Types of Treatments We Offer

Overview of Treatments || Acupuncture || Naturopathy || Herbal Medicine || Nutrition || Counselling

TCM Remedial Massage || Bowen therapy || Weight Loss Programs || Diagnostic Techniques

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and long-standing health care systems in the world. It involves the placement of very fine needles into precise points on the body to influence your health.

Acupuncture is part of a greater system of medicine known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). As TCM is a diverse system of medicine and covers all major systems within the body, acupuncture can be used for a wide range of acute and chronic ailments. TCM is focussed on treating the underlying cause of disease, as well as the presenting symptoms. This involves a holistic approach linking the body, mind and emotions in both the cause of disease and its treatment. Acupuncture may also be used to optimise overall wellness. The treatment is usually painless and relaxing.

How does acupuncture work?

Researchers have identified that stimulating an acupuncture point can create measurable changes in the body. Acupuncture points have an influence over the area that surrounds them. An acupuncture point can also have an influence over areas far removed from the actual point being needled. This has been observed through imaging techniques which show activity in the brain. Some acupuncture points are also known to have an influence on hormones.

It is modern research techniques that are now beginning to explain how acupuncture works, from a scientific point of view. Traditionally, acupuncture is explained by influencing the flow of Qi (energy or life force) within the body. For example, someone with throbbing headaches has too much Qi moving upwards, or someone with pain that is worse for rest has Qi that is ‘stuck’ or not circulating well. Acupuncture aims to correct these imbalances. By matching these imbalances to the body area or organ system experiencing the main complaint, a specific acupuncture point formula can be devised to restore balance and correct the problem.

Who can benefit?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised many of the following conditions may be successfully treated by acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment is not limited to these conditions.

• Neurogenic conditions including headaches, migraines, stroke, toothaches, facial and inter-costal neuralgia (pain), trigeminal neuralgia (pain), some forms of paralysis, peripheral neuropathy, Meniere’s disease, and insomnia.
• Cardiovascular disorders including high blood pressure, low blood pressure and angina.
• Respiratory conditions including sore throats, colds and flus, asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis.
• Digestive conditions including gastro-oesophageal reflux, bloating, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, IBD, gingivitis, hiccups, gastritis, ulcers, gastric hyperacidity, paralytic ileus, and colitis.
• Urogenital conditions including urinary tract infections, excessive urination, painful urination, and incontinence.
• Gynaecological and obstetric conditions including menstrual disorders (such as period pain, endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, ovarian cysts), pre-conception care, IVF support and pregnancy care and post-natal support.
• Skin conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis.
• Eye conditions including conjunctivitis, simple cataracts, poor vision, myopia in children, and macular degeneration.
• Musculoskeletal conditions including neck and shoulder pain, tension headaches, lower back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, and tennis elbow.
• Sporting injuries including muscle tears and cartilage damage.
• Psychological conditions including stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, poor memory and diagnosed mood disorders.

This list is not exhaustive - if you have a condition that isn’t mentioned above, please contact us to find out how we can help.

What happens during a consultation?

Your initial acupuncture consultation will involve the acupuncturist discussing your main health complaint in detail followed by some general health questions. Your practitioner may need to assess your complaint through palpation (eg. touching a painful shoulder to find the sore points), examining visually (eg. the colour of a rash) or listening (eg. the particular sound of a cough).

In addition to these diagnostic techniques, TCM places importance on examining the tongue and feeling the pulse. The tongue can give us clues to the cause of your health condition through its colour, shape, coating and markings. The pulse is analysed for its speed, strength, depth and other notable factors which can assist in identifying underlying causes for your condition.

Your acupuncturist will explain the TCM diagnosis for your condition and outline the treatment plan (eg. how many and what type of treatment would be required). This may include acupuncture, cupping, moxa, heat therapy, massage, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation and referrals to other practitioners as required.

Lastly, your acupuncturist will make you comfortable on a treatment table and carefully insert fine needles into carefully chosen acupuncture points. Most people will enjoy 20-30mins of rest time on the table before the needles are removed. Allow up to 90 minutes for your first appointment.

Subsequent consultations involve a short consultation regarding the results of the last treatment and changes that have occurred. Your acupuncturist will make any necessary changes to the treatment plan and give you a 20-30 minute acupuncture session. Allow 45-60 minutes for your subsequent appointments.

How much will it cost?

Initial consultation (approximately 1½ hours) $80
Long follow-up (approximately 1 hour) $70
Short follow-up (approximately ¾ hour) $55

All consultations are eligible for Health Fund rebates.
Concession and pensioner prices are available – please contact us for more information.