Home > FAQ

• Can I combine TCM Treatment with Western Medicine?
• Are the herbs safe?
• What can Chinese Herbs Treat?
• What is Acupuncture?
• How does Acupuncture Work?
• What causes the energy imbalance?
• What can be treated with Acupuncture?
• Does it Hurt?
• Are the needles sterile?
• How many treatments will I need?
• Are there any side effects?

Can I combine TCM Treatment with Western Medicine?

Yes, many patients undergo both treatments simultaneously. However, if you are on any medication (including supplementation) it should be noted in the consultation to avoid any adverse drug/ herb interactions. If you are on other medication it is advisable not to take them all at once for the same reason.

Are the herbs safe?

Yes. All ages of people can take the Chinese Herbs, from young babies to the elderly and doses maybe altered accordingly.

What can Chinese Herbs Treat?

Many conditions can be treated with Chinese Herbs. For a full list click here.

Among the more common disorders to respond to herbs are:

Arthritis, Cold’s and Flu, Dysmenorrhoea, PMS, Fertility, Promoting Immune Function, Stress, Blood Pressure, Nausea, Fatigue and Insomnia

Treatments will usually combine with acupuncture and massage to speed up the treatment time.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) along with Chinese Herbal medicine and Tuina (Oriental Massage). The history of TCM dates back over 3000 years and still used today to treat millions of people around the world. Acupuncture affects the physiology of the body by inserting hair like needles into a few specific points around the body. Because it is a primary health care system in itself, acupuncture can treat such a wide rang of ailments. These range from neck and back pain to more complicated syndromes such as chronic fatigue. For full list click here.

How does Acupuncture Work?

According to TCM theory, acupuncture works by regulating the flow of Qi (pronounced chee) through the body’s meridians. These meridians connect the points used with the surrounding tissues and also go deeper and connect to the internal organs. Qi take many forms in the body, it warms us, regulates the metabolism, and helps the general functioning of the body. Sometimes this energy is known as the vital force.

When the Qi becomes “stuck” or there is simply not enough Qi in the meridians, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, disease or emotional disturbances are the result. Acupuncture corrects the imbalance of the Qi in the meridians with will effect hormones, nerves, muscles and the immune system.

What causes the energy imbalance?

There are many factors that cause this to happen but some of the more common are weak constitution, over exertion, bad diet, stress, trauma and external factors such as weather.

What can be treated with Acupuncture?

Many people have heard that pain respond very well to acupuncture. This is very true, however the World Health Organization has deemed acupuncture beneficial as a primary care medicine for the following conditions:

Ear, nose & throat disorders:
common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, & hay fever

Respiratory Disorders:
Acute bronchitis, and asthma

Neurological & Musculoskeletal:
Trigeminal neuralgia, Headaches, migraines, facial palsy (Bell’s palsy) shingles, post stroke syndrome, Meniere’s disease, bladder dysfunction, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, lower back pain and osteoarthritis

Digestive Complaints:
diarrhoea, constipation, gastric ulcers and paralytic ileus (bowel spasm)

In addition to this list other commonly presenting symptoms include menopausal and pregnancy related problems, period pain, fertility, stress depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, sports injuries, quitting smoking are also treated. For full list click here.

Does it Hurt?

This depends on many factors such as sensitivity of the patient, the points chosen, and the skill of the practitioner. The needles used are thinner than human hair and of the highest quality and guide tubes are used, this combination will reduce the sensation to a minimum, many patients are unaware of the needles once they are in.

Are the needles sterile?

The needles used are single use, pre sterilised needles of the highest quality.

How many treatments will I need?

This again is multifactorial, the number and frequency will depend on how long, severe and what the condition is. For chronic conditions a course of ten treatments will generally provide lasting relief. However more acute conditions can be treated in a single session. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis may require ongoing maintenance treatments. This is very individual and will be discussed in further detail in the consultation.

Are there any side effects?

Because acupuncture regulates dysfunction, there are seldom side effects from treatments. In some cases the symptoms may worsen for a day before they improve. This is a good sign. Usually most people feel very relaxed and have a sense of well being after a treatment. This feeling may last for several days. In other cases seemingly unconnected symptoms can also be resolved.