Chinese Therapies
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Quick Links >> Acupuncture - Moxibustion - Cupping - Massage

The ways of the Ancients
Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the most powerful forms of natural medicine on the planet. It is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for over twenty-three centuries. With the longest history of any form of medicine, time has tested its power and its survival is testimony to this. Today this ancient healing system is practised throughout the world.

The World Health Organization recognises a number of disorders that have been successfully treated by Acupuncture. These include conditions of the digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, neurological conditions, psychological disorders, urogenital system, obstetric disorders, gynaecological system, musculoskeletal system and sporting injuries.


What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment system to help us maintain optimal health or facilitate the healing processes of the body. This is achieved by inserting fine stainless steel needles into ‘acupuncture points’ on the body. Each of these points has a specific action in the body. This may be an anti- inflammatory or mental relaxation, pain relief  It was developed in China about 3,000 years ago. Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses a complex system of ancient treatment principles and concepts. When the body is viewed as a whole the concepts of Chinese Medicine can be applied to bring any parts which are out of balance back into harmony.
Acupuncture can also be understood in Western terms as for example the concept of meridians or energy channels in Acupuncture are almost identical to the nerve courses which we now recognise in Western Neuro-anatomy.   


How does it work?
This is a fascinating question and its answer depends on the frame work one chooses to view it from.
The Chinese, who have experienced the benefits of acupuncture for more than three thousand years don’t ask.  They don’t need to. It works.  They understand the concepts of Qi (body energy) and understand that it moves around the body, usually in channels or meridians which generally traverse the body vertically.  If there is a blockage in the flow there is pain in that area (local blockage) or if the area doesn’t work properly then there is a blockage somewhere else stopping the Qi or nourishing energy from getting to the affected area.
From a Western perspective,  Energy moves around the body in the nervous system.  Nerves transmit impulses as (electrical) energy from the brain to a muscle to make it work at a command.  The sensory nervous system transmits energy in (electrical) impulses to the brain to say we are touching something which may be hot or cold or soft, etc. The autonomic nervous system transmits the brains signal to different organs to make them function according to various stimuli, for example, by raising the heart rate in response to running, or emptying the bladder when its full.  Pain is a mass of nerve endings sending signals to the brain via the nervous system, again by electrical impulses.   There is a big similarity between what the Chinese interpreted as body function and how modern Western medical science understands the body working.   Having compared and seen the comparisons between the two ways of thinking we can appreciate what the Chinese achieved in their concepts. 
Western medicine anatomy view of our bodies’ nervous system mimics almost identically the patterns of the ancient Chinese meridians.  They run like electricity circuits around our body.  They have, and can blow fuses.  What happens then is the control of function of an organ becomes not automatic and dynamic but it stays where the control lever was when the fuse blew.
Western medicine hopes the system will right itself, but the Chinese knew the acupuncture points to use to repair the fuse.  In other words, the acupuncture treatment given works on the control centre in the brain of whichever hormone or regulating substance is produced.  Acupuncture is a ‘Normalising’ method of treatment.  It can’t turn you or me into Superman but it can restore the functioning of organs, muscles to their optimal level
The Chinese understanding of muscle pain and what is frequently called arthritis is that energy is ‘stuck’ in that area.  Treatment is given to move Qi through the area and disperse the stuckness
If the problem is one of Chronic Fatigue, this is seen as a Qi deficiency.  Treatment is usually given to ensure Qi is able to flow around the body. We then we look for organs in the body where there maybe a deficiency of Qi and treat to strengthen or stimulate the organ to function normally.  It is thought that this is done by stimulating the autonomic (not under conscious control) nervous system nerve branches associated with the under functioning organ or organ system.  This is the ‘resetting of the control lever’ from a ‘fuse blown’ setting to an automatic integrated setting functioning in harmony with the other organs of the body.

Does it hurt?
If hurt equals pain the answer is NO. People say they can feel the needle as it is inserted.  Occasionally there is a mild stinging sensation but that fades quickly (usually after five seconds).  Is it like an injection from a Doctor or Nurse?  The answer is No

Can it cause any harm?
Acupuncture carries the same risk as any medical procedure involving needles. To put this in perspective, the risk of harm occurring as a result of acupuncture is probably less than the risk of taking aspirin or an anti-inflammatory drug for arthritis. It is important that your practitioner is properly trained and accredited by a Professional Association. These practitioners are bound by a strict code of Ethics and Standards.  The peak Acupuncture body is the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd. (AACMA) This practitioner is a Fellow and past president of that organisation.

