Top 10 Things You'll Wish You Knew Sooner About Acupuncture

A key component in traditional Chinese medicine, you probably think you know what acupuncture is... ‘little needles that help with muscle pain and recovery, right?’ Well there is more to this ancient healthcare system than meets the eye, and Dr Greg from Aus Acu helps explain the all round benefits.

- Dr Gregory Dunn (REG. ACU)

1. ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS DRY NEEDLING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Health practitioners who have not studied acupuncture can still use a specific type of Acupuncture (“Ah Shi”, or Motor Point Acupuncture) which is learnt in a short-course (usually a weekend or two). As they are unable to be registered as licensed acupuncturists with this training, they use the term ‘Dry Needling’, which was originally coined by an American physician in the 1900s who used the term to differentiate between two hypodermic needle techniques she used for pain management. Acupuncturists can perform ‘Dry Needling’, but more importantly they can manage your overall health, not just the muscle spasms!

2. ACUPUNCTURE IS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

That’s right! For anyone who is still unsure as to whether acupuncture ‘works’, the World Health Organisation conducted a symposium in 1979 which concluded at least 43 conditions could benefit from acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is now recommended by the WHO for a variety of diseases and conditions on their website.

3. ACUPUNCTURE IS PROVEN FOR HAY FEVER RELIEF