FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I get a rebate from my health fund?

A. Over the last 20 years Health funds have progressively recognized the demand for natural medicines and extended benefits to cover this sector. It is always important to check that you are in the correct table for the benefit you wish to claim. Most funds also pay benefits for massage therapy, however we recommend you call the clinic for specific help regarding health funds and massage therapy. This link takes you to the online presence of many health funds

Q. Does Acupuncture hurt?

A.The pins used in acupuncture are very fine, and when inserted skillfully do not hurt. It is typical for clients to feel very relaxed with treatment and often fall asleep.

Q. Can children and the elderly have acupuncture?

A. Because the treatment we use in the clinic is gentle it is suitable for all ages. There are even techniques suitable for babies (where the pins are not retained). For some children and others laser may be used as an alternative. Laser can be used when children are too active or apprehensive to use pins.

Q. Are the acupuncture pins sterile?

A. Yes. All equipment used in the clinic to penetrate the skin is disposable pre-sterilized equipment. This means the equipment is used once then discarded and never re-used.

Q. Is acupuncture & massage therapy suitable in pregnancy?

A. Acupuncture can be used for many disorders of pregnancy such as morning sickness, fluid retention, hemorrhoids, turn a malpositioned (ie Breach) Baby and help induce labor. Some specific points are not used in pregnancy because they are on the abdomen or can stimulate early labor. Massage can effectively help relieve back pain which is very common in pregnancy.

Q. What type of laser therapy do you offer?

A. We use two types of laser. Neither laser produces heat and they are different to the type of lasers used in surgery or cosmetic procedures. These lasers are used for what is commonly called “low level laser therapy” or LLLT

The 5 mW visable red laser is used for babies and children to stimulate acupuncture  points without needles.

The 808nm 150 mW infrared laser is used for treating muscle, joint and soft tissue injuries such as trochanter bursitis, elbow or back pain, tendons strains or sprains. This laser can also be used to treat acupuncture points instead of using acupuncture needles.

Q. Do I have to boil the Chinese herbs?

A. The Chinese herbs we use in the clinic have been processed into powders or pills for ease of taking. This means that the herbs do not need to be boiled and are ready to take straight from the container.

Q. How long should a massage appointment be?

A. For a first appointment or relaxation massage we find an hour is best. Shorter follow-up sessions may be suitable for therapy for specific conditions, although a � hour or 1 hour appointment allows for an unhurried comprehensive session. (e.g. achy legs after or before a sporting event).

Q. Is firm massage better for you than gentle massage?

A. People’s preferences and needs vary dramatically. For these reason our therapists discuss the type of treatment you prefer in order to match suitable techniques to your comfort. In general firmer techniques are more effective in sports type therapy, deep tissue massage. Gentler techniques are well suited to general relaxation, children and the elderly. It is always important to tell your therapist if the technique feels too gentle or to firm.

Q. Can I purchase herbs over the counter?

A. The herbs and nutritional products used in the clinic are mostly potent “practitioner only” products. For this reason it is necessary to complete a health history at a consultation and ensure that the nutritional or herbal products are suitable. We inform clients via our email bulletins from time to time about those products that are suitable to purchase “over the counter” without a consultation.

Q. Can anyone at the Center help with migraines?

A. Migraines can have many triggers from foods, stress, hormonal imbalance, the environment, postural strain or food additives. Once a migraine is in full swing rest and medication is usually the best treatment. We have a number of effective approaches to break the migraine cycle and prevent the frequency, severity and duration of migraines. Depending on the individual case massage, acupuncture, herbs or cranio-sacral therapy may be effective.

Q. I eat a healthy diet – why should I take supplements?

A. Foods today are grown with the goal of producing good looking produce which can be picked early and travel well to market. Farming practices are not necessarily focused on ensuring that the soil contains the mineral profile necessary for the fruit and vegetables to contain optimum amounts of nutrients. For this reason, even though the foods are supposed to contain all of the necessary nutrients many are depleted. Further, many environmental chemicals place considerable strain on the bodies nutrition systems which increases the demand for specific nutrients. These reasons are before even looking at the increased demands from stress, long work hours and poor absorption from an under performing digestive system. We recommend and provide a quality daily multivitamin supplement.

Q. All of your practitioners offer therapy for back & neck pain – how do I know who to see?

A. Massage Therapy is well suited where the back pain feels like it is muscular in nature or where the muscles feel stiff and sore. This is common in chronic back pain, as well as ongoing niggly pain and soreness and stiffness following physical exertion. In cases of acute back pain where there is a lot of inflammation massage is usually not the best initial approach.

Acupuncture stimulates healing and reduces inflammation and can be used both in an initial phase of treatment where there is acute inflammation, as well as in a case of chronic back pain.

Craniosacral therapy is ideal for chronic conditions where compensation has occurred in the body in response to the pain and injury. In this case a whole of body balancing approach is often rewarding. Craniosacral therapy can also be effective in some acute pain cases.

In some cases any of the above treatments are suitable so it can come down to the clients preference regarding how they would like to be treated. If in doubt call the clinic and our clinical director will match you with the correct therapist.