Question 1

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of healing that has been developed over thousands of years in China. It encompasses a range of traditional medical practices, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qi gong), and dietary therapy. TCM is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Taoism and the concept of balance and harmony; it is holistic, addressing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. It views illness as a manifestation of imbalance in the body's systems and aims to restore harmony to promote overall well-being.

Question 2

What is Acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a treatment modality that originated in China and its use dates back at least 2000 years. Treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites along the body's meridian network. The body's qi, or lifeforce energy, flows through these networks. If the flow of qi becomes blocked or inadequate, harmony is no longer maintained, which can result in imbalance and disease. Acupuncture is thought to restore the flow of qi. A practitioner may also use laser stimulation, electro-acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, and tui na massage. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture may influence the nervous system, neurotransmitters, and endogenous substances, affecting pain modulation, inflammation, blood flow, and nervous system regulation.

Question 3

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment used in TCM when practised by a practitioner who holds a relevant degree and is registered with AHPRA. It is widely acknowledged and employed worldwide as both a primary and supplementary therapy for a diverse array of health conditions. Over the past twenty years, the quality of research demonstrating the efficacy of acupuncture has greatly improved. See evidencebasedacupuncture.org for further information.

Question 4

What can acupuncture be used to treat?

Accepted Answer

Addictions; anxiety; autoimmune disorders such as Coeliac Disease and Fibromyalgia; chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting; dental pain; digestive health disorders such as IBS and Crohn's Disease; headaches including tension headaches and migraines; insomnia; myofascial pain; neck and back pain; osteoarthritis; respiratory disorders such as allergic rhinitis and asthma; tendonitis; tennis elbow; and women's reproductive health issues including painful periods, PMS, and endometriosis.

Question 5

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Accepted Answer

Like acupuncture, dry needling punctures the skin with fine needles, but it works on trigger points in muscles to ease pain and muscle tightness. Acupuncture is a more holistic approach which aims to affect energy and organ systems. Dry needling is most often performed by physiotherapists and osteopaths, rather than Chinese medicine practitioners. Practitioners who do not hold a relevant degree in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are not permitted to use the term 'acupuncture' as this is a protected term under national law.

Question 6

What should I expect at my first TCM consultation?

Accepted Answer

Before attending, you will complete an Initial Consultation form and bring any relevant medical test results. We discuss your medical history in depth, check pulses at the wrist, and view the tongue. With your consent, the practitioner may palpate areas related to your concern. Treatment goals and a plan are defined together and may include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, cupping, gua sha, heat therapy, reflexology, and/or Reiki. On needle insertion, you may feel a mild tingling, a dull ache, or a brief 'electric' sensation that subsides quickly. Needles remain in place for a minimum of 20 minutes.

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