How soon will I notice an improvement?
Some clients notice an improvement after the first treatment.  I try to get that to happen but it depends on the condition/s the client presents with.  Overnight after a treatment the body seems to respond and change as a result of the treatment.  Sometimes, and it depends on the severity of a case and the duration of the problem it may take three or four treatment to get a change occurring.  However in this clinic that is a rare occurrence.  Change generally begins to show up before that. My best response is a back problem a client had endured for 17 years.  It took one treatment to radically change this condition which had cost him five career changes and a change of country in which to live.

How many treatments will I require?
Most people require a course of treatments rather than just one or two. At first you may be asked to come back weekly for a course of 6 treatments. As improvement occurs, the intervals between treatments will be made longer. The Chinese usually have a course of twelve treatments as a standard guideline.  Here because of non-socialised medicine we try to accelerate that.  But sometimes ancient Chinese wisdom dictates that a ‘full’ course is necessary.

Will acupuncture cure me completely?
A cure is defined as the complete removal of, and absence of all symptoms of the problem or disease state for three years. It depends on what you are being treated for. Some problems can be ‘fixed’ very quickly.  This maybe the case with a sore back. Acupuncture may get rid of the pain if a ‘bandaid’ job is done.  I don’t like ‘bandaid’ jobs because I have generally determined the cause will take longer to remedy. But the client may decide to stop treatment even though my advice is to the contrary.     Lifestyle habits can cause problems to recur.  So if you have a car and keep backing into the gatepost you will get to know the panel beater well.  But if you change the backing habits and keep a look-out you will miss the gate post.  Sometimes it’s a matter of choice!  Maintenance is a good way to ensure you keep missing the gate post!  Just like our other useful asset the motor car, it needs a grease and oil change, filters and tyre pressures checked regularly and seeing a mechanic makes sense.  We are worth much more than a car.

Moxibustion is the process of burning or smouldering of a Chinese herb called mugwort , or botanically known as Artemisia vulgaris. This is a very common herb and is grown throughout China.
Moxa can be applied to the end of an acupuncture needle. The heat travels down the needle and into the acupuncture channel.
Alternatively a stick of Moxa (like a Cuban cigar but not toxic) is used to warm areas of the body affected by cold or which need tonifying (or invigorating).

Another great use of moxa is increasing the effectiveness of the immune system.  Great for long term bronchitis.
Interestingly, moxa-ing some acupuncture points can have a very calming effect on people, especially if going through emotional trauma.  Acupuncture can really help in situations like this as it helps a person clarify their thinking and feelings.
Moxa can really invigorate us and people often leave the clinic after a treatment on a physical and emotional high.

Cups are made of glass. Several maybe placed on the body at the same time.
The principle of cupping is to remove ‘stagnation’ which could be seen as a bruise or as a blockage in the body energies.  Blockages can cause pain or lowered organic function.  An example of this is the dull ache of menstrual cramping.  We (Chinese Medicine) see this as a ‘cold’ invasion.  If cupping is applied to the abdomen the cramping (cold) is dispersed and the pain clears.

Another good example of the use of cups is the removal of a cork or cramp in a muscle after a strenuous exercise session

When cups are applied a vacuum is created in the cup by a lighter.  The cup is then applied to the skin and the vacuum in the cup then draws up the skin and also gently stretches muscles, a sort of passive massage effect.

This is excellent at stimulating blood flow and for breaking down congested muscles. It is a very pleasant experience. The cups may be moved up and down the channels using a little massage oil on the skin for lubrication. It is great for back pain and general stiffness in the body.

Therapeutic Massage refers to several types of massage. The main ones are outlined below:

Relaxation Massage is a smooth, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of movement, and relieves muscular tension.

Remedial Massage is a paramedical treatment that helps to restore function to injured "soft tissues" (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Therapy may involve the use of various types of Massage, as well as a range of other physical treatments to assist your recovery. In addition, you may be asked to perform some activities at home to assist the process of recovery.