Frequently Asked Questions

 Are your acupuncturist qualified and experienced?

 

Our practitioners are registered Chinese Medicine practitioners with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (AHPRA). They have all completed extensive university medical frameworks, holding tertiary degrees that require over 5 years of full-time academic and clinical study. Most of our practitioners hold a double Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Chinese Medicine and Human Biology from RMIT University. Our practitioners also maintain extensive, ongoing clinical training.

 

Are there any side effects of acupuncture ?

Our practitioners are registered Chinese Medicine practitioners with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (Ahpra). They have all completed extensive university medical frameworks, holding tertiary degrees that require over 5 years of full-time academic and clinical study. Dr Sijia (Julia) Zhu holds a double Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Chinese Medicine and Human Biology from RMIT University. Our practitioners also maintain extensive, ongoing clinical training.

 

Do I need to get a referral letter to see you?

No, a referral letter from a GP is not required to visit our clinic. You can book an appointment directly with us at any time.

 

 

Do you provide treatment other than acupuncture?

Yes. In addition to acupuncture, our clinic offers Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, cupping therapy, auxiliary channel scrubbing (Gua Sha), remedial massage and evidence-informed lifestyle and dietary advice.

 

Do you bulk-bill or cover by medicare?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are not currently covered under the Australian Medicare bulk-billing system. However, our services are covered by almost all major private health insurance funds (including Medibank, BUPA, Australian Unity, HCF, and GU Health). Depending on your level of extras cover, you may be eligible for a rebate.

 

 

How long dose the consultation and treatment will take?

Your initial consultation and treatment session will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing us to thoroughly review your lifestyle history. Standard follow-up appointments take around 1 hour.

 

 

What is Acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture involves the precise, gentle insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific points along the body’s established pathways. From a conventional neurological perspective, acupuncture stimulates peripheral nerves, which can encourage the central nervous system to release natural biochemicals, such as endorphins. This physiological response can assist in managing local discomfort, relaxing muscular tension, and promoting general mental calm.

 

What does acupuncture feel like?

Every individual experiences acupuncture differently. While the needles used are extremely fine, you may feel a brief sensation upon insertion. During treatment, it is entirely normal and expected to experience a dull ache, warmth, a heavy sensation, or mild tingling around the points. Please communicate any discomfort directly with your practitioner.

 

 

Dose the acupuncture needle clean/ Do you reuse the acupuncture needles?

No needles are ever reused. In strict accordance with the regulations set by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, we utilize only single-use, medical-grade, pre-sterilized, and individually packaged needles. Immediately following your session, all needles are safely disposed of in an official medical hazardous sharps container.

 

 

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine, is it safe to take?

 

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine focuses on supporting systemic health and physiological balance by addressing functional disharmonies. While Chinese herbs are naturally derived, they contain active botanical compounds that must be prescribed responsibly. When evaluated and formulated by a registered Chinese Herbalist, these treatments are customized to the individual’s presentation, minimizing risks and supporting your body’s overall wellness.

 

Diagnosis and treatment is always based on the individual – two patients may have the same complaint, but will be treated in different ways depending on their presentation.

 

 

Can I take the western medicine and Chinese Herbal Medicine together? Or should I stop taking western medicine while I am taking Chinese Herbal Medicine?

 

Yes, but we generally advise leaving a 30 to 60-minute gap between taking your conventional Western medications and your Chinese herbal formulas to avoid absorption crossover. Our practitioners will never instruct you to stop or alter your prescribed Western medications. Any changes to your primary medical treatments must be discussed directly with your prescribing medical doctor (GP or specialist).

 

 

What is cupping Therapy?

Cupping involves creating a localized vacuum inside specialized glass cups placed gently onto the skin’s surface. This therapy helps assist local circulation, relax tight muscle groups, and relieve localized physical tension or musculoskeletal discomfort.

 

 

How many sessions can fix my health issue?

Because every individual’s health profile, lifestyle, and symptom severity are unique, it is impossible to guarantee a specific number of sessions to resolve a concern. Chronic or long-standing issues typically require a progressive approach over several weeks, whereas acute muscular tension may respond more quickly. Your practitioner will discuss a tailored management plan during your initial visit.

 

 

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes, when performed by a registered acupuncturist, acupuncture can be a supportive addition during pregnancy. Our focus is providing symptomatic comfort. Traditional Chinese medicine framework may assist in managing mild, pregnancy-related discomforts such as lifestyle fatigue, basic muscle tension, or nausea, always in consultation with your primary obstetric healthcare provider. Make sure to double-check the physical label of any prescribed product to confirm this information.

 

 

I do not have any health complains, can I still do acupuncture or taking Chinese Herbal Medicine? 

Absolutely. Traditional Chinese Medicine places a strong, historical emphasis on preventative care and maintaining long-term wellness. Many individuals utilize regular acupuncture or seasonal herbal support to maintain overall vitality, manage everyday stress, and support general health preservation throughout the changing seasons.

 

 

I want to try Chinese Medicine, but I am really afraid of needles, is there any other treatments I have have?

Yes. Our practitioners pride themselves on using extremely gentle, non-invasive needle techniques. However, if you experience significant needle anxiety, we can completely customize your care plan using alternative modalities such as Chinese Herbal Medicine, cupping therapy, or gentle scraping techniques instead.

 

 

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes, appointments are highly recommended. To ensure we can accommodate your preferred day and time, please book in advance via our online booking system or by calling the clinic at 03 99727243.

 

 

Can I have food or drink water before the acupuncture treatment? 

Yes, it is best to have a light meal or water before coming into the clinic so you are comfortable during your session. We recommend avoiding heavy amounts of caffeine or alcohol immediately prior to your appointment, as these can temporarily alter your pulse rate and affect our diagnostic assessment.

 

 

Can I have shower after the treatment?

You may shower normally after an acupuncture session. However, following a cupping treatment, we might advise avoiding swimming, cold showers, or exposure to cold drafts.

 

Dose the kid can have Chinese Medicine treatment?

Paediatric protocols are a well-established branch of traditional practice. We provide modified, gentle modalities including pediatric acupuncture techniques, cupping, or age-appropriate dosages of Chinese herbal medicine tailored for children. Please note that all clients under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during their consultation and treatment.