FAQ  

What does a typical visit involve?

A typical visit begins with diagnosis through questioning, observation of the tongue and analysis of the pulse. If this is not your first visit these are still applied to monitor progress. Depending on the diagnosis, most treatments involve a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine - acupuncture is applied during your visit and you are given herbs to take at home.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture should produce a very mild sensation in the form of a dull ache, throb or electric shoot. This is a sign the needle is in place and is doing its work. This sensation is often described as pleasurable and relieving, in the same way someone might describe a deep massage. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine so insertion does not give the same sharpness or “sting” that an injection or blood test does. See acupuncture.

How are Chinese Herbs taken?

Chinese herbs are rarely used singularly but rather in combination. The herbs supplied in this practice are mostly in the form of granulated extracts, and much like instant coffee, are prepared by simply adding your measured dose to hot water twice a day. Herbs are also available in raw form. See herbal medicine.

What if I can’t stomach the herbs?

Chinese herbs aren’t always, but can at times, be strong tasting. This will depend on your illness and which herbs you are taking. Most people just wait for the herbs cool, then gulp them down quickly. For those with especially weak stomachs, the herbs can be placed in capsules. For children, herbs can usually be made into a sweet syrup using honey.

Will I experience any side effects?

It is unlikely that you will experience side effects from using Chinese medicine. Occasionally people note a slight light-headedness following acupuncture, or loose bowel movements after taking herbs. If this is the case, your treatment can usually be modified to avoid these reactions.

Can Chinese medicine be used in conjunction with modern medicine?

In most cases yes! There are very few reports of adverse interactions between Chinese medicine and conventional medicine. In fact, the two are routinely used to complement each other. For example, TCM is often used to treat the side effects of modern drugs, and to strengthen patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other heavy treatments. This said, though, it is always important to inform your practitioner of any medications you are taking so the potential risks can be assessed.

How long is a treatment course?

Generally, the longer you’ve had a particular illness, the longer it takes to treat it. For example, someone suffering from the common cold or food poisoning should only need treatment for a week or two, whereas someone who has had psoriasis for 20 years may need treatment for 6 months or more. Diseases such as hepatitis C or HIV may require treatment, at a low dose, indefinitely.

Are animal products used in this practice?

Some animal products are used as medicines in this clinic, however they can usually be substituted for plant products should you not wish to use them (vegetarians/vegans).

Are endangered species used in this practice?

Some endangered species are used as medicines in this clinic. In most cases endangered species are rare plants. They are brought to Australia via strict CITES (Convention for the International Trade of Endangered Species) export (Chinese Government) and import (Australian Government) permits. Such permits ensure an artificially propagated / farmed source, and are not wild collected. Absolutely not! Non-endangered alternatives are readily available and are just as effective. The use of any endangered product in this practice is strictly forbidden. Some non-endangered animal products are used and these can be substituted for plant products should you not wish to use them (say for vegetarians).