Acupuncture involves gently inserting very fine, single-use, sterile needles into points on energy channels on the body. This is usually on selected channel/s to activate them and promote healing.

Unlike dry needling, acupuncture works with energy channels, therefore needles are not always inserted in the spot where you are experiencing your symptoms.

Most people find acupuncture treatment very relaxing and allow themselves rest, have a nap or meditate as the acupuncture takes effect. If you are nervous, please let us know as the treatment can be adapted to make you feel comfortable. The needles are inserted and then left in for 10-45 minutes depending on the channel or style of acupuncture and condition being treated. In the case of sinew treatments, a more dynamic technique may be used whereby the needles are not retained.

Acupuncture is now regulated by AHPRA. Practitioners are required to have completed a minimum 4 year degree training with over 600 hours of clinical supervision. This differs from the recent popularity of dry needling courses in which health professionals can complete a short course in as little as a couple of days. We believe in only providing you with the highest standard of acupuncture in which we continually exceed the minimum requirements for ongoing education.

Chinese Herbal prescriptions are used in conjunction with acupuncture to support your treatment plan.

In the clinic we use raw powdered and granulated formulas (which are steeped or dissolved in boiling water as a herbal tea) as well as some capsules and honey pearls (raw powdered herbs rolled binded with honey). Our main supplier of herbs is Empirical Health.

Mostly of plant origin, however some herbal formulas contain herbs such as Mu Li (oyster shell) and E Jiao (gelatine) which contain animal elements.

Please let us know if you have specific dietary requirements so we can adapt your prescription accordingly.

Our herbs contain no endangered species or unethical products.

If you are prescribed a herbal formula, it is important to tell us about any medications you are taking as herbs can interfere with some prescription medications. As a general rule please take your Chinese herbs at least 2 hours away from prescription medication.

Chinese herbal formulas may need to be adjusted as your body adapts and responds. Therefore we don’t bulk prescribe and adapt and change the herbs as necessary.

If you get a cold/flu or your health stasis changes during the course of your prescription, stop the herbs for the time being and check in with us at the clinic.

Moxibustion, or moxa, is the stimulation of an acupuncture point by burning a Chinese Herb Mugwort leaf (Ai Ye) or the smokeless version of it over the point.

In the clinic we usually use smokeless moxa cones that sit on the end of the needle or the practitioner will hold a smokeless moxa stick over an acupuncture point until it becomes nice and warm and repeating before becoming too hot.

We also use a Japanese style of rice grain moxa in which tiny rice grain sized pieces of moxa are heated directly on the skin (using shiunko ointment to protect the skin).

Both are gentle styles are used to warm and tonify the qi (energy) and move qi and blood.

We also use infrared heat lamps in the clinic.

Cupping is used as part of an acupuncture session. In classical acupuncture, cups (glass/silicon/plastic) are placed on the skin to create a vacuum to release external pathogens by stimulating the surface or more superficial layers of the body. This is usually used when we are working with the divergent or sinew channels. These channels are often used with varying chronic health conditions or pain and restricted movement in the body.

Cupping can either be stationary (cups are left on for 5 minutes) or gliding cupping, where the skin is lubricated and the cup is glided over the skin creating a massage-like pulling sensation.

Cupping can leave markings on the skin usually clearing within a week. Please let us know if these marks are unacceptable before treatment.

Guasha is similar to cupping in that it stimulates the superficial layer (wei qi level) of the body in order to clear pathogenic qi and/ allow free movement of qi. This is usually used when we are working with the divergent or sinew channels. These channels are often used with varying chronic health conditions or acute conditions like the first sign of a cold or headache and stiff neck.

Instead of cups, a flat smooth tool made from stone or bone or a ceramic spoon is used to scrap the surface of the lubricated skin.

Like cupping, guasha can leave markings on the skin which usually fade within a week. It is important to let us know if these marks are unacceptable before treatment.

Celluma light therapy is an FDA approved therapy to effectively treat a wide variety of skin and musculoskeletal conditions. It uses clinically proven wavelengths of blue, red and near-infrared light to treat acne, wrinkles and arthritic pain by decreasing inflammation and increasing microcirculation.

This is an additional therapy combined with acupuncture. The lightweight device is placed over the affected area for 20-30min while you’re relaxing during an acupuncture treatment. It feels slightly warm and relaxing and goggles can be worn to protect the eyes if being used on the face.

Is it not recommended to add this to your acupuncture session if you have light-sensitive skin conditions, epilepsy, active infections or open wounds, you are taking medication that increase light sensitivity of the skin and eye conditions affecting the retina.