Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a natural medical system used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 2500 years.
TCM is based on the principle that energy (qi) flows throughout the body’s energy pathways called meridians and when energy becomes blocked or stagnated, disease and pain results. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to free this energy to regain balance physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses many techniques; the most common include acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine. Other techniques that maybe included in a treatment are cupping, spooning (gua sha), heat therapy (moxibustion or heat lamps) and massage (tui na) (may include herbal liniments).
Within a traditional Chinese medicine treatment, a practitioner may ask the patient many questions, feel the pulse and observe the tongue to form a Chinese medicine diagnosis. This diagnosis will lead the practitioner to the best choice of treatment for your condition. Your treatment may start with acupuncture combined with heat therapy (moxibustion), followed by cupping and massage and finish with an herbal medicine prescription.
The aim of all the treatments given will essentially be to balance your yin yang energy, free the energy in your channels and balance in order for your health to return to optimal health.
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses very fine, single use stainless steel needles inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. Due to very fine needles and technique the insertion of the acupuncture needle is often not even felt. After the needle insertion through the skin the point is found and mildly stimulated to cause a sensation that may feel dull, heavy or electric. These sensations are all good and will create an effective outcome for your treatment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Due to using gentle acupuncture techniques combined with the finest Japanese needles, most people have no sensation or minimal sensation of the acupuncture needle insertion.
For first time acupuncture patients a special pain free acupuncture technique is used in order for you to feel most comfortable. Most people are surprised to discover acupuncture as an amazingly relaxing experience, even enjoyed by children.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture uses very fine, single use stainless steel needles inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. Acupuncture developed throughout Asia for 5000 years and energetic theories were used to describe the reasoning behind acupunctures effectiveness. Through studying the history of acupuncture it’s fascinating to see the inclusion of new techniques into the system and the philosophical reasoning behind why they work. From a Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture stimulates acupuncture points to move energy along energetic pathways called meridians to restore balance to the body. Once balance is reached within the meridian and organ systems the illness will resolve.
Western science explains acupunctures effectiveness such as rebalancing unhealthy neural networks which are the cause of chronically tight muscles, poor nerve function to organs and chronic pain signals and stimulating hormones that can reduce pain, balance the menstrual cycle, increase libido, reduce stress and aid in feelings of wellbeing. Western science is still developing theories to properly explain acupuncture’s effectiveness.
Does acupuncture really work?
Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your acupuncturist knows everything that you're doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments
Are the acupuncture needles safe?
Yes. The finest, highest quality single use acupuncture needles are used and disposed of immediately
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
Yes. Acupuncture treatments provided by Dr Paul Carter are claimable by most private health funds. Check with your health fund to make sure your level of cover also covers acupuncture treatments. If your private health insurance company is registered with HICAPS you’ll be able to claim your appointment immediately through our clinic HICAPS machine. So remember to bring your private health fund card to swipe through our HICAPS machine after your appointment.
How frequently do I need to come?
This will depend on the individual. The longer a problem’s been there, the longer it may take to rebalance your health. For acute conditions, acupuncture can work quickly and take longer for chronic health problems. Most people can expect to see changes after 5-7 weekly acupuncture visits. The best outcomes occur in combination with recommended dietary and lifestyles advise herbal medicine compliance and willingness to heal.
How to best prepare for an acupuncture treatment
To receive the most benefit from your acupuncture treatments, follow the guidelines below:
- Eat smaller meals before or after your acupuncture treatment. You'll feel more comfortable on the table and the treatment will be more effective.
- Avoid over-exercise, sexual activity and alcohol within 6 hours before or after your treatment. These activities change your energetic reading considerably therefore changing the diagnosis, treatment and possibly outcome.
- Plan the day of your treatment so you can rest after your session.
- Continue taking prescription medicines unless advised not to by your medical practitioner.
Take note of any changes that you experience after your treatment and bring these up in your follow-up treatment.
What to expect in your initial Acupuncture Treatment
Your initial 1 hour acupuncture treatment is focused on getting a comprehensive health history and formulating an accurate Chinese medicine diagnosis. So Paul will ask questions about all aspects of your health (remember to bring along any relevant medical document), look at your tongue, feel your pulse and feel along energy lines to establish the root of your problem. The treatment may consist of any number of treatment method to rebalance your health including acupuncture, cupping, heat therapy, massage, dietary advice and herbal medicine preparation. Ongoing treatment are commonly 45minutes – 1 hour treatments depending on your needs.
Make an Appointment to see Dr Paul Carter Today
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Ki viva Wellbeing Studio
3 Glen Eira Avenue
Ripponlea
Victoria 3185
Australia