What qualifications does a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner have in Australia?

In Australia, Chinese Medicine practitioners and acupuncturists are nationally regulated health professionals. Practitioners must complete an accredited four-year bachelor-level degree (or approved postgraduate qualification) in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture and maintain active registration with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) under AHPRA. Registration requires strict adherence to national infection control standards, continuing professional development, and professional codes of conduct.

Are acupuncture needles safe and sterile?

Yes. Registered practitioners use single-use, sterile, surgical-grade stainless steel needles that are individually packaged. Each needle is used once on a single point and immediately disposed of in an approved medical sharps container. Registered clinics follow the National Infection Control Guidelines to ensure high standards of hygiene and patient safety.

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

While both techniques use solid filiform needles, they stem from different clinical frameworks:

Acupuncture: Practised by registered Chinese Medicine practitioners and acupuncturists with extensive undergraduate training. It involves a holistic assessment framework (evaluating systemic patterns, organ balance, and channel pathways) to support broader health and musculoskeletal balance.

Dry Needling: Commonly used by other allied health practitioners following short course certifications. It focuses primarily on releasing local myofascial trigger points and muscular tight bands.

What other modalities might be used alongside acupuncture?

Depending on your individual consultation and assessment, supportive Chinese Medicine modalities may include:

Moxibustion: The gentle application of indirect heat using the dried herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to warm specific areas.
Cupping & Gua Sha: Gentle suction or dermal scraping techniques designed to promote local blood circulation and release muscle tension.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Customised herbal formulations tailored to your presentation..
Dietary & Lifestyle Advice: Guidance rooted in traditional East Asian seasonal and dietary principles.

What should I expect during my first Chinese Medicine consultation?

Your initial appointment involves a comprehensive, whole-person intake. We will discuss your primary health goals, medical history, sleep, digestion, and lifestyle. Traditional diagnostic methods—such as observing your tongue and feeling the radial pulse at your wrists—are used to understand your body’s unique balance. Following the assessment, an individualised treatment plan will be discussed, often including your initial acupuncture session.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are exceptionally fine, much thinner than standard injection needles. Most patients feel minimal sensation upon insertion. Once in place, you may experience sensations such as a mild dull ache, tingling, warmth, or a feeling of heaviness around the point (known traditionally as De Qi). These sensations are normal, and the treatment is adjusted to ensure you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Eat beforehand: Have a light meal or snack 1-2 hours prior to your session (avoid coming on an empty stomach).

Wear loose clothing: Loose, comfortable two-piece clothing allows easy access to common points on the lower legs, arms, and abdomen.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after your session.

Avoid tongue brushing: Refrain from scraping your tongue or drinking heavily staining beverages (like coffee or beetroot juice) immediately before your appointment, as tongue presentation aids our assessment.

Can I claim my appointment through Private Health Insurance?

Yes, most Australian private health funds provide rebates for acupuncture and Chinese Medicine consultations under their "Extras" policies. On-the-spot claiming is available via HICAPS at the time of your appointment. Because coverage varies between providers and policy tiers, I recommend checking with your specific health insurer regarding your rebate entitlements.

Do I need a GP referral to book an appointment?

No, a referral is not required. You can book an appointment directly with a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner. If you are currently receiving care from a GP or medical specialist, we are happy to work collaboratively to support your overall care plan

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!

What do I need to bring?

Yourself, some clothes that are comfy and easy to get out of, and any recent copies of blood tests or scans you may have related to 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.