OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
Western Medical Acupuncture
An evidence-based approach to acupuncture
Harnessing the power of acupuncture and applying it as part of an anatomical approach to help manage pain and improve muscular function by influencing the nervous system.
Western Acupuncture
Western medical acupuncture is a therapeutic modality involving the insertion of fine needles; it is an adaptation of Chinese acupuncture using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology and the principles of evidence-based medicine. It is mostly used as an adjunct treatment tool as part of your osteopathic consultation rather than a stand-alone treatment.
Acupuncture & Osteopathy
We use Western Medical Acupuncture as a part of our osteopathic treatment when appropriate. Combining osteopathy and acupuncture enables us to restore muscle function, enhance movement, and alleviate pain. We apply premium fine Japanese acupuncture needles into active muscle trigger points to relieve pain, often called dry needling. We also use acupuncture in patients with pain scores that don't allow hands-on osteopathic treatment. In these cases, needles stimulate the nervous system to down-regulate pain and cause local tissue responses, allowing us to implement hands-on treatment.
What to expect
Our Osteopaths will place the needles at various depths depending on the tissues they are trying to stimulate or condition they are trying to treat. They will then either apply manual twisting or electrical stimulation to cause a local sensation known as De Qi. Needles will then be left in situ for at least 15-minutes for pain reflief or sometimes for shorter durations if trying to create a functional change. If you are not a fan of needles we also offer Radial Shockwave Therapy.