Acupuncture Melbourne
We are an acupuncture clinic based in South Melbourne, Australia. Our highly qualified practitioners provide personalised treatments that address the root cause of your health concerns, with the aim of improving your overall well-being. Discover how our acupuncture therapy services can benefit your health.
Restore your body’s self-healing capability with Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to promote health and treat illness. At Sustain Health, we offer TCM services that include acupuncture, chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and lifestyle changes. TCM is based on the idea that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and that health is a state of balance between opposing forces such as yin and yang. By restoring balance to the body, TCM can help improve overall health and well-being.
Acupuncture is one of the most well-known TCM practices and involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. This stimulates the flow of energy, or qi, throughout the body and can help to relieve pain, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and more. Acupuncture can also be used to address a wide range of conditions, including digestive issues, fertility problems, and respiratory conditions.
With a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique health concerns, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can help restore your body’s self-healing capability and promote overall health and wellbeing.
How can acupuncture help you?
Reduce stress
Releases feel-good endorphins and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol
Improve circulation
Increases blood flow to rehabilitate muscles, joints, ligaments, bones and nerves
Reduce inflammation
Stimulates the vagus nerve pathway, which connects the neural and immune systems to reduce activity
Improve gut health
Regulates gut health by bringing internal systems and stress in balance
Balance hormones
Normalises different hormone levels and cycles within the body
Reduce pain
Regulates the release of neurotransmitters associated with pain
Reduce stress
Releases feel-good endorphins and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol
Improve circulation
Increases blood flow to rehabilitate muscles, joints, ligaments, bones and nerves
Reduce inflammation
Stimulates the vagus nerve pathway, which connects the neural and immune systems to reduce activity
Improve gut health
Regulates gut health by bringing internal systems and stress in balance
Balance hormones
Normalises different hormone levels and cycles within the body
Reduce pain
Regulates the release of neurotransmitters associated with pain
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture uses extremely fine needles that stimulate specific points to redirect blood flow, as well as neural, chemical and hormonal signals. The redirection of energy known as qi (or chi) also restores the optimal functions of the body. It works in a gentle, physiological way to support and create an environment that allows your body to naturally heal itself, without synthetic drugs or surgery.
Example of treatment
The Sympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system controls the body’s response to dangerous or stressful life situations. It stimulates heart rate, breathing, and muscles, but reduces our digestive and immune functions and healing. Therefore, a continued state of stress can wear out the body.
Example of treatment
The Meridian System
In Traditional Chinese medicine, a meridian or Jing Luo, is a pathway through which qi and energy flows. They have different names, such as acupuncture meridians, acupoints, and energy vessels. Meridians are similar to the circulatory system, but are non-visible.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Needles
We use sterile, single-use acupuncture needles that are 0.25mm gauge or less and are tapped into the skin using a guide tube. You can still move any body part, but patients are recommended to lie still.
Sensations
Due to its personalised nature, acupuncture is experienced differently from person to person. Regardless, most people feel either no pain, a dull sensation, or a slight pinch when the needles are inserted. A tingling sensation is also sometimes experienced. It should not cause considerable pain. Many people describe their experience as pleasurable and relaxing, with some falling asleep. Others feel energised after an appointment.
Tailored to you
Your practitioner will let you know beforehand the general areas they will needle, and will communicate with you about any discomfort you may experience. We can easily find other practice areas, as we aim to help you feel as relaxed as possible.
Your Consultation
Initial Evaluation
Conversations with your practitioner
STEP 1
Discussion and Diagnosis
Your practitioner will explore your medical history and diagnose by feeling your pulse, viewing your tongue, and palpating points on your body.
Bring any relevant and recent medical reports or test results, and wear loose and comfortable clothing.
STEP 2
Care Plan
If you are looking for long-term treatment, your practitioner will create a unique Care Plan with you to establish expectations and set milestones for review dates. You will have access to a document detailing your Care Plan which includes lifestyle and dietary advice.
Treatment
Method and procedure
STEP 1
Acupuncture
Laying on your stomach, back, or in a sitting position, your practitioner will insert around 10 needles into specific points depending on your condition. Often there is no need to remove clothing. Your practitioner will also communicate with you about what they are doing and why. Feel free to ask any questions or simply relax.
STEP 2
Activation
After inserting the needles, your practitioner will leave you to rest for the remainder of the consultation. They will use this time to have your Chinese herbal medicine prescription made (if desired) and update your patient information. The activation period allows time for the acupuncture to stimulate the body to a greater effect. You can still move any body part but are recommended to lie still.
For some acupuncture, such as neuro-acupuncture, you may be asked to keep the needles in after you have left the consultation.
STEP 3
Needle Removal
After your Stabilisation Stage has passed, you and your practitioner will review how you have progressed and compare your past and current condition. A new plan will be made for the next stage, or your plan will be amended.
Ready to experience the natural healing benefits of acupuncture?
Book your appointment today at our leading acupuncture clinic in Melbourne
FAQs
What should I wear?
We recommend you wear loose and comfortable clothing for your acupuncture session. If your practitioner needs to access a point on your leg, for example, it is easier if you have pants that can be loosely rolled up. Comfortable clothing is also easier to relax in during a treatment and when you are relaxed you will receive the full benefits of acupuncture therapy.
How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on your rate of response to treatments. Our Acupuncturists will determine if you are a fast responder or a slow responder and outline a treatment plan for you. We are committed to helping you commit to your treatment plan by offering treatment packages. Ask one of our friendly staff for more information.
How often do I come in?
The frequency of visits depends on the nature of your condition and the response you have to treat. Typically we suggest two to three times a week for the first few weeks to stabilise the condition and then once a week for the duration of the treatment plan. Once the treatment plan has been completed your practitioner may suggest you continue with monthly maintenance sessions.
Is Acupuncture covered under private health insurance?
Yes. Acupuncture is covered under private health insurance. However, whether you are covered will depend on your level of coverage from your private health fund. We recommend looking at your private health insurance coverage.
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