TCM works on the principle that all diseases or medical conditions arise from imbalances within the body. It aims at treating the disease by correcting specific imbalances within the body through improving the body’s circulation and eliminating toxins from the body, therefore re-establishing the natural equilibrium. It treats the body as a whole rather than just focusing on the disease or symptom itself. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are two of the major components of TCM.

Chinese herbal medicine works by restoring overall balance in body and energy through the use of a variety of herbs with different properties. The practitioner formulates different combinations of herbs specific to the patient’s body type and condition. Unlike Western herbs which are often prescribed as a single herb, Chinese herbs are almost always used in combinations. This allows the herbs to interact, enhance and modify each other, working synergistically to restore health and minimise side effects. Different parts of herbs are used such as leaves, bark, roots, branches, flowers, fruits and seeds.

Acupuncture works on improving the circulation of ‘Qi’ (pronounced “chee”) through the meridians within the body. Meridians are a system of channels in the body which are also related to the internal organs and Qi is the electrical or energy flow within these channels. Qi surfaces to the skin level at specific points. Open meridians and free flowing Qi are essential for optimal health. When obstruction in this system of channels and flow of Qi occurs, it can cause imbalance, pain and disease in the body. The acupuncturist will identify blockages in a patient’s meridians and specific acupuncture points are chosen on the body along the meridians. These points are then stimulated by insertion of tiny metal needles through the skin, which will remove blockages and correct imbalances in the flow of Qi, guiding it to flow to deficient areas and away from areas where it is in excess.

During a typical consultation, the TCM practitioner will use TCM medical diagnostic tools which involve assessing the patient’s skin colour, tongue colour and texture and pulse quality, as well as symptoms, medical history and whole body evaluation to make a diagnosis to a particular disease type based on TCM principles. Then the TCM practitioner will formulate a unique herbal combination or specific acupuncture points for the patient, based on this diagnosis derived from each individual’s body condition and disease condition.

Our TCM practitioners are registered and recognised providers of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with most private health funds. Please check with your private health fund for the type of treatment and level of rebate you are entitled to under your cover.

Acupuncture is generally a relatively painless procedure as the needles used are very tiny. However each patient’s response to acupuncture is different and depends on sensitivity of the patient. Often for majority of patients, at the time of needle insertion, there may be a slight & temporary discomfort like a mosquito bite. Some patients may not feel anything. Once the needle is in place, there is no pain. Needle insertion stimulates flow of Qi, which may cause sensations of tingling, heaviness, heat or electrical movement in the area of the needle. Most people find the treatment very relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the treatment. While others feel energised throughout the treatment.

All our needles are pre-sterilized, non-toxic and disposable, and comply with Australian standards.

TCM aims at not just eliminating the disease or symptoms but to restore balance of the whole body. The body’s ability to return to a healthy state can vary depending on the individual and factors such as type of medical condition, duration of the medical condition and medical history, elimination of causal factor, patient’s general health, response to treatment, and diet and lifestyle. Therefore treatment duration with TCM will vary for each person. Usually for acute cases such as minor injury or recent illness, treatment duration can be a few days or up to a couple of weeks. However for complex or chronic medical conditions, several weeks or several months of treatment may be necessary.

This is because TCM aims at treating the disease by treating the body as a whole, to re-establish balance within the body and enhance the general wellbeing of a person. After symptoms have resolved, usually it is recommended to continue treatment to nourish the body further for a stronger and healthier body overall. Frequency of acupuncture sessions can be gradually reduced until full recovery to minimise the chances of reoccurrence of symptoms or disease.

For complex cases or longstanding diseases, we recommend undertaking combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine which can work synergistically and more effectively together.

The main dosage forms used in TCM are whole herb combinations, herbal granule mixtures, and herbal tablets or pills. Whole herb combination soup is the traditional method of administering Chinese herbs. Whole herbs need to be added to water and boiled before administration. Herbal granules are mixed with hot water and administered. While herbal tablets or pills is the more conventional dosage form, and are best take with warm water half hour after meals.

This treatment involves placing round glass cups on the skin to create a partial vacuum through suction. The suction process enhances blood flow to the problem area and promotes healing. Improved blood circulation to the injured area may improve recovery rate. Like acupuncture, it also helps to clear obstruction in the median system of channels and allow free flow of Qi (see How does Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture work?).

Moxibustion is the use of heat to stimulate specific points on the body, usually in adjunct to acupuncture. Heat is created by burning of moxa herbs in the form of a cone or stick.

Most TCM practices will only have one practitioner providing different TCM services. Our centre is unique in providing professional healthcare from various TCM practitioners each having interests in different fields of TCM such as acupuncture, herbal medicine etc. Their individual expertise can be collaborated and tailored to meet your needs and provide optimal health outcome for you.