General Chinese Medicine & Our Practice
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for thousands of years. It views the body as an interconnected system where balance and harmony are essential for health. TCM aims to address the root cause of an illness, not just the symptoms, using various therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, and dietary/lifestyle advice.
Chinese Medicine can be used to address a wide range of conditions. At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we have a particular focus on women’s health (including fertility, pregnancy, postnatal care, menstrual irregularities, and menopause), but we also provide care for men, babies, children, teenagers, and older adults. Common conditions we see include pain management, digestive issues, stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and support for general wellbeing.
Yes, all practitioners at Rebalance Chinese Medicine are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. This means we adhere to strict national standards for safety, hygiene, qualifications, and ongoing professional development, ensuring you receive care from qualified and competent professionals. Your safety and wellbeing are paramount in every treatment.
Your initial consultation will be comprehensive. We will discuss your main health concerns, medical history, lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, and emotional wellbeing. In Chinese Medicine, we also use diagnostic techniques like looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse to get a complete picture of your health. Based on this, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, or other therapies. We will explain the proposed treatment, what to expect, and answer any questions you have.
The number of treatments required varies greatly depending on the individual, the nature and duration of your condition, and your overall health goals. Acute conditions may resolve relatively quickly, while chronic or more complex issues may require a longer course of treatment. We will discuss your anticipated treatment plan and expected timeframe during your initial consultation and reassess your progress regularly.
No, a referral from your GP is generally not required to see a Chinese Medicine practitioner in Australia. However, we are happy to work collaboratively with your GP or other healthcare providers to ensure you receive comprehensive and coordinated care.
Many Australian private health funds offer rebates for acupuncture and sometimes Chinese herbal medicine consultations, depending on your level of cover. We recommend checking directly with your health fund to understand your entitlements. We can provide you with a receipt with the necessary details for you to make a claim.
Acupuncture is a key component of Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of extremely fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on the body (acupoints). These points lie on pathways called meridians, through which Qi (vital energy) flows. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to rebalance the flow of Qi, reduce pain, improve circulation, regulate bodily functions, and promote the body’s natural healing abilities.
Most people find acupuncture to be a relaxing experience. The needles used are very fine, much thinner than a typical injection needle. You might feel a slight prick as the needle is inserted, or sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a heavy feeling around the needle site. These are generally considered normal and indicate that the treatment is having an effect. Our practitioners are highly skilled and aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. If you ever feel discomfort, please let us know immediately.
After your initial consultation and diagnosis, you will be asked to lie down on a comfortable treatment table. The practitioner will select specific acupoints based on your individual condition. The fine needles will be gently inserted and are typically left in place for 20-30 minutes while you relax. Many people feel a deep sense of calm or even fall asleep during this time. After the needles are removed, you may feel relaxed or sometimes energised.
It’s very common to feel a little apprehensive if you’ve never had acupuncture before. Please share your concerns with us. Our practitioners are very experienced in treating needle-sensitive patients and will use gentle techniques. We can start with fewer needles or use alternative non-needle techniques like acupressure or laser acupuncture if appropriate for your condition. Your comfort is always our priority.
Yes, some individuals may find they are more sensitive to needle insertion or experience stronger sensations around the time of ovulation or during their menstrual period. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and changes in the body’s sensitivity. Please let your practitioner know if you are around these times in your cycle, or if you feel any increased sensitivity. We can adjust the treatment accordingly to ensure your comfort.
Absolutely. At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we strictly adhere to AHPRA’s infection control guidelines. We only use single-use, sterile, disposable needles for every patient. Needles are opened in front of you and safely disposed of immediately after use.
Absolutely. At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we strictly adhere to AHPRA’s infection control guidelines. We only use single-use, sterile, disposable needles for every patient. Needles are opened in front of you and safely disposed of immediately after use.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (often called “moxa”) is a traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that involves burning a herb called mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to warm specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. The heat generated is believed to stimulate circulation, promote the flow of Qi and blood, alleviate pain (especially pain that feels cold or worse in cold weather), and strengthen the body’s energy. It can be applied directly (with a barrier) or indirectly (held above the skin).
