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Home > Blog > Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, Cupping & Herbal Medicine > Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a 5000+ years old healing technique that is based on meridian health and healing which uses very thin cylindrical needles that are inserted into acupuncture points on specific parts of the body to stimulate or normalize Qi energy and circulation.
Acupuncture is a very common Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment in Singapore (as well as Asia, particularly China and Japan).
What happens is that with trauma / force / injury, lifestyle practices or wear-and-tear damage over time (such as repetitive strain injury), that causes a disruption and disturbance of circulation and the production of Qi and blood, which will lead to eventual disease and conditions.
By restoring and maintaining a healthy flow and production of Qi and blood in the meridians, disorders can be managed, treated and reversed. We can visualize each of the acupuncture points as a health gate which sends energy and healing deep into the body.
The basis of acupuncture lies in controlled and specific micro-injury, leading to
Acupuncture points are specific areas that are sensitive to electrical input, so by inserting acupuncture needles at these specific points, it stimulates sensory receptors that send electrical impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain.
This is important because our hypothalamic-pituitary glands control the amount of neurotransmitters and endorphins (which are our body's natural painkillers - much more effective than the strongest painkiller available today which is morphine).
The very same endorphine also plays a very important role in our hormonal balance, which is why acupuncture works very well for a range of issues including
The released substances causes the body to naturally "calms down" and relax; as well as regulates serotonin levels in the brain, which at the same time also "calms down" the state of mind (these two combined brings a lot of calm, relaxed healing to our patients).
Additional physiological benefits of treatment and regular maintenance acupuncture include
There are many benefits of acupuncture which includes
In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed a number of conditions in which acupuncture has been proven effective.
Acupuncture is fairly very very mildly invasive (super-thin needles) and also does not cause addition (this is an important point as patients can get addicted to painkillers).
Other than the occasional bruising (mild tenderness), there is little to no side effects that have been reported when TCM acupuncture is administered by an experienced and skilled TCM physician.
In fact, patients usually report that they feel
What happens is that acupuncture may help bring the body into stimulating natural healing and pain-killing substances that calms the body as well as induces natural balancing (homeostasis) that makes patients feel better with little to no pain.
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do I Need?
This really depends on patients / individuals, and the variables which includes
For some patients this may mean one (1) acupuncture session for an acute problem; and for someone with very complex or chronic problems it can be a series of weeks if not months. Degenerative conditions may require a long time of treatment (months). Fertility may require 2-3 acupuncture sessions a week.
In addition to acupuncture, we may prescribe you TCM herbal medicine to complement the healing process.
Is Acupuncture In Singapore Painful?
Some patients say that they don't feel anything, some say that they feel ant prick, sometime they feel sensations of
Typically patients will go into a state of calmness and deep relaxation during and after acupuncture treatment.
Eh, But I'm Scared Of Needles!
Yes, this is the #1 thing that patients (especially new patients) say - that they're scared or fearful of the needles.
I'd like to assure you that these needles are very fine (ie small) and these are much smaller than the ones used for injections and blood tests.
To give you perspective, acupuncture needles are
We want to trigger healing not cause more pain or damage, so that's why it's very very very fine and small - at most you should feel a little pressure as the needle pierces the skin, and once the needle is in the acupuncture point or muscle, you shouldn't feel anything at all.
Are The Acupuncture Needles Clean Or Sterile? Do You Even Sterilize Them? How Often Do You Sterilize Them?
Please note that we do NOT re-use our acupuncture needles and hence we don't need to sterilize.
We only use
acupuncture needles - this provides the highest level of sterility and non-contamination.
How Deep Will The Acupuncture Needles Go Into My Body Or Hands And Feet?
Typically acupuncture points are located close to the skin's surface, but that being said, acupuncture needles can be inserted anything from 0.025 cm depth for limbs and up to 5+ cm for deep deep structures.
It depends on the
How Long Does Each TCM Acupuncture Session Lasts For?
A session will last between 30-45 minutes, with variables depending on
What Should I Expect During My TCM Acupuncture Session?
If it's your first time with us - welcome!
Our TCM physician will first assess your general health, then take your current medical / health history and any treatments you'd received to date.
They will also need to understand your
This is to ensure that we can assess and identify exactly what is the root cause and to treat the root cause of all the disease and health issues; as well as to improve your wellness and constitution.
Sometimes we may test organs or limbs or body parts that is not close to the place where you are experiencing the problem (eg sometimes with backpain, we may assess and treat the knee and foot also) - reason being that there are 365 acupuncture points all over the body, with unlimited number of non-specific acupuncture points.
Our experienced TCM physician will target a group of these for each sessions and these groups may differ from session to session as your condition improves or changes.
Do I Need To Prepare Anything For My TCM Acupuncture Session?
Come to the session wearing comfortable but loose clothing for you acupuncture treatment - the reason being that our TCM physician may need to access acupuncture points on your body, torso, arms and legs, so loose clothing makes it much more comfortable and easier for treatment.
Do try to come at least 5-10 minutes earlier so that you will not be in a state of rush. A state of calmness and relaxed will allow acupuncture treatment to be more effective too.
At the same time, please avoid for an hour before and after acupuncture with us:
Can I See A TCM For Acupuncture Or Treatment When I Am Unwell?
If you're under a stay home notice (SHN) or quarantine order (QO), or suspect any highly infectious conditions, please do not leave your house until your SHN or QO is over; or if you have obtained medical clearance (this is in light of the recent COVID-19 legislation).
However, if you're feeling a little under the weather, have a mild flu or have generalized ache and pains, please come (wear a mask) - that's actually a good time to come because that's when our TCM physician can help heal you with acupuncture and herbal medicine.
What Other TCM Services Do You Have Other Than Acupuncture?
We have other TCM services as well which includes
Does Acupuncture Have Side Effects?
In some rare instances, patients may feel a little very mild bruising where the acupuncture needles was inserted.
If you experience any large bruises, sharp pain, swelling, difficulty breathing or dizziness after TCM acupuncture - please inform your TCM physician immediately and seek medical treatment immediately as well.
How Will I Feel After Acupuncture?
As acupuncture treatments is restorative and releases substances that relax and health, typically most patients feel calm, relaxed with quiet energy.
Some patients may experience tiredness or drowsiness for a few hours if their calm / relaxed experience is very strong.
In some instances there is immediate pain relief; in some there benefits and effects of acupuncture manifests a few days later. In some, they may experience some mild flare-up of the condition for a few hours or days.
We usually recommend patients to relax and to not participate in rigorous activities after TCM and acupuncture - a gentle walk in the park is good and helpful, but do try to avoid