What is acupuncture: Shanghai and Hong Kong
According to UNESCO, “Traditional Acupuncture forms a therapeutic art which develops its diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning on a Taoist energetic vision of Man and the Universe.”
In other words, acupuncture is based on the concept of energy flow. According to Chinese doctors, the good circulation of Qi ensures health and balance. At the heart of this approach, disease is perceived as an energy imbalance or an internal blockage. The body is indeed “crossed” by 12 meridians, each corresponding to an organ, through which our vital energy, the “Qi” flows. By means of needles, the acupuncturist stimulates precise points of dispersion to stimulate and restore the circulation of energies in the body.
In more generic terms, acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. “Traditional Chinese Medicine” or TCM, has the principle of relieving pain or treating some pathologies by increasing blood flow in certain very specific points, and stimulating muscles and nerves.
How does acupuncture work?
In the first session, the specialist will begin by asking several general questions aimed at knowing the person, their energy profile, the reasons for them seeking acupuncture, and the existing health problems. After this first step, the acupuncturist will establish an energy balance, thanks to a body observation (language, eyes, etc.) as well as taking the pulse, in the traditional Chinese way. And then the acupuncturist will finish with an acupuncture session with needles.
The needles are placed on acupuncture points, either to fill the meridian (toning) or by opening the meridian to stimulate the circulation of Qi (dispersion). The length of the needle break varies depending on the age of the person but will always be around 20 to 30 minutes. In other methods, acupuncture points can also be stimulated by pressure (tuina massage, shiatsu), suction cup, heat (moxa or Wei Qi lamp) or even light (light therapy and chromotherapy).
Treatment will generally be covered over 5 to 10 sessions.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is generally used to treat locomotor problems, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoarthritis, as well as migraines. It extends to treating back pain, neck, face, shoulders and muscles as well as sciatica. Acupuncture can also help treat abdominal, pelvic, menstrual, nerve pain, and scars.
Pregnant women are also often advised to have acupuncture sessions to relieve pregnancy-related pain and to avoid taking medication.
It is also very effective against many emotional problems related to stress, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, worry, and sadness. In this regard, acupuncture can also help to quit smoking.
Sometimes a slight pain is felt when inserting the needle, but once in place, the pain will go away. If a needle causes discomfort, notify the acupuncturist and they will adjust the needle.
Where to find an acupuncturist in Hong Kong?
Perfect Pointe Physiotherapy
Room 701, 7 / F Chuang’s Tower, 30-32 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2522 0168, 中 環 干 諾 道 中 30-32 號 莊 士 大廈 7 樓 701 室
Vitality Center
9 / F Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2537 1128, 中 環 利源 東街 9 號 利 東 大廈 9 樓
HK Island Wei Ke Qiang Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic
17 / F, Alliance Building, 133 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2591 0666, 香港 干 諾 道 中 133 號 誠信 大廈 17 樓 全 層
Dr. Susan Jamieson Integrative Medical Practice
Unit 1300-1302, Asia Standard Tower, 59-65 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2523 8044, 中 環 皇后 大道 中 59-65 號 泛海 大廈 1300-1302 室
Wilson T.S. WANG Chinese Medicine Day Services Center
4-6 / F, Hawkins Wing Tung Wah Hospital, 12 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2589 4701, 香港 上 環 普仁 街 12 號 東華 醫院 鶴 堅 士 樓 王澤森 中醫 日間 服務 中心 4-6 樓
Eu Yan Sang Premier Chinese Medicine Center
6 / F, The Sharp, No.11 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2574 9132 or 2574 9133, 余仁生 綜合 醫療 中心, 銅鑼灣 霎 東街 11 號 The Sharp 6 樓
Where to find an acupuncturist in Shanghai?
KLINOERTH THERAPY CLINIC
Opening Hours: 9: 00-19: 00 (Monday – Saturday)
Phone: + 86 (0) 21 5466 2621
Address: Room 1819, 500 Xiang Yang Nan Road, Xu Hui district, Shanghai
上海 徐汇 区 ， 襄阳 南路 500 号, 1819 室
Ding Han TCM Clinic
Opening hours: 9: 00-20.30 (Monday -Saturday) and 9: 00-17: 00 (Sunday)
Phone: +86 21 6447 5959
Address: Block B Hongwell International Plaza, 1602 Zhongshan Xi Lu, near Liuzhou Lu, Xuhui district, Metro: Ishan
徐汇 区 中山 西路 1602 号 宏 汇 国际 广 场 B 栋, 近 柳州 路
Shanghai East International Medical Center
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 20:00 (Monday – Friday); 09:00 – 18:00 (Saturday – Sunday)
Tel: 021 5879 9999/150 0019 0899
Address: 551 Pudong Nan Lu, near Pudong Da Dao, Shanghai
地址 ： 上海市 浦东 南路 551 号 近 浦东 大道
Jiahui Health (Yangpu)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 am (Monday – Saturday)
Phone: 400 868 3000
Address: 1F / 2F, Suite 3, 99 Jiangwancheng Road, Shanghai
Is acupuncture included in my health insurance contract?
Traditional Chinese medicine sessions are not automatically included in your insurance and are considered as outpatient procedures. Contact the insurer or your broker to together discuss if this is included in your medical plan.
At Expatmedicare, we do our best to explain to you how insurance works and help you obtain a suitable policy. If you have any further questions about acupuncture or if it is included in a health insurance policy in Shanghai and Hong Kong, please contact us.
You can also visit our website to learn more about our services.
