FAQs

Each person has their own energy, and in order to maintain good health, it is essential for the body’s energy and blood to circulate in a continuous and unobstructed manner.

The pathways through which the energy flows through the organs and body tissues are known as the meridians. The energy flowing through the meridians is referred to as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

The human body is similar to a highly complex electrical circuit. Like any circuit, it must be in good working order if it is to function effectively. It’s when the circuit ceases to work properly that the body succumbs to disease.

There are over 500 acupuncture points in the human body, and they all lie along the meridians. Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points, to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points through other methods, such as moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of qi.

The goal of acupuncture is to establish a healthier state of body function and to increase the capacity of the body, to cope with stress.

Acupuncture can help in several ways:

• TCM is an effective form of preventative treatment, because it detects any imbalance before it leads to disease;
• Acupuncture treats the cause of the disorder, and reduces the likelihood of reoccurances;
• Acupuncture treats specific disorders by providing relief and reducing complications;
• Acupuncture treatment for maintenance of chronic disorders will provide a better state of health, reducing the need for medication and/or surgery.

On your first visit, you will be required to provide personal and family medical history, as well as excercise habits and your occupation. During the consultation, the practitioner will examine your tongue and monitor your pulse.

The number and frequency of treatments will depend largely on the duration and intensity of the disorder, individual circumstances, the desired outcome, and the age and constitution of the patient.

After considering your personal circumstances, the practitioner will be able to give you a general idea of how many treatments you will need to achieve the desired level of wellbeing.

Today, there are over 500 substances commonly used in Chinese Herbal Medicine – the majority of these are of plant origin; though certain substances derived from animals and minerals are also used. You may find some of these in your own kitchen – some substances used in Chinese medicine include common ingredients such as ginger, garlic and cinnamon, while others, such as chrysanthemum, peppermint and peony flowers, are likely found in your own garden! You may already know some common herbs such as liquorice, ginseng, dang gui, wolfberry, apricot kernel and Chinese dates, but the majority of the substances used, such as chai hu (bupleurum), di huang (rehmannia), huang qi (astragalus), etc. will most likely be unfamiliar to you.

Some substances that were traditionally used as a part of Chinese herbal medicine are no longer used today as part of today’s modern, professional practices. These include traditional remedies that are derived from endangered species, which have now been replaced by other substances with similar benefits. All herbs used in Chinese medicine are 100% natural and chemical free.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been developed throughout a long history of medical practice in China. As each herb has its own specific characteristics, different herbs are used to treat the disease, by rectifying the hypoactivity (negative Yin) or hyperactivity (positive Yang), to help restore the body to its normal physiological functions.

There are many different kinds of herbs, each having its own properties and flavour:

• Properties refer to the hot, warm, cold or cool nature of the herbs.
• Flavour refers to the taste of the herbs, namely pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, Salty, taste-less and astringent.

Most diseases and illnesses present a core set of recognisable signs and symptoms, but the actual presentation of a particular disease or illness will vary from person to person. For this reason, people with similar health conditions may be provided with different Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions.

A qualified practitioner is able to prescribe a Chinese herbal prescription that specifically matches and treats your individual health problem. As your condition changes and improves with treatment, the Chinese herbal treatment is also adjusted and modified until the desired health outcome is achieved.

Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed either singly, or made into formulae which take into account the individual therapeutic action of each herb as well as the effects when combined together. A well constructed formula maximises the effectiveness for treating a particular condition, while counteracting and minimising the unwanted effects of an individual herb.

In addition to providing effective treatment for a wide range of health disorders, Chinese herbal medicine may also be used as a general health supplement and disease prevention. By strengthening and enhancing normal body functions, the immune system is boosted and a general sense of well-being promoted.

As it requires time to restore your physiological balance and to strengthen your immune system, Chinese herbal medicine treatment is generally a relatively slow process. The time required for treatment to effect varies: there are instances where patients improve after only one treatment whilst, other patients feel the beneficial effects after three or more treatments. Your practitioner will keep you informed of your progress during the various stages of your herbal therapy.

Most Chinese herbal teas taste bitter, and it is recommended that you endeavour to drink it as is; however, in the event that you are unable to cope with the taste, it is okay to add some honey to the tea, after checking with your practitioner.