After treating hundreds of Perth patients at Nature’s Chinese Medicine in Belmont, the same questions come up again and again. Here are the most common ones, answered as honestly as we can.
Your Chinese Medicine Questions — The Complete Perth Patient FAQ
Covered here
Top 20 questions
Full credentials
AHPRA registered
Eastern suburbs
Belmont Perth
Most Common Patient Questions
The questions below represent what we hear most often from first-time and established patients. They cover practical details about what to expect before, during, and after treatment, how insurance works, and what conditions we see most often.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, call the clinic on (08) 9478 1198 or use the online booking form at natureshealth.au to ask before your first appointment. No question is too basic — understanding your treatment makes it more effective.
At Nature’s Chinese Medicine, we believe in answering questions honestly and thoroughly. If something is unclear, asking is always better than guessing. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Before Your First Appointment
What to Bring
List of all medications and supplements; insurance details if claiming via health fund.
What to Wear
Loose comfortable clothing that allows access to arms, legs, and back for needle insertion.
Time and Process
First consultation is 60 minutes; includes detailed history, tongue and pulse examination, and discussion of treatment plan.
During and After Treatment
What Acupuncture Feels Like
De Qi is normal — dull, heavy, aching sensation. Sharp pain is not normal and should be reported immediately.
After Treatment
Mild fatigue or soreness is common. Most patients see changes within 3-6 sessions for acute conditions; chronic conditions typically need 8-12 sessions.
About Herbal Medicine
Taste is variable — some formulas are bitter, others mild. Granule herbs are taken as a warm tea. Typically 4-12 weeks depending on condition.
About Our Practice
Dr Yang’s Qualifications
Bachelor and postgraduate training in classical Chinese medicine; AHPRA registered; Master Tung’s Acupuncture specialty; trained in classical pulse and tongue diagnosis.
Location and Access
Belmont, 10 minutes from Perth CBD; free parking available; wheelchair accessible.
Booking and Costs
Online booking at natureshealth.au or phone (08) 9478 1198; standard consultation fees listed on website; most private health extras cover acupuncture via HICAPS.
What Does the Research Show?
Patient satisfaction with acupuncture and Chinese medicine is high when practitioners provide clear explanations and involve patients in treatment planning.
View on PubMed (PMID: 41943685) →Western Australian patients report sustained improvement in pain and function when acupuncture is integrated with conventional care and clear communication is maintained.
View on PubMed (PMID: 41819560) →Clinical outcomes for traditional Chinese medicine are optimized when practitioners provide transparent information about treatment duration, cost, and expected progress.
View on PubMed (PMID: 41943685) →Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Ask questions — no question is too basic
- Bring a full medication and supplement list
- Describe your symptoms and health history honestly
- Let the practitioner know if something doesn’t feel right
Don’t:
- Assume the practitioner knows about your other medications
- Skip follow-up appointments if you’re not seeing change
- Expect overnight results for long-standing conditions
- Hesitate to ask about cost or health insurance coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes — it is AHPRA regulated, uses only single-use sterile needles, and has an excellent safety record when administered by trained practitioners.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Mild De Qi sensation is normal and expected. Sharp pain is not normal and should be reported immediately for technique adjustment.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of conditions — see our conditions pages on the website for the full list. Common presentations include pain, sleep, digestion, fatigue, and stress.
How much does a consultation cost?
Fees are listed on our website. Most patients with private health extras can claim back 80-90 dollars per session via HICAPS.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is needed for private acupuncture. If using DVA benefits, a GP referral is required. Medicare does not cover standard acupuncture.
How many sessions will I need?
Acute conditions often improve in 3-6 sessions. Chronic conditions typically require 8-12 sessions. Your practitioner will discuss expected duration at your first appointment.
Can I do acupuncture and other treatments together?
Yes — acupuncture works well alongside physiotherapy, conventional medicine, and other therapies. Always inform each practitioner about other treatments you’re using.
What if I’m nervous about needles?
It’s completely normal. Most patients find acupuncture far less confronting than they expected. The needles are very fine, and De Qi sensation is typically dull rather than painful.
