are NOTHING like experiences you might have had with pathology procedures (injections).
What can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture acts in a regulatory way. It will influence the body to allow it to engage its own innate/natural healing function. So really it can be beneficial for almost anything. Most people know about its use for pain conditions and injury. Regulating circulation of blood and fluids influences things such as stress, menstruation, menopause digestion, sleep, hormones and emotions and moods.
How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on your condition. Acupuncture is a cumulative treatment and a better response is felt/seen when the first few treatments are only a few days apart. On average an acute condition should respond in 4-6 treatments, while chronic conditions may take 6-10 treatments. Many people use acupuncture as a monthly maintenance once their condition has been managed. You can book online.
How long is the treatment?
The first session will be about 1 hr to allow time to collect your history as well as a treatment. Follow up treatments are 30mins-45mins. Often I will treat points on both sides of the body, so 20mins on each side is usual.
What is the most common thing treated?
I’d say the top five conditions I see are: low back pain, frozen shoulder, stress, menopause, neck pain with headaches, periods/fertility.
Are the needles new or reused?
The needles are single-use and sterile, meaning you get your own from a new packet then I dispose of them.
What is cupping?
Creating a vacuum within circular glass or plastic cups and applying it to your skin which then pulls the skin/muscle up and out. It’s like a massage in reverse – pulling instead of pushing. Cupping helps to move blood and fluid through the tissues. It can leave slight bruising.
Do Chinese Herbs taste bad?
No. I only supply herbal formulas in capsule/pill form so you don’t taste them at all!
Are Health Fund rebates available?
I am registered with most private health funds.
Most consultations can be processed at the clinic with HiCaps electronic payments. If this is important to you, please check with me or your health fund if you are covered for my services. Even if you have ‘extra’s’ cover including acupuncture, health funds cover practitioners individually.
My registration details are: Ms Sonia Smit. AHPRA # CMR0001717249
What’s the Best Way to contact Sonia
You can book online. If you call me please leave a message as I often don’t return unknown numbers due to the amount of telemarketers! I will get back to you as soon as possible. Email is great and I check it daily. I don’t check ‘Messenger’ daily but will get to it eventually.
I hope you get the time to peruse my website. If you have any suggestions for more frequently asked questions… please ask!
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