What is TCM?

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient holistic healing therapy...

Over 2,000 years ago, Chinese medical writings described an energy called 'Qi which is transported around the body via channels. In a healthy body, the energy circulates harmoniously through the channels. However if the channels become blocked, an imbalance occurs and illness results. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine aim to restore balance and harmonise the Qi circulation to aid the body's own defensive and self healing mechanisms. TCM treats the patients as a whole entity. Body and mind are considered an integrated unit where any imbalance of energy affects the whole body. These disharmonies can therefore be detected in the pulse and tongue,  two significant diagnostic tools in TCM.  

...combined with modern evidence-based practice. 

The World Health Organisation has reported a variety of health conditions for which acupuncture can provide effective treatment for, including but not limited to:

  • Headache
  • Depression
  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Stroke
  • Post-operative pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain)
  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Low white cell count 
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Adverse reactions to radiotherapy & chemotherapy

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does each appointment go for?
Consultations for diagnosis can take up to 15 minutes. Each acupuncture treatment session takes between 30-60 minutes. 
Is there an age limit for treatment?
There is practically no age limit for patients. Babies can be treated (no needles, only massage of acupuncture points). Herbal medicine dosages are also adjusted for children. 
Can pregnant women be treated?
Pregnant women can also be treated using special precautions in the choice of points and herbs. It would be helpful to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant or trying to conceive as this may account for observed changes in pulse. 
How long until there are results?
In general, the older the illness, the longer it takes to treat. As every person is unique in their responses to treatment, it is impossible to forecast. Reactions can be divided into two broad categories: (1) slow progressive improvement; or (2) an initial worsening of symptoms for a short period followed by marked improvement.
Is it safe? 
There are strict guidelines for safe practice of acupuncture in Australia which our clinics abide by. They can be found here.
Are there health fund rebates? 
 Health Funds Rebate. Workers Compensation and Third Party are accepted with referrals from GPs.