Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Massage Therapy
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About Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture (more correctly translated as acu-point “tool”) stimulates specific points on the body (known as acupoints) in carefully selected combinations (akin to ‘reprogramming’ the brain/nervous system) achieving nervous system and body-system balance through the overall pattern effect. In Australia Acupuncturist is a protected title which means your practitioner has completed a minimum 4-5 year university level accredited course and is an Allied Health professional currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) which regulates ALL medical and health professionals practicing in Australia. This guarantees that strict standards are met to ensure both public and professionals are protected and kept safe from undertrained, unqualified and unprofessional conduct that damages reputation and safety. Help us protect our practitioners that have invested considerable time and money to achieve the highest quality education and ongoing post-graduate professional development so that our clients receive evidence-based treatments that combine the very best of Western Clinical knowledge with traditional wisdom. Like any medical treatment, results vary depending on the complexity of each individual case and individual response as well as outside influences including environmental factors (reinforcing disease or promoting health). An appointment includes consultation time to discuss your unique situation with your practitioner and how acupuncture and lifestyle advice may help you with your condition as the oriental paradigm means each treatment is highly individualised (adapted to your presentation and needs at the time of the appointment instead of a generic one treatment fits all). In Australia Chinese Medicine is also AHPRA registered and registration categories are as an acupuncturist, herbalist (prescribe pre-made formulas/herbal prescriptions), and/or dispenser (prepare and create individual formulas on-site from combining individual raw and prepared herbs). Note: Herbal medicine is an additional cost to appointments and prices vary according to cost of products prescribed: Herbal medicine will not be prescribed unless requested. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine appointments consider a wholistic approach to health that includes questioning about physical and mental health and any symptoms, lifestyle and diet as well as sleep and other information if considered relevant to presenting complaint and desired treatment outcomes. Treatment can include education about dietary and lifestyle factors and recommendations for promoting optimal health, physical treatment such as Acupuncture, cupping and massage and / or herbal medicine and supplements as appropriate. |
Acupuncture Techniques Acupuncture skills cover diverse techniques and needling styles range from strong to gentle stimulation. ‘Ashi’ technique (equivalent of Western ‘dry-needling’) that is applied to target pain and muscle tension by strong stimulation creating a local inflammatory response, which activates the sympathetic response to self-healing and encourages tissue repair. Chinese Acupuncture techniques which can include stimulating pressure receptors achieving “da chi” sensation and promote nervous system regulation and encourage resetting automatic dorsal horn feedback loops in spinal cord reflexes and regulations the longer brain-feedback pathway via affluent stimulus /and effluent response adjustment (may be involved in chronic pain conditions). Electro-Acupuncture uses a purpose-built machine that connects mini leads to specifically placed needles which allows pin-point precision to deliver a (safe and controllable) current that is able to be adjusted by the practitioner to replicate electrical impulses of nerve conduction and muscle stimulation. Depending what setting (stimulation pattern e.g. Fast-slow, phase, constant… ) is chosen depending on the presenting condition and desired treatment outcome; the stimulation level can be adjusted by the trained practitioner as the client provides verbal guidance and gradually increased to a therapeutic range. Electro-acupuncture is the most standardised evidence-based form of acupuncture because the stimulation applied through the needles is guaranteed to be at a certain frequency for a set (timed) period of time. Japanese Acupuncture techniques are very gentle and switch the nervous system into para-sympathetic mode: encourages muscle relaxation, promotes digestion, cellular repair, and releases endorphins (feel good hormones) that are otherwise blocked during prolonged overactivated trauma / stress response or when chronic inflammation is present. Toyohari (Japanese Meridian Therapy) even uses different acu ‘tools’ and does not always insert needles (some refined techniques only touch the skin surface; or in the case of the blind Japanese Masters even hover above the skin!) Esoteric Acupuncture is a novel integrated system developed by Dr Mikio Sankey after years of research combining classical and traditional oriental knowledge of energy movement from Chinese, Korean and Japanese Acupuncture, Taoist practices, Ayruevedic traditions and yogic practices fused with esoteric Kabbalistic Tree-of Life and Quantum string theory into point-activating geometric patterns that are utilised with visualisations and breathwork for developing heart-brain/mind-spirit connection (many traditional cultures consider physical organs and energy systems inseparable such as the concept of Shen in Chinese and heart-spirit-integrity in Australian Aboriginal culture). Note this is not a Health Fund rebate claimable ‘treatment’ as this form of acupuncture has not been clinically tested (only clinical trials have been conducted for a sub-style transformational acupuncture for more information read Stick it to depression by Dr. Alexander Joannou; which was shown to be effective for depression and mental health). Esoteric Acupuncture is on request only for those interested in deepening meditation “finding their puzzle piece” and inner harmony. 
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Massage and Other Physical Treatment modalities Remedial Massage Remedial Massage qualifications requires a higher level of massage training – usually an additional year of study as well as advanced techniques including deep-tissue massage for trigger point release, golgi tendon reflexes and myofascial stretching, and anatomical and functional knowledge of the human musculature system for promoting optimal recovery post injuries and postural compensation. Remedial appointments require a functional assessment and are eligible for Health Fund Rebates that c. Pregnancy, pre and post Natal treatments Combinations of pregnancy massage, acupuncture (no contra-indicated points) or acupoint massage can support lymphatic system, back pain from increased weight and discomfort. Please enquire if interested in acupuncture and Herbal medicine for Fertility, during pregnancy including risk of miscarriage and for supporting labour. Evidence and effectiveness varies depending on specific factors. Health Fund rebates depend on level of cover and participating funds. Shiatsu Japanese style massage that incorporates resistance and tension feedback where the therapist adjusts pressure depending on kyo or jitsu presentation and encourages the body to achieve system harmony through activating stagnant lymphatics, reducing nervous system tension and restoring meridian channel flow. Relaxation Massage Also known as Swedish Massage. Gentle oil-based massage that incorporates slow and gentle massage techniques for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This is the basic standard of massage qualification – Cert. IV. Fire Cupping Fire cupping is a traditional Chinese Medicine technique that uses flame to heat the air to create a vacuum effect inside the glass cup which is immediately applied to oiled skin which then can and should be adjusted to the comfort level of the person receiving the treatment. Gentle cupping effective for stimulating endorphine release and peripheral circulation / skin detox when combined with herbal medicine and adequate hydration. Stronger pressure traditionally used for lymphatic stagnation and/or encouraging tissue repair post injury (Note acute fractures and some injuries are contraindicated). Mobile cupping can be useful post sporting events and for encouraging muscle relaxation. Fire cupping is a sub-modality and combined within other forms of treatment (ie. Acupuncture or Remedial Massage appointment – on request only). Herbal and Natural Medicine
When dietary intake is inadequate or a boost is required for specific conditions (e.g. fertility support) herbal medicine and supplements can be prescribed on request. Health rebates vary depending on extras cover - please check with your health fund. Seperate consultations available or as an add on service combined with Acupuncture. 
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