RECENT RESEARCH FOR THE ACTION OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT IN TOOWOOMBA
Do you want to receive Acupuncture treatment for ALL types of PAIN from an AHPRA-qualified Acupuncturist with over four decades of experience? ANTRAC Acupuncture Clinic in Middle Ridge, Toowoomba, is nestled beside beautiful Storey Park bounded by Ramsay Street and Stenner Streets, with East Creek running 50 meters to the East of the Clinic. ANTRAC Acupuncture Clinic is opposite BUPA Blue Care Nursing Home on Ramsay Street. For over 20 years Dr Louis Gordon (Chinese Medicine) has been helping clients of all ages optimise their health and well-being.
Treatment is performed in clean private rooms with tranquil essential oils permeating the air and gentle background Lofi music to set a tranquil atmosphere conducive to healing and recuperation. ANTRAC’s moto is “We aim to get our patients as well as possible, and then keep them well!”
RECENT RESEARCH
Research into the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and electroacupuncture for the relief of various types of pain, as well as the underpinning physiological mechanisms, has been ongoing since the 1950s. The primary aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the most robust evidence currently available to support the efficacy of acupuncture for inflammatory, neuropathic, and visceral pain, as well as pain in different clinical contexts. This evidence synthesis brings together the results of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, umbrella or overview reviews, and evidence maps. The secondary aim of this review is to explore animal and human studies on the mechanisms of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in pain relief.
Despite potential underestimation of effect sizes in existing studies, high to moderate certainty evidence supports the efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in managing a broad range of acute and chronic pain conditions, with a consistently favourable safety profile. These interventions have been shown to induce lasting neuromodulatory effects in both central and peripheral nervous systems, partly through the reversal of maladaptive neuroplasticity and sustained modulation of central and peripheral nervous system activity. Emerging evidence highlights the analgesic, antihyperalgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties of acupuncture and electroacupuncture, underscoring their potential in contemporary pain management.
The author of the article has provided recent references for the use of Acupuncture for chronic and acute myofascial pain for the following 15 pain categories. Please feel free to use the link in REFERENCE below to look up the article to review the references discussed regarding the specific PAIN you wish to know about.
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR LOW BACK PAIN
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR SHOULDER PAIN
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR NECK PAIN
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR FIBROMYALGIA
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR HEADACHE
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR CANCER-RELATED PAIN
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAIN IN GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAEDIATRIC PAIN
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR CHRONIC PROSTATITIS/CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME (CP/CPPS)
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR PERI-OPERATIVE/POST-OPERATIVE PAIN
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR ACUTE PAIN IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAIN IN CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (CIPN)
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAIN IN DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (DPN)
- ACUPUNCTURE FOR POST-HERPETIC NEURALGIA
The author of the article has provided the numerous complex biochemical signalling pathways involved when Acupuncture is used. The body of research literature supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture and ElectroAcupuncture (EA) for pain relief is now substantial and includes many systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) as discussed in the 15 pain categories cited above.
CONCLUSIONS
There remains high and moderate certainty evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness in the relief of numerous types of acute and chronic pain, and studies consistently report low risk profiles. Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to be able to reverse adverse neuroplasticity in the somatosensory cortex and appears to produce lasting modulation in the central and peripheral nervous systems leading to long-term pain relief. This is further supported by an increasing understanding of the analgesic, antihyperalgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture and EA. A greater utilisation of acupuncture and EA for pain relief in healthcare settings has the potential to reduce reliance on less satisfactory options for pain management such as addictive opioid medications.
FAQ’s
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. It’s believed to stimulate the nervous system, release endorphins, and restore balance to the body’s energy (Qi).
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most clients report minimal discomfort. The needles are ultra-thin, and sensations range from a light prick to a dull ache or warmth. Many find the experience relaxing once the needles are in place.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes — when performed by a qualified, AHPRA-licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as slight bruising or temporary soreness. Avoid getting Acupuncture from “dry-needlers” who generally have completed a 2-day acupuncture course, as opposed to real Acupuncturists who have completed a 4-year university degree.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Commonly treated issues include chronic pain (e.g. back, neck, headaches), anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders, menstrual irregularities, and fertility support. It’s also used for general wellness and stress relief.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment plans vary. Some clients notice improvement after one session, while others may need several treatments over weeks or months depending on the condition and goals.
What should I expect during my first visit?
The practitioner will take a detailed health history, assess your condition, and explain the treatment plan. The session may include Acupuncture, lifestyle advice, and possibly herbal and nutraceutical recommendations.
What clothes should I wear for each treatment?
Some forms of Acupuncture (e.g. Neoclassical Acupuncture) allow the client to remain fully dressed. At other times the client will need to undress to underwear in privacy and then be suitably covered. It is always preferred to wear loose-fitting clothing for each treatment.
REFERENCE:
McDonald, JL., 2025. Efficacy, Safety and Mechanisms of Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture for Pain: A Narrative Review. Medical Research Archives, 13(8). https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6871/99193549471
Please call Dr Louis Gordon (Chinese Medicine) for more information on (07) 4636 6100.
MISSION STATEMENT
“I aim to get my patients as WELL as possible, as QUICKLY as possible, and then to KEEP them WELL”.
