FAQs

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The foundation and principle aim of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to restore and maintain balance between Yin & Yang by treating the whole person. Treatment aims to activate the body’s innate healing capabilities and not only relieve symptoms but address the root causes of illness to attain optimal physical, emotional and spiritual health. According to Chinese Medicine, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy – known as Qi - which circulates in a smooth and balanced way through a series of pathways beneath the skin. These pathways are known as meridians, which flow through the organs and tissues of the body. Qi (pronounced Chee) is the energetic component of the human organism which drives all physiological functions of the body. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin & Yang - and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. Disharmony between these energies can be caused by many factors such as: - emotions, stress, diet, lifestyle, prolonged illness, physical trauma, environment/climate (cold, heat, damp, wind) and inherited constitution To correct these energetic imbalances and restore the body to an optimal state of healthy function, acupuncture, massage & herbal medicine is employed to clear away blockages in the meridians and rebalance the system. Looking at the body on an energetic and holistic level Chinese Medicine teaches that health can be maintained and disease prevented by maintaining the body in a balanced state.

What can I expect from my Initial Consultation?

In your first consultation your health history with be discussed in detail. You will be asked questions about all aspects of your body function - sleep, emotions, energy level, digestion/appetite, bowel motions, menstruation, pain & medical history. The pulse will be taken & the tongue observed. These signs & symptoms will enable the practitioner to identify the underlying causes of disharmony and formulate the appropriate treatment. After a diagnosis is made according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, you will receive a combination of treatment techniques that is best suited to your condition. Treatment may consist of acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, massage, diet & lifestyle advice.

Is Acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture treatments are generally painless but this does depend on the sensitivity of the client. The needles used are very fine, single use sterile needles (on average 0.18mm thick) which are inserted into specific locations on the body called acupoints. For the majority of clients, insertion of the needle may feel like a mosquito bite but once the needle is in place there is no pain. Patients may experience a sense of heaviness or a dull ache in the area around the needle which then fades. Acupuncture needles are usually retained for 15-30 minutes. During this time you will be allowed to relax, close your eyes or sleep while the acupuncture takes effect.

How often do I have to come for an Appointment?

The number of treatments differs from person to person depending on factors such as location of the problem, how long the person has had the ailment, whether causal factors are still present, diet & lifestyle etc. For a recent or mild illness, the treatment period is brief and sometimes even just two sessions are required. For a chronic condition where the imbalance has been in place for a long period of time it will obviously take longer to restore balance. As a general rule of thumb one year of illness takes one month of treatment to restore health. Some people respond quickly, while others take longer depending on their commitment to make positive lifestyle changes. However, noticeable improvement is generally seen within three to four treatments. Initially, acupuncture treatments are done on a weekly basis until there has been a strong enough improvement for treatments to be done fortnightly or monthly for general maintenance and prevention. Herbal medicine appointments are less frequent, although the initial two appointments may be two to three weeks apart.

How long will each appointment take?

The first appointment typically takes about 90 minutes. This involves a thorough consultation and then treatment. Follow up appointments are usually go for 60 minutes.

What is the best type of clothing to wear for an appointment?

It is best to wear loose fitting clothes that can me moved to get to the areas that need to be worked on. If needed we have towels and silks to drape over you while being treated.

Can I receive acupuncture & herbs safely alongside with IVF?

Ideally we would like to see a patient for two or three months before beginning an IVF program. This is the minimum amount of time needed to improve egg and sperm quality, along with the endometrium which is where the embryo will implant. We believe that this investment of time to prepare for IVF significantly improves IVF success rates. However, any treatments before the procedure are beneficial. Studies have shown that the use of acupuncture and herbs can greatly increase the efficiency of IVF and is now considered routine treatment alongside your IVF treatment.

What other services do you provide?

During an acupuncture treatment session you may also receive other treatment modalities along such as cupping, moxibustion, massage and gua sha. These treatments will be explained further during your session and their price is included in the acupuncture consultation fee. The practitioner will also discuss other products such as liniments or herbal medicines that may be beneficial to your condition/illness.

Can Children Be Treated Using Chinese Medicine?

The main treatment methods used in treating children are herbal medicine, massage & a non-insertive acupuncture technique called Shonishin. These modalities can help treat children's diseases effectively, quickly and gently.

Will my Private health fund cover my treatment?

Private health fund rebates are available to clients who receive acupuncture &/or Chinese herbal consultations. We can process your health insurance rebate through our HICAPS facility at the clinic. The amount of your rebate depends on the individual cover with your health fund. Please remember to check with your provider to ensure acupuncture &/or herbal medicine treatments are covered before your appointment.