What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that began in traditional Chinese medicine almost 2,500 years ago.
The practice of acupuncture generally involves using very fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints.
Acupoints are located throughout the body, with the majority located along 12 bilateral meridians and two midline channels (the du and ren meridians). Stimulation of acupoints can help balance the body’s energy flow, often called qi (pronounced ‘chee’), and may support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
About Acupuncture
While the traditional approach to acupuncture focuses on the ability of acupuncture to balance energy, modern medical research offers further insight into the role acupuncture can play.
Studies have indicated that inserting fine, sterile needles at certain points in the body can lead to stimulation of the nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This can have positive effects for holistic health including:
- Increasing blood flow
- Triggering the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins
- Supporting the brain’s regulation of stress and emotion
- Helping calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation
An increasing body of scientific evidence is emerging that shows how acupuncture may be able to activate the body’s own healing and pain-control systems. (References: 1-4)
- Xiang, Anfeng, et al. “The immediate analgesic effect of acupuncture for pain: a systematic review and meta‐analysis.” Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2017.1 (2017): 3837194.
- He, Y., Guo, X., May, B. H., Zhang, A. L., Liu, Y., Lu, C., … & Zhang, H. (2020). Clinical evidence for association of acupuncture and acupressure with improved cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA oncology, 6(2), 271-278.
- Lu T, Yang Y, Li J, Lu L, Liu J. Acupuncture improves migraine and quality of life in patients with migraine: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Syst Rev. 2025 Nov 11;14(1):220.
- Manyanga, T., Froese, M., Zarychanski, R. et al. Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med 14, 312 (2014).
The Latest Research
The fact that acupuncture and Chinese medicine has become more common in Australia in recent decades is not surprising, given the emergence of high-quality, evidence-based research regarding acupuncture.
This expanding recognition, from both the public and the wider medical profession, is helping to validate acupuncture and other Chinese medicine practices within the Western medical landscape. It also offers clients greater confidence in their safety, effectiveness, and clinical relevance.
Research, including reviews of clinical trials conducted in Australia and overseas, suggests that acupuncture can provide real, measurable benefits, particularly for pain management and stress-related disorders, and may also positively impact:
- Chronic pain (such as back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and migraines)
- Tension headaches
- Nausea and vomiting (for example, after surgery or chemotherapy)
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep issues (1)
Ref: Qin C, Ma H, Ni H, Wang M, Shi Y, Mandizadza OO, Li L, Ji C. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for pain relief: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. 2024 Nov 9;32(12):780. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08971-9. PMID: 39520569.
Recognition By Major Health Organisations
Numerous respected medical and public health organisations around the globe now acknowledge the benefits of acupuncture.
The World Health Organization lists acupuncture as an effective treatment for a range of conditions, including pain and nausea.
Acupuncture is a strictly regulated profession in Australia, with all practitioners required to be registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA).
The CMBA was formed in 2011 to work with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agent (AHPRA) to set up various regulations, guidelines, and standards that govern practitioners and ensure safe, standardised and compliant practice across the board.
Acupuncture Today
Today acupuncture is a popular therapy that combines wise, ancient practice with increasing support from Western science.
Acupuncture is now being recognised in Australia as an effective and complementary option within the scope of modern healthcare, as it has the capacity to help manage pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Contact The Dispensary™ to book your tailored treatment now.
Other Focus Treatments
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Aims to restore internal harmony using medicinal herbs.
Moxibustion
Gentle heat therapy applied to acupuncture points and meridians.