First and foremost, it is crucial to recognise that you maintain complete control over your treatment experience. I will ensure that you are aware of and agree to all procedures associated with the treatment by communicating with you at each stage.

Following the treatment, we discuss what happens next. In order to ensure that your symptoms subside and do not recur, it may be necessary to undergo more than one treatment in order to develop an effective treatment plan. In addition, your plan may include the recommendation of herbs, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.

Please allow 60 minutes for your first appointment.

Follow up appointments are 40 minutes long.

Ensure you are adequately hydrated and have eaten - preferably a light meal around an hour beforehand.

You may be required to undress to underwear to enable access of acupuncture points. Towels and sheets are used to provide appropriate draping and coverage at all times.

Acupuncture is a complementary medicine and is generally safe to use alongside conventional medicine.

Acupuncture doesn't change how your body works chemically and won't interfere with any current treatment.

With this in mind, liaison with your current health care provider is advised with your permission.

Both acupuncture and dry needling use the same needles.

Dry needling is generally performed by an allied health professional who has undergone a course that is not regulated in Australia. Acupuncturists study for at least three years specifically on acupuncture techniques and when qualified are registered under CMBA (Ahpra).

To facilitate loosening tight muscles, dry needling essentially works by focussing on certain "trigger points" where neuromuscular connections are located.

Along with musculoskeletal problems, acupuncture may alleviate pain, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal issues, immune system deficiencies, and reproductive health concerns.

In contrast to dry needling's localised emphasis, acupuncture takes a more comprehensive approach by harmonising the patient's physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Acupuncture is the strategic placement, penetration, and manipulation of needles on the body to achieve therapeutic benefits.
Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine treatment that is immediately recognised worldwide. It involves the strategic insertion of single-use sterile needles into the specified acupuncture points to treat, relieve, or heal a variety of diagnosed conditions.

Acupuncture, according to Chinese medicine, is a method used to harmonise the movement of energy or life force, referred to as qi, which is said to circulate along certain routes (meridians) throughout the body. By strategically putting needles into precise places along these meridians, the body's homeostasis or balance is effectively restored.

Everyone is different and responds differently to acupuncture treatments. Generally, there is some immediate effect from acupuncture but some may take some time to notice any changes.

A treatment program will be discussed with the practitioner during your appointment.

Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling little pain as the needle is put into certain points. Needles are only inserted to a point that causes a feeling of pressure or ache.

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain.

Research (The Acupuncture Evidence Project) has shown that acupuncture can be used with efficacy in the treatment of conditions such as musculoskeletal and digestive issues, mental health, stress, reproductive and gynaecological conditions.

When it comes to the many issues that might develop during pregnancy and delivery, acupuncture is a great option since it provides drug-free comfort. It can lessen the severity of certain conditions and help with common pregnancy-related symptoms like sciatica, morning sickness, and discomfort from symphysis pubis.

Yes, acupuncture is covered by private health insurance when received from a registered practitioner. The level of coverage will be dependent on your insurance.

I am registered with most Australian private health funds. Reach out if you’d like to confirm if that includes your particular fund.

🫖 How to Cook Raw Herbs:

What to Cook In:

• Use non-metal pots (glass, clay, enamel) unless told otherwise.

• Metal pots are okay if your practitioner approves.

Step-by-Step Cooking (1 bag = 3 boils):

1. Empty 1 packet of herbs into the pot.

2. Add 3½ cups cold water, soak for 10 mins.

3. First boil: Bring to boil, simmer (lid slightly ajar) for 40 mins. Strain and save liquid.

4. Second boil: Add 2½ cups boiling water, boil/simmer 40 mins. Strain into same bowl.

5. Third boil: Repeat step 4. Combine all three boils.

6. Discard herbs (great for compost!).

You’ll have about 3–4 cups of tea.

🥄 Dosage & Storage

• Take 100ml in morning, 130ml in evening, or as prescribed.

• Tea lasts 3–4 days per bag.

• Store in fridge (keeps for 5 days); leave out max 3 hrs before drinking.

• Drink warm or room temp (never cold).

• Ideally take 30 mins from food, 2 hrs from medication—but don’t stress if timing isn’t perfect.

• You can freeze the tea if needed.

🛑 Stop Taking Herbs If:

• You get sick (cold/flu/gastro).

• You become pregnant and haven’t discussed with your practitioner.

• You have an allergic reaction (rash, etc.).

Contact your practitioner in these cases.

💡 FAQs – Quick Tips

• Don’t panic if you mess up the cooking – it’s forgiving.

• Cook the same bag 3 times, combining all liquid.

• Less liquid? That’s fine. Too much? Boil it down to 3–4 cups.

• Too strong? Dilute your dose before drinking.

• Herbs dried out? Add more water unless they burned.

• Sipping is okay, as long as you drink your full dose daily.

• Sludge at the bottom? Let it settle. Don’t drink it.

• Missed a dose? Just take the next one as normal.

• Need a pot? Try your clinic, Chinese grocers, or Apricot Grove (Hawthorn, VIC).

🫖 How to Prepare Your Powdered Raw Herbs

What You’ll Need:

• Clean ceramic, glass, or enamel mug or pot

• Boiling water

• Spoon for stirring

☕ Preparation Instructions:

1. Measure your prescribed dose (e.g. 5g).

2. Place powder into your cup or mug.

3. Add 100ml of hot water (just off the boil).

4. Stir well until fully dissolved (some herbs may not completely dissolve – that’s okay).

5. Drink while warm, ideally within 5–10 minutes.

🥄 Dosage & Timing:

• Typical dosage: 5g twice daily, or as instructed by your practitioner.

• Take 30 mins before or after meals and 2 hrs apart from medications if possible.

• If taste is too strong, you can dilute with more warm water at the time of drinking.

• Sipping over 10–20 mins is fine if you prefer.

🧊 Storage & Tips:

• Do not pre-mix large amounts unless directed.

• If pre-mixing (e.g. for travel), refrigerate and use within 24 hours.

• Stir again before drinking, especially if any sediment has settled.

• Do not reheat in a microwave—add hot water instead.

🛑 Stop Taking Herbs If:

• You develop cold, flu, or tummy bug symptoms not discussed in your consult.

• You become pregnant without having told your practitioner.

• You experience a rash or allergic reaction.

💡 Quick FAQs

• Forgot a dose? Just take the next one—no need to double up.

• Taste too bitter? Try with a splash of warm water, or chase with something mild (like a rice cracker).

• Sediment? Let it settle, then drink the clear part on top.

• Traveling or sick? Herbs can be paused or frozen if absolutely necessary—ask your practitioner first.