We are an acupuncture clinic based in South Melbourne, Australia
OUR APPROACH
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 may assist in managing symptoms associated with digestive disturbances, concerns related to fertility, and respiratory symptoms.
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 does acupuncture work?
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.
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.
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.
How can acupuncture help you?
Releases feel-good endorphins and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol.
Increases blood flow to rehabilitate muscles, joints, ligaments, bones and nerves
Stimulates the vagus nerve pathway, which connects the neural and immune systems to reduce activity
Regulates gut health by bringing internal systems and stress in balance
Normalises different hormone levels and cycles within the body
Regulates the release of neurotransmitters associated with pain
Your Consultation
Conversations with your practitioner
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.
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.
Method and procedure
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.
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.
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.
frequently asked questions
You may be able to claim treatment costs on your Health Insurance.
We have wheelchair access via our backdoor, which is accessed via our Yarra Street carpark. Call reception for more details.
Please allow extra time on your first visit to find the best parking option for you. There is limited free and paid parking available on York Street in front of the clinic. Alternatively, there is limited free parking available in the underground carpark at South Melbourne Central on Cecil Street. Please be aware this carpark is a 5-7-minute walk from the clinic.
Public TransportSimply catch the No. 12 Tram and get off at Stop 12 (York Street/Clarendon Street). Walk down York St for 2 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance. Alternatively, you can catch No. 58 and get off at Stop 117 (York Street). Walk up York St for 4 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance.
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.
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.
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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Dr Scott Ling
BMed MReproMed PhDChinMed
FIND US
Monday
9:30am – 7pm
Tuesday
9:30am – 7pm
Wednesday
9:30am – 7pm
Thursday
9:30am – 7pm
Friday
9:30am – 2pm
Saturday
9:30am – 3pm
Sunday
Closed
You may be able to claim treatment costs on your Health Insurance.
We have wheelchair access via our backdoor, which is accessed via our Yarra Street carpark. Call reception for more details.
Please allow extra time on your first visit to find the best parking option for you. There is limited free and paid parking available on York Street in front of the clinic. Alternatively, there is limited free parking available in the underground carpark at South Melbourne Central on Cecil Street. Please be aware this carpark is a 5-7-minute walk from the clinic.
Simply catch the No. 12 Tram and get off at Stop 12 (York Street/Clarendon Street). Walk down York St for 2 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance. Alternatively, you can catch No. 58 and get off at Stop 117 (York Street). Walk up York St for 4 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance.
Call Us
1300 432 639Visit Us
Ground Floor, 69 York Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Get Directions
"We treat the root cause to restore balance and connection"
— Dr Scott Ling