Does acupuncture hurt?

The number one question I get from curious people! Does it hurt? Well look, I am using needles. However, these needles are smaller than a strand of hair. A small pinch can be felt by some people on different parts of their bodies, but it isn’t meant to hurt. Some people are more sensitive and we can become more or less sensitive due to other factors, but I am here to make you feel relaxed, so you can let me know at any time if anything is uncomfortable.

Is acupuncture safe?

It sure is when it is practiced by a highly trained acupuncturist. The uni degree alone is 4 years, so I have had hours of supervised training on top of years of clinical practice. There is always a risk associated with acupuncture and Chinese medicine which you can read more about here, but generally it is low risk. I use needles that are single-use, sterilised and disposable, and all tools are cleaned according to the Guidelines on infection prevention and control for acupuncture and related practices set by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA).

How many sessions do I need?

This varies from condition to condition and person to person. Acupuncture is an accumulative medicine, which means it needs to be done a few times in a row to get the results you want, before I back you off to maintenance.
Ideally you would start off weekly, then once we start ticking off health goals, I would move you into fortnightly treatments with the goal of moving you to a maintenance timeline that suits you (monthly, 3 monthly etc.)
I don’t want you in the clinic forever, but I need to hit the ground running with you, so expect some weekly treatments to begin with!

What does a treatment look like?

Once we are in the calming treatment room. I will go over your history with you, your current complaint, what your health goals are, and with all that, set up a treatment plan for you (I love a plan!). When you get up on the table, I will take your Chinese Medicine pulses and have a look at your tongue. This is so I can solidify my diagnosis. Next I will start the treatment. Once the treatment is done - needles are in - I will step out to leave you to relax and have some time to yourself. After some time, I come back in to remove needles, go over any herbs or supplements that need to be taken. I will then book you in for your future appointments and you can float out of the clinic knowing you have a detailed plan for your health!

Is there free parking at the clinic?

Absolutely! Lots of 2 hour parking on Queens Parade and the surrounding streets. Please be aware that there are some clear-ways and permit only parking. Don’t get a fine, that will ruin your Zen!

Can I claim private health?

Yes you can! I am a registered acupuncturist which means I am registered with most Australian health care funds. Bring your card along with you, otherwise I can send an invoice via email and you can claim through your fund in your own time. If you have health insurance extras, double check that acupuncture is apart of your policy.

What do I need to bring?

Yourself, some clothes that are comfy and easy to get out of, and any recent copies of tests you may have regarding your complaint. That’s it!

Can I exercise after treatment?

You can, but I have just spent all this time lowering your stress levels and getting ready to heal. If you really want to exercise, give it a few hours post-treatment and nothing too vigorous.

Can I bring my children?

Unfortunately, no. The clinic is a shared space and there isn’t always a receptionist out the front to keep an eye on things. And as I need to step out of the room to allow you to relax, I can’t have children in the room with you as there are hazards like used sharps containers and needles. If you have an appointment and have found yourself with the kids, give me a call on 0458 481 698 and I can help you reschedule to another time that suits you.