Acupuncture | Sengkang General Hospital

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment that involves stimulation of certain points on the skin using a variety of techniques, with or without the insertion of needles.

Based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture improves the flow of “qi” (energetic balance of the body) or energy along the meridians (pathways) to normalise physiological functions or to treat ailments or conditions of the human body.

A treatment course usually consists of acupuncture sessions that span over a number of weeks. The treatment frequency and length depend on the type, severity and complexity of your condition(s) and your response to it. Our acupuncturist will assess your suitability to proceed with the treatment and advise you on a suitable course.

Subsidies and Medisave

Subsidy requirement

Patients who meet the following criteria will be eligible for the Ministry of Health's (MOH) subsidies:

Referred by a medical specialist in a public healthcare institution for subsidised outpatient acupuncture treatment for lower back and/or neck pain.
Subsidies are only for up to 12 acupuncture sessions, within three months from the first acupuncture session.
Subsequent treatment for up to 12 more sessions within the next 3 months is subject to the reviewing medical specialist's assessment of sustained pain reduction or functional improvement for the patient.
Treatment shall be performed by acupuncturists registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB), in accordance to the minimum practice standards defined by the TCM Branch of MOH.

Acupuncture performed for all other conditions are not eligible for subsidies and will be charged private rates regardless of the patient's subsidy status.

Payment by MediSave

Patients aged 60 and above will be allowed to tap on the Flexi-MediSave scheme to pay for outpatient lower back pain and/or neck pain acupuncture treatment in SKH. The withdrawal limit is $200 per year and the amount can be withdrawn from the patient or his/her spouse's MediSave account.

Payment by MediSave is only eligible for lower back pain and/or neck pain. Acupuncture used for all other indications are not payable by MediSave, whether under the Flexi-MediSave scheme or other schemes.

FAQs

Can acupuncture help me?

There is a big difference in how individuals respond to acupuncture treatment. While some patients have reported improvement immediately or within the next few days, there are also patients who do not respond to acupuncture. In general, complex or chronic conditions may require more treatment sessions before noticing observable benefits.

Will there be any side effects?

Acupuncture is generally safe and care will be taken to minimise discomfort and complications. Possible side effects include slight bleeding around the site of needling, mild ache or tingling sensation after removal of needles. These are usually mild and temporary, and do not result in any permanent adverse effects.

Is there a minimum age for acupuncture?

While there is generally no age limit for acupuncture, it is not recommended for infants and young children as the needling sensation can be too intense or unpleasant for them. Patients must be 18 years old and above to receive acupuncture at SKH.

How should I prepare for my acupuncture session?

•Wear loose-fitting clothes and ensure that you are not feeling too hungry, tired or nervous.
•Maintain good personal hygiene.
•Avoid wearing jewellery.
•As the session will take around 30 minutes, please visit the bathroom prior to the session.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients feel minimal to no pain and liken the needling sensation to an ant-bite. When the needles are inserted, the acupuncturist will manipulate the needle to give rise to a “de-qi” sensation, which can be experienced as a dull ache, heaviness or conduction in a certain direction at times.

Will there be holes left behind by the acupuncture needles?

The acupuncture needles are very fine and will not leave behind any visible "holes".

Can I shower after acupuncture?

Yes, you can.

What should I do after acupuncture?

It is best to allow your body to rest and not engage in any physically demanding activities for the rest of the day. Please check with your acupuncturist for any condition-specific aftercare instructions.

Conditions We Treat

Cervical Spondylosis Chronic Back Pain Frozen-Shoulder Headaches Low Back Pain Musculoskeletal Disorders Neck Pain Post-injury Chronic Pain Rheumatoid Arthritis Sports Injuries Stroke Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Pain) Wry neck

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Treatments Offered

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