Acupuncture dates back as far as five thousand years and is the most widely used form of traditional medicine practised in the world today. Acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) along with Herbal Medicine, Qigong, massage and dietary advice, and effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.

The Chinese understanding of the human being is based on a holistic view of the universe and our relationship to it. Through observation of nature, Chinese doctors found that nature’s cycles were reflected within the human body, making it subject to the same laws of change. They discovered that all aspects of life and the cosmos are permeated by a vital life force called ‘Qi’ which is in a state of flux through the dynamic interchange of opposing forces called ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’. Like day and night, Yin and Yang are forever interacting with each other, seeking balance and sustaining life.

As human beings we are an integrated whole, connected to all and everything, and our emotions, thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle all affect our state of health. Pain and disease are not an isolated event but an outer manifestation of a state of imbalance in any of these areas which results in Qi becoming blocked, stagnant, erratic or toxic. Acupuncture activates and balances Qi which flows through the body in pathways known as channels or meridians and seeks to restore harmony and balance within body, mind and spirit.

what happens during an acupuncture treatment?

The strength of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture lies in its detailed system of diagnosis and practical, effective treatment method. The initial consultation begins by taking a full case history of past and present ailments. Diagnosis involves all five senses through observation, asking, listening, smelling and palpation. The practitioner uses pulse diagnosis which utilizes a fine tuned touch to differentiate various patterns of disharmony by palpating the qualities of the radial pulse. Tongue diagnosis is also used through careful observation of colour, shape, texture and geography of the tongue to determine the body’s state of health.

This differential diagnosis provides a clear picture of the nature of the complaint and its underlying pattern of disharmony, enabling the practitioner to decide on a treatment strategy and select a set of acupuncture points to be needled. Ultra fine and flexible acupuncture needles are gently inserted into points along the meridian system of the body and are stimulated to clear blockages and encourage the natural flow of Qi. Some patients may experience a tingling sensation moving along the meridians, while others may barely notice the needles and gently dose off.

Besides needling, a treatment may also include moxabustion or cupping. Moxabustion is an ancient technique of warming acupuncture points or needles by burning the medicinal herb ‘Artemisia Vulgaris’ commonly called ‘Moxa’. When compressed into sticks or cones and placed next to the skin or acupuncture needle, moxa slowly smoulders to achieve a specific therapeutic outcome, while infusing the body with a pleasant warmth. Cupping involves the application of suction cups to various parts of the body in order to release exterior pathogens, such as colds and chest problems, or to disperse stagnation of Qi and blood.

Patients report a relaxed and peaceful feeling during and after an acupuncture treatment.

what does acupuncture treat?

Almost any condition can be treated or improved with Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a holistic treatment approach which focuses on the person, not the disease or symptom, and aims at correcting the underlying imbalance. This results is an overall improved state of health and a clearing up of many minor symptoms alongside the original complaint the patient was seeking help for. Acupuncture is able to detect and correct imbalances long before serious health problems arise, making it a powerful tool for preventative health care and suitable for healthy individuals who wish to maximize their wellbeing and increase their longevity.

The following list shows some conditions acupuncture is effective for:

is acupuncture safe?

We use only the finest quality single-use disposable needles to ensure safe and effective results. All our practitioners are fully qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine and most are members of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).

how many treatments will I need?

Every person is unique and the number of treatments needed may vary from patient to patient. Determining factors are the nature of the complaint, whether it is acute or chronic and the general state of health and lifestyle of the patient. While a single treatment may in some cases achieve a considerable result, most conditions will require a minimum of 4–8 treatments spaced one week apart, while deep-seated conditions may require ongoing treatments over several months to resolve the underlying cause. Many patients choose acupuncture as a maintenance treatment every 4-6 weeks to ensure their continued well being. Most private health funds offer rebates for acupuncture treatments.

practitioners

Sono Michetti B.Ac.Fellow.AACMA

Suzanne McDonald MHlth Sc.TCM,DipCHM,Ac.BAcC,RCHM,AACMA

Danielle O'Reilly Adv.Dip.TCM

Sophia Moermond Adv.Dip.TCM, Dip.App.Sc.Naturopathy

fees

For current fees, please view our fees page