Point of Health

Acupuncture is medical system which originated in China and dates back over 2500 years. In the west, it is often believed that acupuncture is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment. Although it is a highly effectively procedure, it is a subsidiary component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A qualified TCM doctor will be the best person to decide which treatment is indicated based on TCM diagnostics.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, single use, stainless steel needles into specific points in the body which re-establish health, by rectifying the bodies own self healing mechanisms. Needles are left in for approximately 25 minutes. Each session the doctor assesses changes that have occurred and a new point prescription is used. Depending in the presenting condition, patients generally receive a course of acupuncture treatments. 

Electro-acupuncture allows the doctor to stimulate the acupuncture points to achieve a more tonifying or stronger treatment than with just acupuncture needles alone. Small electrodes are placed onto the ends of the acupuncture needles, and a pulse is sent through them. The pulse is turned up very gradually to a level that the patient is comfortable with. This technique may only be used on certain points and in certain circumstances. Your doctor will be able to advice you on this.

“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” ~ Thomas Edison

Food is not merely something we consume for enjoyment and to fill ourselves up with. It should be a fundamental consideration for any disease prevention and resolution, and is arguably the most important elixir for the body and its health.

During a consultation, the patient is thoroughly questioned and examined. Once the doctor has obtained all the necessary information a pinpointed diagnosis is made according to the Chinese medicine differential diagnostic system. This means that every patient is viewed as an individual, and can never present or have the exact same diagnosis as another person because disease manifests in different way depending on each individual’s unique constitutional makeup. Based on this diagnosis the doctor is then to able recommended specific foods to avoid or eat to facilitate healing and re-establish health within the body.

Chinese medicine places significant importance on the various flavours and temperature qualities of food. Temperatures include heating, cooling, warming, drying and moistening. Flavours include sweet, sour, pungent, salty and bitter. These flavours and temperatures have certain therapeutic or harmful effects on the various organ systems depending on the individual’s constitutional makeup and differential diagnosis, and so correct Chinese medicine nutritional guidance is highly beneficial towards correcting underlying imbalances and alleviating disease processes. Large emphasis on correct nutrition should always be addressed on the journey towards health.

Chinese Medicine is particularly good in treating women's' health.  Issues treated include no periods, heavy periods, no ovulation, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility issues, menopause, painful periods to name a few.

Although acupuncture for most is a very relaxing experience, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. For those with needle phobias or bleeding disorders, acupressure is a good alternative. Acupressure involves the gentle massage of acupoints along the meridians in order to achieve certain therapeutic results. It is also a good alternative for young children, who tend to much faster than adults to treatment.

Cosmetic acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the face. Treatment involves twice weekly treatments for 5 to 6 weeks for optimal results. Results to expect are increased tonicity, brighter and more radiant complexion and reduced fine lines.