Acupuncture

Acupuncture - What it is

Acupuncture is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment that involves stimulation of certain points on the skin using a variety of techniques, with or without the insertion of needles.

Based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture improves the flow of "qi" (energetic balance of the body) or energy along the meridians (pathways) to normalise physiological functions or to treat ailments or conditions of the human body.

A treatment course usually consists of 5-10 acupuncture sessions that span over a number of weeks. The treatment frequency and length depend on the type, severity and complexity of your condition(s) and your response to it. Our acupuncturist will assess your suitability to proceed with the treatment and advise you on a suitable course.

Acupuncture - Symptoms

Stroke
Neck pain
Low back pain
Frozen shoulder
Knee pain
Giddiness and tinnitus
Anxiety and insomnia
Headache
Chronic cough

Acupuncture - How to prevent?

Lifestyle modification, healthy diet and regular exercises are important even as we manage the symptoms of pain using acupuncture. Co-management with our medical and allied health colleagues is essential in ensuring the best treatment outcome.

However, there is a big difference in how individuals respond to acupuncture treatment. While some patients have reported improvement immediately or within the next few days, there are also patients who do not respond to acupuncture. In general, complex or chronic conditions may require more treatment sessions before noticing observable benefits.

Acupuncture - Causes and Risk Factors

Please refer to other related pages for more information of your specific condition.

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, we recommend adopting healthful behaviours for general health. As such, some risk factors can be:

Over-strain, over-exertion, over-eating, and inadequate rest
Inappropriate diet and fluid intake such as over-indulgence of alcohol and oily food
Non-compliance with treatment regimens prescribed by their medical physicians

Acupuncture - Diagnosis

Acupuncture - Treatments

Acupuncture - Preparing for surgery

Wear loose-fitting clothes and ensure that you are not feeling too hungry, tired or nervous
Maintain good personal hygiene
Avoid wearing jewellery
As the session will take around 30 minutes, we recommend visiting the bathroom prior to the treatment session

Acupuncture - Post-surgery care

After removal of needles by accredited staff, patient will be checked for side effects such as bleeding, swelling (hematoma) or feeling faint etc. Patient will be monitored in the clinic thereafter until patient is well to be discharged from the clinic by the acupuncturist.

Acupuncture - Other Information

While there is generally no age limit for acupuncture, it is not recommended for infants and young children as the needling sensation can be too intense or unpleasant for them. Patients must be 18 years old and above to receive acupuncture at SKH.