Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called “qi” (pronounced “chee”) flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Find out more here.

Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites – commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments.

Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.

Yes. In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) documented and publicized acupuncture’s safety and efficacy for treating a wide range of conditions. More recently (2017) the Acupuncture Evidence Project was published. It is a review of the evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture currently available. Of the 122 conditions reviewed, evidence of effect was found at various levels for 117 conditions. The findings of the review include:

• Conditions with strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture included allergic rhinitis (perennial & seasonal), knee osteoarthritis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (with anti-emetics), migraine prophylaxis, chronic low back pain, postoperative nausea & vomiting, headache (tension-type and chronic) and postoperative pain.
• Conditions with moderate evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture included acute low back pain, acute stroke, neck pain, obesity, anxiety, perimenopausal and postmenopausal insomnia, asthma in adults, post-traumatic stress disorder, constipation, hypertension (with medication), irritable bowel syndrome and menopausal hot flushes.

Acupuncture does not interfere with Western medical treatment. On the contrary, it provides a welcome complement to it in most cases and, with its emphasis on treating the whole person, recovery time for illness is often shortened.

Every person’s requirements are different. Your treatment will be tailored to your particular health concerns.

Booking a Telemedicine online consultation the moment you feel a symptom starting is a great way to have a consultation and receive herbal medicines delivered to your door quickly. The earlier you can start supporting the body, the quicker the recovery and less depletion that’s caused.

For face-to-face treatment, as soon as you feel well enough to make your way into the clinic, then booking a treatment as early as possible is recommended and welcomed.

There is no short answer to this question as it will depend upon a number of variables. Treatment is based on building a thorough shared understanding of the balances and imbalances you are experiencing. While Kim may suggest acupuncture and herbs to help balance immediate issues of concern she will also support you learn how to monitor your own diet and lifestyle in ways that support long term well-being. In time you will learn to discern when you need a treatment session.

For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total.

Booking and pricing details are available here.

When you consider your investment in treatment, it helps to think of your sessions as setting you up for long term well-being. Much of Chinese Medicine is about prevention. Kim will support you to discover what you can do day-to-day to enhance your well-being through proper diet and nutrition, exercise and lifestyle (how you design your day, managing stress etc). With right ways of thinking you will learn to discern when and how often you request a treatment session.

Health Funds rebates are available. Please check with your health insurance provider re. your eligibility.

The effects of a treatment are:

• A deeper experience of relaxation (both muscular and mental) as well as increased vitality.
• A major tonification of energy, and
• The tools to restore your own state of health.

Kim’s driving passion is to provide her clients with the most efficacious natural remedies available. She sources herbal medicines from leading, reputable suppliers who only formulate from the highest quality Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western herbs. These companies produce all their products in accordance with the rigorous standards of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) so you can feel confident knowing these medicines have passed stringent tests for safety, purity and potency.