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Acupuncture come from traditional Chinese medicine and involves putting thin needles into the skin aty specific spots. The theory is that pathways in the body can prevent the flow of 'qi' (pronounced 'chee' - great scrabble word). Acupuncture is thought to restore that flow, relieving illness and pain.
Now if you're skeptical, that's a good impulse. But the scientific consensus is that acupunture works. It's not entiirely understood why, but the evidence is pretty robust and repeatable.
Medicare will generally not cover the cost of acupuncture, as most people use it. If your GP treats you with acupuncture as part of a broader treatment plan then it may be covered by Medicare. If you have a physiotherapy plan from your GP that's covered under Medicare they may also use dry needling, which would also be covered.
For most non-GP acupuncture clinics, you'll be paying out-of-pocket, or having it covered by private extras health insurance.
Most acupuncture treatment is done outside of hospital, in a private clinic, which is covered by extras insurance. Pretty much every health fund will have a few extras policies that will cover acupuncture.
Acupuncture is generally covered on mid-tier extras policies, as well as top-tier. Some basic policies may have cover, but it will likely be pretty limited cover.
Here are a few things to look out when comparing funds:
"It's important to read the policy conditions for your extras to see whether extras are bunched together and have a combined limit. When I used to be with Medibank which has a combined limit for acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic and Chinese medicine, I soon found that I hit my annual limit very quickly after only two visits each to my chiro, physio and acupuncturist. That's why I'm now with nib which splits out chiro/physio and natural therapies under separate limits."
Acupuncture and dry needling are similar, but subtly different treatments. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that aims to balance the flow of Qi (life energy) through the body by inserting thin needles into specific points. Dry needling is a newer technique that targets trigger points within muscles to release tension and alleviate pain.
Acupuncture is typically performed by acupuncturists, who may have training in traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling, on the other hand, is generally performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and some medical doctors. Here are a few other key differences:
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