Dr Andrew Jan's Acupuncture Practice

Dr Andrew Jan

MBBS FAMAC BA FACEM M Phil

Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture

Dr Andrew Jan is a qualified Medical Acupuncturist and Fellow of the Australian Medical Acupuncture College. Andrew is also a Specialist Emergency Physician with the Australian College of Emergency Medicine. He has both an Arts degree and a Masters in Philosophy.

Acupuncture and its modern counterpart Aculaser represent one of the most prominent healing modalities within the Taoist healing armamentarium and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its mechanism of action is said to lie within the subtle realm of mind, organ, meridian and body connection.  From a Western understanding, acupuncture increases release of endorphins, serotonin and nor-adrenaline in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord.

Acupuncture is used in pain syndromes especially with musculoskeletal medicine (fibromyalgia, neck and back pain, TMJ syndrome, tennis elbow and so on).  It is used for the treatment of migraines, tension headaches and various other disorders.

The efficacy of acupuncture from a Western evidence viewpoint remains both undecided and problematic. Trials that use sham acupuncture, ordinary light lasers and small numbers unfortunately do not come to any definite conclusions. In some respects the principles of TCM remain elusive to evidence based analysis as it relies on individualised patient treatment.

The beauty of Acupuncture is that it firstly does little or no harm, which follows one of the first foundation principles for physicians set out by Hippocrates in 5^th century BCE. This can be compared to hazardous invasive procedures and potentially toxic medicines. Patients can take ownership of their condition and continue on the positive effects after the treatment session. This can take the forms of lifestyle changes, dietary changes, stretching, meditation, Tai Chi and so on. The initial benefits are accessed through the support of the practitioner but thereafter are best carried on by the patient.

Dr Andrew Jan uses an integrated approach and will advise patients to find the right balance of Western Medicine and Eastern Medicine. Western Medicine has made great advances within the fields of Imaging and Diagnostics and Surgery and is powered by its alleged scientific basis and evidence based approach. Western Medicine has difficulties in managing pain syndromes, and views the patient as made of fragmented parts. Traditional Chinese medicine manages the whole person and attempts to assist the patient on a journey into integration of body, mind and spirit.

Fees: Dr Jan does not see Workers compensation, Motor Vehicle or any other insurance related cases.

Dr Jan apologies in advance for the lower rebates compared to GP’s with the same qualification in medical acupuncture.  Even though I am a qualified medical acupuncturist (FAMAC), because I am a specialist consultant in Emergency Medicine and not a GP, rebate amounts for acupuncture from Medicare are restricted. This inconsistency is being pursued through the AMAC and AMA currently. Patients may choose to keep a treatment separate from the first visit to allow the benefits of a long/extended consultation while maximising Medicare entitlements.

What to expect from your treatment: Expect that after two or three treatments that there will be some improvement. On rare occasions the acupuncture / laser may aggravate symptoms. This is not necessarily a bad sign as it means that there has been some engagement with the treatment modality. Please inform Dr Jan and he will adjust your point prescription. For patients with longstanding pain a course of treatments (6 -10) is required. Clinical studies on acupuncture usually show a success rate of approximately 70%. It is best to rest after a treatment. Going straight to work or carrying out hectic activities may partially negate the positive effects of the treatment.