When performed by a qualified and AHPRA registered practitioner, moxibustion is a safe therapy. We take great care to ensure your comfort and safety, using appropriate techniques to prevent burns. You will feel a pleasant warming sensation. Some techniques may involve a moxa stick held above the skin, or moxa placed on a barrier like ginger or salt, or on the end of an acupuncture needle. There might be a distinct smoky smell associated with traditional moxibustion, though smokeless varieties are also available.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a therapeutic technique that involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool (often made of jade, horn, or ceramic). This is usually performed on an area of the body that has been lubricated with oil. The scraping motion is believed to release unhealthy bodily matter (like stagnant blood or metabolic waste) from blocked areas, stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing. It often leaves temporary red or purple marks (petechiae) on the skin, which are a normal response and typically fade within a few days.
Gua Sha should not be painful, though you might experience some mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the treatment, depending on the level of stagnation in the area. The practitioner will adjust the pressure to your comfort level. The red or purple marks (petechiae or “sha”) that can appear are an expected outcome and indicate the release of stagnation from the tissues. These marks are not bruises and usually fade within 2-7 days. It’s important to keep the area covered and protected from wind and cold after treatment.
Womans Health
We encourage you to start your fertility journey with us as soon as you decide you’d like support – you do not need to wait for your next cycle. We can begin treatment wherever you are in your current cycle. Chinese Medicine aims to create an optimal environment for conception by regulating your menstrual cycle, improving egg and sperm quality (which takes about 3 months to mature), enhancing uterine health, and reducing stress. Starting sooner allows us more time to support these processes. Ideally, we recommend starting treatment at least 3 months before you plan to actively try to conceive, but support can be beneficial at any stage.
Chinese Medicine can support fertility in various ways, including: * Regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting regular ovulation. * Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs. * Supporting healthy ovarian function and egg quality. * Helping to thicken the uterine lining for implantation. * Reducing stress and anxiety, which can impact fertility. * Addressing underlying imbalances that may contribute to infertility (e.g., PCOS, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances). * Supporting male fertility by improving sperm parameters. * Complementing IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies.
Yes, when provided by a qualified and AHPRA registered practitioner experienced in treating pregnant women, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are generally considered safe throughout all stages of pregnancy. Our practitioners are trained to know which acupuncture points and herbs should be avoided during pregnancy. It can be very effective for managing common pregnancy-related symptoms such as morning sickness, back pain, fatigue, and stress, as well as for pre-birth preparation. Your safety and the safety of your baby are our primary concerns, and all treatments are tailored accordingly, adhering to AHPRA guidelines.
Babies, Children, & Teenagers
Yes, we do treat babies and children at Rebalance Chinese Medicine. Paediatric Chinese Medicine uses gentle and often non-needle techniques tailored to the unique needs of young ones. These can include paediatric massage (Shonishin – a Japanese form of non-insertive treatment using specialised tools to tap or rub on acupuncture points and meridians), acupressure, gentle acupuncture with very fine needles (if appropriate and with parental consent, often inserted and removed quickly), moxibustion, and dietary advice.
It is very safe when administered by a qualified practitioner experienced in paediatric care. We create a calm and child-friendly environment, and treatments are usually short. We often treat conditions like colic, reflux, poor sleep, digestive issues, recurrent colds or coughs, allergies, and skin conditions.
Teenagers experience significant physical and emotional changes. Chinese Medicine can be very beneficial for supporting them through this time. We can help with issues such as period pain and irregularities, acne, stress and anxiety related to school or exams, sleep problems, digestive complaints, and sports injuries.
Mens Health
Absolutely. While we have a focus on women’s health, Rebalance Chinese Medicine welcomes and provides treatment for men of all ages. We can address a variety of men’s health concerns, including pain management, sports injuries, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, sleep problems, and male fertility support.
Yes, Chinese Medicine offers valuable support for the health and wellbeing of older adults. It can help manage chronic pain (like arthritis), improve mobility and energy levels, support digestive function, enhance sleep quality, boost immunity, and help maintain cognitive function. Treatments are always tailored to the individual’s constitution and specific needs, focusing on gentle and supportive therapies.
