At BodyViva, we offer both western acupuncture and dry needling services. While both of these have a common goal – to treat pain, stiffness and aid injury recovery, and both use needles to achieve this – they are two very different approaches to wellness.
Western Acupuncture
Western acupuncture is an adaptation of traditional Chinese acupuncture for modern health care services. It utilises meridian points like traditional acupuncture but applies it to western reasoning with particular consideration to relevant neurophysiology and anatomy. The neurophysiological effects of western acupuncture are achieved through the way that the very fine needles stimulate the nervous system.
Beneficial effects include:
- Decreased pain
- Improved blood flow to the area
- Enhanced healing for injured tissues
- Reduced muscle tension
Some conditions that western acupuncture is commonly used for:
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Myofascial trigger point pain
- Postoperative pain
- Low back pain
- Neck pain and whiplash
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Headaches
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a modern technique that refers to the use of acupuncture needles to stimulate certain parts of a muscle to achieve a significant reduction in tightness and stiffness of that muscle.
It is called ‘dry needling’ in order to differentiate it from other needling techniques that may involve the injection of a substance into the body. With dry needling, there is no injection of any kind taking place (neither is there in Western Acupuncture for that matter). It has its effects through the way the needles deactivate what are called ‘trigger points’ that arise in tight, overloaded or painful muscles. Dry needling has proven itself to be a very valuable treatment technique that is utilised by our practitioners at BodyViva, especially when used in conjunction with physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment.
Where can I find these services?
BodyViva have therapists who are specially trained in both Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling. Our team of experts aim to rejuvenate the body through the natural healing processes that are brought about through these techniques. Our entire team work in conjunction with one another to offer the best possible solution to assist you in living a life free from pain. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of the BodyViva team.
