Medical acupuncture is acupuncture performed by a trained medical practitioner, following a thorough medical assessment and diagnosis of a suitably indicated medical problem.
ACUPUNCTURE W DR JESS CHUA
SCROLL TO LEARN MORE
Dr. Chua is a dedicated and compassionate Specialist General Practitioner with a diverse medical background. She began her career in healthcare after earning a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Curtin University in 2001. Her time as a Physiotherapist at Singapore’s National University Hospital sparked her desire to pursue medicine, leading her to move to Sydney, where she graduated with Honours in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Sydney in 2007.
DR JESS CHUA
| ACUPUNCTURE |
-
Dr. Chua's medical career in hospitals spans over a decade, during which she worked as a Junior Medical Officer in various NSW health districts, including Liverpool, Nepean, Ryde, Hornsby, and Wollongong, gaining experience across specialties such as Orthopaedics, General Surgery, General Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, and Intensive Care. A pivotal chapter of her career began in 2016 when she joined Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in the Middle East, providing medical care in conflict zones until 2018. Inspired by this transformative experience, Dr. Chua pursued specialist training as a Rural Generalist and was awarded Fellowship from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) in 2022. She is now a fully qualified Rural Generalist, able to work across Australia, including in austere and remote environments. Committed to providing comprehensive care, Dr. Chua furthered her expertise in 2023 by becoming an AHPRA-endorsed Medical Acupuncturist through the Australian Medical Acupuncture College.
Learn more about acupuncture by scrolling
With a background in general practice, rural and remote care, physiotherapy and acupuncture, Dr Jess understands at the emotional, psychological and physical level, the effects of pain. By providing acupuncture as a certified practitioner she is well positioned to provide holistic and comprehensive care to her patients.
+ WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
‘Acupuncture’ as a treatment modality that was developed over 2000 years ago in China. It usually involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on body. Now, we have the option to use laser as an alternative to needles.
Medical acupuncture is acupuncture performed by a trained medical practitioner, following a thorough medical assessment and diagnosis of the problem to assess its suitability for use as a complementary treatment alongside conventional medical treatment.
Before starting acupuncture treatment, the medical practitioner must be sure that all the necessary tests have been carried out. This is to ensure that any serious or potentially serious condition be excluded.
Acupuncture does not replace conventional medical treatment. It is a useful adjunct to help manage pain.
+ HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Western medical acupuncture is an adaptation of traditional Chinese acupuncture using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, and the principles of evidence based medicine. It is performed by a medical practitioner, like your GP.
While Western medical acupuncture has evolved from Chinese acupuncture, its practitioners no longer adhere to concepts such as Yin/Yang and circulation of qi, and regard acupuncture as an adjunct to conventional medicine.
Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin, muscle, and connective tissues. It stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers, including endorphin and serotonin, in the pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received by the brain. Acupuncture also works locally to increase blood flow to the treatment area.
Acupuncture seems to have a beneficial effect on the health of some individuals. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing, a relaxed state and restful sleep after treatment.
Western medical acupuncture does not claim to treat every medical condition, nor every individual. It is important to discuss your suitability for acupuncture with your doctor.
+ WHAT CONDITIONS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is proven to be effective in a wide range of painful conditions and is commonly used for musculoskeletal pain, including chronic low back and neck pain, knee osteoarthritis pain, migraine, and tension-type headaches.
For any other conditions, please discuss this with Dr Chua at the acupuncture assessment to determine if your condition would respond to acupuncture.
For any other conditions, please discuss this with Dr Chua at the acupuncture assessment to determine if your condition would respond to acupuncture.
+ IS ACUPUNCTURE THE SAME AS DRY NEEDLING?
The same types of sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used in dry needling and acupuncture.
Dry needling involves the insertion of needles into “myofascial trigger points” located in muscles. These can some times be felt as a hard painful knot in the muscle. This releases the trigger point and brings about pain relief.
Acupuncture uses the insertion of needles into particular points on the body to effect changes in the body’s systems and help the body to heal itself (restore homeostasis). The points used may not lie in the areas of the body where you are experiencing your problem. For example, there are points on the foot which are useful for treating some headaches.
In many cases, myofascial trigger points can correspond to classical acupuncture points.
+ WILL IT HURT?
Acupuncture needles are very fine – much finer than needles used in giving injections.
You may or may not feel a short sharp pricking sensation when a needle is first inserted. Acupuncture works by stimulating nerves, so a sensation of tingling, warmth, or ache indicates that the treatment is working. These sensations generally settle quickly during the treatment session. It should not feel uncomfortable.
Acupuncture may be performed using a laser device which stimulates acupuncture points with the use of visible red light. Acupuncture laser devices are not high powered so do not heat, or cause tissue damage. You will be offered the use of eye protection during laser acupuncture. This modality may be suitable even if you have a fear of needles.
You may or may not feel a short sharp pricking sensation when a needle is first inserted. Acupuncture works by stimulating nerves, so a sensation of tingling, warmth, or ache indicates that the treatment is working. These sensations generally settle quickly during the treatment session. It should not feel uncomfortable.
Acupuncture may be performed using a laser device which stimulates acupuncture points with the use of visible red light. Acupuncture laser devices are not high powered so do not heat, or cause tissue damage. You will be offered the use of eye protection during laser acupuncture. This modality may be suitable even if you have a fear of needles.
+ HOW MANY ACUPUNCTURE SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
After determining that your conditon is suitabe to be treated with acupuncture, you will be booked in for your treatment session at the next available appointment. It usually takes around 20 minutes.
The number of sessions would depend on the acuity of your condition. Acupuncture sessions are usually 1-2 weeks apart, for up to 10 sessions, depending on your response. Generally, more acute conditions respond quicker. Chronic conditions, which have been present for more than 3 months, might take a longer time to respond
The initial assessment consult with Dr Chua includes a detailed history, focused examination, and suitable investigations (if needed). Dr Chua will obtain informed consent from you to proceed if you are a suitable candidate for acupuncture.
Western medical acupuncture does not claim to treat every medical condition, nor every individual. It is important to discuss your suitability for acupuncture with your usual doctor or specialist and with Dr Chua.
WANT TO GET STARTED?
BOOK HERE
If you have any investigations that have been done for the specific condition you are seeking acupuncture treatment, you are strongly encouraged to bring the report to your initial consult. A full list of your medical conditions and medications is also needed.
LEARN MORE
BACK TO TOP
Drowsiness may occur after treatment in a small number of patients , and if affected, you are advised not to drive after the session. Fainting can occur in certain patients, particularly in the first treatment. Alternative transport home might be required if this occurs.
After acupuncture treatment, many report a sense of relaxation and a sense of well being. It is, therefore, prudent to pace your activities, being mindful of the limits of your painful condition, to enhance recovery.
Please contact us on 0400 175 338 or any of our other media if you have concerns post treatment.
