Gardenvale Traditional Chinese Medicine

Initial Consultation

Full Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. May include acupuncture treatment, Chinese herbal medicine diagnosis and body work treatment such as cupping, Tui Na massage and therapeutic stretching.

Chinese Medicine Herbal Follow up consultation only

Standard Acupuncture follow up treatment

May include Chinese Herbal. Medicine repeat consultation if relevant.

Extended Acupuncture treatment

May include Chinese Herbal Medicine repeat consultation if relevant.

Acupuncture and Body Work Follow Up Treatment

May include Chinese Herbal Medicine repeat consultation if relevant

Granule Herbs

Client specific formula, dispensed on premises, 1 week of herbs (subject to dosage).

Patent Herbs

Pre processed herbs in pill and capsule form, 1 week of herbs (subject to dosage).

About Gardenvale Traditional Chinese Medicine

Gardenvale Traditional Chinese Medicine is a contemporary health clinic providing comprehensive healthcare for the whole family through the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We understand and appreciate everyday living places pressure and stress on our bodies, which can lead to imbalances and illness. Through TCM we can help you to achieve balance, alleviate complaints, treat or prevent illness and maintain good health. TCM is an ancient health approach originating from Daoist philosophy. It views the body as a holistic system of balance, involving the concepts of Yin and Yang, Qi (energy), and the interaction between a person and their environment. According to TCM, the origin of disease or ill health is due to an imbalance in the body caused by a variety of factors such as environmental influences, trauma, pathogens or emotions. To achieve the best outcome for our clients, we use one or a combination of treatment methods. These methods include; acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping and massage, as well as diet and lifestyle advice.

Acupuncture

The concept of acupuncture is to use very fine needles to access the body's Qi (energy). According to Chinese medicine, the body's Qi is contained in and flows through a system of channels in the body called meridians. The meridians connect and nourish all aspects of the body with Qi. If someone is unwell, there will be an imbalance or a disruption to the Qi flow though the body's meridians. The Qi may have become stagnated, blocked or weakened. Acupuncture can be used to stimulate or nourish an area of imbalance by directly accessing the flow of Qi. Single use acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points around the body. The needles are normally retained for a period of twenty to forty minutes. This may vary depending on the individual and on the treatment strategy. Acupuncture should not be a painful or an unpleasant experience. The sensations during a treatment can vary and are often described as a heavy, numb, dull or a slightly achy feeling in the area needled.

Massage

Chinese massage is known as Tui Na. We mostly use Tui Na massage in conjunction with the other modalities of Chinese medicine such as acupuncture and cupping to stimulate the flow of Qi, thereby relieving pain, aiding recovery and helping improve health. The techniques of Tui Na are usually quite stimulating and involve applying pressure on specific points and using pulling or twisting movements on the skin and muscles. Tui Na is not only beneficial for muscular injuries and aches. It will also assist with relaxation and internal issues such as labour induction, migraines, period pain, anxiety and stress.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine is used to nourish and balance the body. We mostly prescribe medicinal herbs in granule form. Granules are simple to prepare. They dissolve easily with a small amount of boiling water and are drunk like a tea. Herbs are mixed together to create a formula specifically suited for each client and their needs. As a client's condition changes and improves, the formula can be modified accordingly to ensure optimal recovery. Many Chinese herbs are also available in patent pill or capsule form, which can be very convenient in some circumstances, for example during travel. Chinese herbal medicine can be used very effectively for acute disorders such as colds or digestive upsets or for more chronic conditions such as hormonal imbalances or autoimmune diseases. Usually a high dose will be prescribed for a short period for an acute issue. If the issue is of a chronic nature the herbs will generally provide some relief quickly. However for sustainable results a longer herbal treatment is often recommended. Our qualified practitioners will ensure that your herbs can be used safely in conjunction with other supplements or medications you are taking. The aim of Traditional Chinese (herbal) medicine is to treat the cause of a problem and not just the symptoms.

Diet Lifestyle

Appropriate nutrition and a balanced life style is the cornerstone of developing and maintaining good health. We will address these aspects as part of a TCM diagnosis and treatment, making recommendations on appropriate foods to eat and any necessary life style changes.