Answers to common questions about acupuncture & Chinese medicine

Yes—appointments are required. Please bring any relevant medical reports (if available), a list of medications/supplements, and your private health fund card if you plan to claim a rebate. Wear comfortable clothing; you may be asked to expose areas such as arms or lower legs for treatment.

Your first visit includes a detailed consultation about your main concerns, health history, medications/supplements, and goals. We may also use Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment methods (such as pulse and tongue observation). You’ll then receive a personalised treatment plan which may include acupuncture and/or herbal medicine, with clear guidance on what to do between visits.

We commonly support pain and musculoskeletal concerns (e.g., back, neck, shoulder, headaches), stress and sleep, digestive concerns, women’s health and fertility support, skin concerns, and general wellbeing. If you’re unsure whether we can help, please contact us—our practitioners can advise whether Chinese medicine may be appropriate for your situation.

We welcome patients across many life stages. If you’re booking for a child or an older adult with complex health needs, please contact us first so we can advise on the most suitable appointment.

That’s very common. Send us a message or call, and we’ll let you know whether we’re a good fit and what to book.

To book, please use our Contact page or call the clinic. If you need to reschedule, we appreciate as much notice as possible so we can offer the time to another patient. If you have questions about fees or cancellation terms, please contact us and we’ll confirm the current policy.

This depends on your condition, how long it has been present, and your overall health. Some people notice changes within 1–3 sessions, while longer-standing or complex concerns may require a course of care. We’ll discuss a recommended plan after your initial assessment and review progress regularly.

Around 30–40 minutes per session.

This depends on your level of discomfort (scale of 1–10):
• Pain 1–3: once every 2–4 weeks
• Pain 4–7: once a week
• Pain 8–10: twice a week

Absolutely! Regular acupuncture is excellent for maintaining optimal health. Key benefits include: stress reduction, improved sleep, pain management, boosted immune system, enhanced digestion, hormonal balance, improved circulation, and mental clarity.

Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by qualified practitioners. Most people feel relaxed during or after treatment. Possible side effects can include mild bruising, temporary soreness, lightheadedness, or fatigue. We always tailor treatment to you and will discuss any relevant risks based on your health history.

Acupuncture needles are very fine—approximately 0.2 mm in diameter, as thin as a strand of hair. You may feel a brief pinch on insertion, or a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness at the point. These sensations are common, usually short-lived, and indicate the treatment is working. All our needles are single-use, pre-sterilised, and never reused.

Yes. Our practitioners are AHPRA-registered Chinese medicine practitioners and follow professional standards for safety, hygiene, and clinical care.

Acupuncture may be appropriate during pregnancy for certain concerns, and many people choose it for supportive care. Treatment is always tailored to the stage of pregnancy and your individual needs, and we avoid points that are not appropriate during pregnancy. Please let us know if you are pregnant or trying to conceive when booking.

Eat a light meal or snack about two hours before your session — avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a large meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your session. Bring a list of all current medications and supplements. Try to schedule on a day without too much stress so you can relax and get the most from treatment.

The best time for acupuncture is in the morning before noon, when Yang energy is rising. It’s generally best to avoid the 12 pm–2:30 pm window, as the body is focused on digestion after lunch.

To enhance treatment effectiveness, it’s advisable to avoid alcoholic drinks, cold beverages, chilled foods, spicy/fried/oily foods, dairy products, and coffee for a few hours after your session. These items may disrupt the flow of Qi and reduce the therapeutic benefit.

Yes. Where appropriate, we prescribe personalised Chinese herbal formulas based on your presentation and goals. Herbal medicine can be used on its own or alongside acupuncture as part of a broader treatment plan.

Herbal medicine is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified practitioner and taken as directed. Because herbs can interact with some medications, it’s important to tell us what you’re currently taking (including blood thinners, hormone medications, and over-the-counter products). We will assess suitability and adjust recommendations accordingly.

Yes. Eligible private health fund rebates may be available for acupuncture and/or Chinese medicine services depending on your level of cover. We accept HICAPS where applicable—please bring your health fund card to your appointment so we can process the claim on the spot.

Traditional Chinese medicine has been practised for more than 2,500 years. The body is healthy when Yin and Yang are in balance. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is vital energy flowing along pathways called meridians. When Qi is blocked or disrupted, pain and illness can result. Acupuncture uses fine needles to release these blockages and stimulate the body’s natural healing response across the neurological, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.

Qi is energy in the broadest sense — universal and all-encompassing. It includes both material aspects (earth, flesh, blood) and immaterial aspects (light, movement, heat, nerve impulses, thought, and emotion). Life is said to be a gathering of Qi. A healthy human being is a dynamic but harmonious mixture of all these aspects.

Meridians are pathways that carry vital energy (Qi) through the body, much like the circulatory system carries blood. Many TCM practitioners regard meridians as physically authentic anatomical structures, and modern scientific investigation continues to validate their existence.

Watch this informative video from RMIT University for a scientific explanation: youtube.com/watch?v=dhhdmahBQU8

Watch this overview of Qi and meridian the affected pathways: youtube.com/watch?v=sFhEfR-7d3s