Acupuncture in Melbourne | Traditional Chinese medicine
If you’re looking for some of the best acupuncture in Melbourne then we are confident you’ll love us. Qi Medicine prides itself on delivering high-quality healthcare to local residents, with some of the most experienced acupuncturists and Chinese medicine doctors in the city.
Acupuncture is an ancient medicine developed over 5,000 years ago in China and continues to be widely used to address a variety of health and wellness issues.
Acupuncture is believed to work through balancing the body as a whole, not just focusing on one singular health issue at a time.
This balancing is achieved through activating meridians (energy pathways) throughout the body. If this concept seems a little foreign to you don’t worry, your body will naturally respond to the treatment even if your brain doesn’t fully understand it yet!
Acupuncture can place the body into a meditative state, much like that achieved in mindfulness practices. The latest updated research in January 2020 shows strong evidence to suggest these mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques can effectively reduce stress and depressive disorders [3].
The most up-to-date modern scientific explanation is that needling a point will stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals and hormones in the muscles, the spinal cord, and the brain.
It is thought that this stimulation can change the experience of pain and trigger a natural healing response in the body tissues. Sessions can also have a calming effect, altering our state of mind and reducing stress.
We know you will feel wonderful when you attend your initial session with us, with years of experience, we believe our acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic can provide you with the best holistic healthcare in the city.
Are you looking for a Melbourne Chinese medicine clinic to support you whilst undergoing a fertility journey? Then we know we can help you.
Our acupuncturists in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne are helping couples actively reduce their tension, stress, and fatigue which may be contributing to their infertility.
Does acupuncture hurt at our Melbourne acupuncture clinic?
Our acupuncturists specialise in taking first-time clients and will gently ease you through the whole process step by step (Meet our team here). We promise you will feel as comfortable as possible throughout your treatment, as we conduct your private consultation and treatment.
Because we pride ourselves on providing the best acupuncture, our session is often not painful as very fine needles are used to stimulate the points.
Acupuncture can be quite relaxing as the body is given a chance to stop, relax, and heal itself. Other sensations felt during treatment include a slight tingling in the body, which is actually quite a pleasant experience.
Acupuncture vs dry needling
The question about acupuncture vs dry needling is a commonly asked one. Dry needling has its place, however, the technician performing it is not necessarily a registered healthcare provider.
Acupuncture
Minimum 4-year full-time degree in health science
Must be registered with AHPRA ( regulating body of health professionals in Australia)
must meet insurance, registration, and experience standards
Dry needling
One day or weekend course
Does not need to be registered or insured
Does not need to display a minimum level of experience or knowledge to perform
So, who would you prefer, the experienced, registered professional, or the weekend course guy?
What can you expect in treatment from our acupuncturists?
Your session will consist of a consultation and treatment, along with dietary and lifestyle advice and supplements and herbs if needed.
During your session, your Chinese medicine practitioner will ask you several questions about your current and past state of health, to gain a deep understanding of what is causing imbalances in your health.
Once your Chinese medicine doctor has a whole picture of your health they can individualise treatment to your specific needs. During your session, you will be able to fully relax in a private, comfortable room.
Our acupuncture clinic is designed to let you fall into a deep state of relaxation, without interruption from the outside world. This is part of what we feel makes us the best acupuncture in Melbourne. You will be encouraged to close your eyes and rest, allowing the treatment to promote healing in the body.
You will often feel very relaxed after a session. It is best to drink plenty of water and do not undergo intense physical or mental activity for a few hours after your session, to let the internal healing continue after you leave the clinic.
At our medical acupuncture clinic, we work in accordance with the registration standards of the CMBA ( AHPRA- Chinese Medicine Registration Board Australia division) which all registered Chinese Medicine practitioners are obliged to meet standards of safety and efficacy.
There is much ongoing research into the effectiveness and uses of acupuncture for a variety of conditions, as explored in this article in Medical News Today.
Qi Medicine prides itself on following strict safety guidelines, ensuring your session is as safe and effective as possible.
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine benefits
May provide ongoing symptomatic relief of some conditions without drugs
Promotes healing within your body without suppressing immunity
May be used by people of all ages
Does not result in ill side effects of some Western medications
Sessions can be relaxing and rejuvenating and can leave you feeling calm and happy
Rebates available in-house for private health insurance members
Can be more cost-effective than some other forms of mainstream care [2]
Acupuncture does not replace all medical treatments available, and your current healthcare provider should be consulted before you discontinue any other forms of treatment.
A Chinese medicine treatment will often complement Western medicine treatments by encouraging healing and recovery.
During your session, you may be asked if you would like one of the following adjunct therapies to assist in your natural healing. These treatments include:
Chinese herbal medicine
As a part of the traditional Chinese medicine treatment, you may be prescribed a specific high-quality herbal medicine formula to complement your acupuncture treatment.
We prescribe you either a pill or powdered raw herbal medicine formula for your best Chinese herbal treatment, adhering to the strict Australian therapeutic medicines guidelines (TGA).
Moxa therapy
Moxa (or moxibustion) is an important part of many treatments.
This treatment consists of a dried herb or a charcoal-like substance compressed into a stick or cone and smoldered close to the skin, which is designed to warm up the skin and acupuncture channels for a specific therapeutic effect. This therapy is not intended to burn, only warm the area.
Cupping therapy
Traditional cupping can be an effective tool for reducing back, neck, and shoulder pain (read more about cupping here).
Generally, cupping therapy is not very painful but may leave some marks on the skin. These marks generally fade within one week. Upon request, cupping can easily be included in your treatment for a deeper release of tight muscles and tendons.
Advice about acupuncture’s potential side effects and results
On the whole, acupuncture is considered gentle, but like with any form of therapeutic intervention, there may be some unwanted side effects.
These include:
Bruising, some bleeding, and tenderness at the site of treatment
Feeling tired after treatment
Some pain and redness at the insertion site
Some swelling at the insertion point
It is important to discuss your treatment options with your acupuncturist first if you have any:
Bleeding disorders
Contagious blood diseases
Easy bruising
Metal allergies
Acupuncture is not a miracle treatment and it is important to understand that like any form of therapeutic intervention results are never guaranteed, even by the best acupuncturist. So, please take the time to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider before undergoing treatment.
Like any type of healthcare approach, It is common to need to undergo a series of sessions to achieve therapeutic benefit with acupuncture, so please be mindful of this when considering treatment.
Our clinic offering acupuncture is located at Suite 4, Level 1, 151 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds Vic. (Please ensure you take the ground floor elevator to reach us or level one.)
We provide acupuncture to the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne. Qi Medicine is minutes away from Ascot Vale, Essendon, Avondale Heights, Maribyrnong, and Brunswick West.
In addition, we also service many clients in Travancore, Flemington, Aberfeldie, Maidstone, and we are just 10 km from Melbourne city.
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