Acupuncture and Chinese herbal Medicine at Qi of Life, Kyneton and Gisborne
Consultations involve an in-depth review of the presenting issue as well as medical history, general lifestyle, diet and posture. While all treatments involve acupuncture, we often combine other modalities such as Chinese herbs, cupping and moxibustion to ensure all your health needs are addressed.
Our services:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
At Qi of Life Acupuncture, we embrace the rich history and efficacy of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. While this holistic approach has been utilised for centuries, we adhere to strict advertising guidelines outlined by AHPRA, ensuring transparency in our claims.
Some of the health concerns that acupuncture and or herbs may assist with are:
- Pain, stress, and fatigue management, especially related to autoimmune disorders and chronic diseases.
- Relief from nausea and vomiting, such as that arising from chemotherapy.
- Pain management, including chronic pain linked to conditions like depression.
- Fertility support as an adjunct to IVF treatment.
- Pregnancy-related pain and discomfort.
Michele also has an interest in assisting people with concerns in the following areas:
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Fertility
- Women’s health
- Digestive problems
- Pain management
- Stress
- Autoimmune conditions
- Respiratory conditions
- Assistance during pregnancy, birthing preparation and post partum
However, there are various other conditions that may still find benefit from our services. If your specific concern is not listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Michele for a personalised discussion about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may align with your unique health needs.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a needling technique used to address blockages in the flow of qi (energy) which may manifest in the body as pain, hot or cold sensations, or colour changes. Inserting fine needles at various acupuncture points along the acupuncture channels, the body’s balance can be restored and the illness resolved.
Signs and symptoms help determine the suitable acupuncture points and channels then the acupuncturist inserts several very fine needles which will be left in position for around 30 minutes. This is typically painless and patients often report a great sense of relaxation during and after the acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture can be provided as a stand-alone therapy or as a complement to other techniques such as Chinese herbs, cupping, moxibustion or acupressure. Over a course of treatment cumulative benefit can be experienced.
Chinese Herbs
In many case, herbs and or supplements may be required to assist with you health concerns. Michele will develop a customised herbal formula for you based on your symptoms and adapt this as you progress with treatment.
Various administration methods are available, such as granule herbs, liquid herbal extracts, pills, and even topical applications like creams, scrubs, or washes.
While the majority of Chinese herbal medicines are plant-based, there might be occasional use of mineral and animal-derived products. It’s important to note that Michele strictly avoids prescribing any herbs sourced from protected or endangered species.
Cupping
Cupping is a healing therapy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves placing heated glass cups on areas of tightness or acupuncture points to stimulate meridian energy channels in the body.
This treatment is used to remove toxins and help energy move around the body. Benefits include stimulated blood flow, relaxation of congested muscles and treatment of stiffness in the body which relieves pain.
When heated cups are placed on the body, skin and muscle are sucked into the cups. The cups remain in place for around 15 minutes or are moved to deliver a suction massage using oil to facilitate this movement.
For most, this treatment is painless, but a sensation of tightness can be experienced in the area of suction until the cup is removed.
Afterwards, clients will experience bruising on the skin which can vary in colour depending on the individual. Bruising is a reflection of the degree of stagnation and although it doesn’t feel painful, the circular bruise can be surprising in appearance.
Gua sha
Gua sha (pronounced “gwa-shah”) is an ancient Chinese healing technique which involves scraping the skin with a blunt jade or quartz massage tool to relieve pain, improve blood flow, circulation the flow of qi (energy) in the body.
Using a massage tool to scrape areas of the body, typically back and shoulders, light pressure is applied to the tool as it is moved in long strokes along the body with the aid of oil. The patient will experience removal of energy blockages and relief from pain or stiffness.
This movement causes a breakdown of muscle tissue and tiny blood vessels under the skin to burst so it is therefore normal for bruising to occur following this treatment.
Moxibustion (Moxa)
Moxa is warming technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many thousands of years to alleviate pain and improving blood circulation. It is thought that the cold produces stagnation by slowing things down and warming “melts the ice” in channels and removes blockages.
A Chinese herbal leaf (mogwort) is applied to gently warm channels and clear any cold blockages causing pain.
A Chinese herbal leaf (mogwort) is applied to gently warm channels and clear any cold blockages causing pain. Moxa can be applied directly or indirectly. Direct moxa is administered through application of a protective cream to the skin and tiny pieces of moxa leaf are burned directly on the cream.
Moxa can be applied directly or indirectly. Direct moxa is administered through application of a protective cream to the skin and tiny pieces of moxa leaf are burned directly on the cream.
Indirect moxa allows a larger surface area to be treated and is performed using a moxa pole, a solid stick of compressed moxa leaf, charcoal and other herbs. The lit pole is held above the skin to warm it to a comfortable temperature.
This technique uses the same points as acupuncture and is helpful for general immune system strengthening, improving circulation, boosting energy/treating fatigue, muscle pain (cramps and arthritis) and digestive issues.
Traditional Chinese massage (Tui na)
Tui na (pronounced “tway na”) is a massage treatment regarded in China as one of the key branches of Chinese Medicine. It is used as a means of treatment or prevention and to restore harmony or remove blockages in the body. It is helpful for physical musculo-skeletal conditions, internal problems such as migraine, digestive disorders, circulatory issues, hormonal imbalance, anxiety and for ongoing maintenance of health and flexibility.
The practitioner will use hands, fingers and elbows to apply pressure and manipulate joints. Eight key massage techniques are used: Holding (na), Kneading (mo), Lifting (ti), Opposing (duan), Palpating (mo), Pressing (an), Pushing (tui) and Rejoining (jie).
Differing pressure and oscillation provides either a strong deep-tissue treatment or a gentle, energetic treatment which relieves symptoms and restores yin and yang in the body.
