What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese medicine in which fine sterile needles are inserted into certain areas of the body to treat various conditions and relieve pain. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture can help to control the flow of energy within the body, remove obstructions and bring the body into balance.

Acupuncture helps to promote the body’s natural healing capabilities by inserting acupuncture needles into specific parts of the body to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension. Acupuncture may also have a positive effect on how the central nervous system processes pain.

Acupuncture is a natural therapy and can be a complementary treatment alongside modern medicine. Due to it being a natural therapy, the risk of side effects are very low. At AcuHealth Therapies we use Acupuncture when working with clients with a variety of conditions and issues.

The conditions that we take a special interest in treating at AcuHealth Therapies are musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain and shoulder and neck pain. pain management issues related to sport injuries or chronic conditions. We also have a special interest in treating a variety of women’s health conditions such as endometriosis, pregnancy and fertility issues.

At the initial consultation Dr Sharlane will go through a comprehensive medical history in order to make a Chinese medicine diagnosis. Once determined, she will determine an acupuncture treatment plan for you and may prescribe a Chinese medicine formula for you to take. Once acupuncture treatment commences, fine sterile needles are used to needle acupuncture points throughout the body. These needles stay in the body for approximately 20-30 minutes. This involves the patient lying on a comfortable treatment bed, resting and relaxing. Depending on what the patient’s symptoms are, other methods of treatment can be incorporated such as cupping or moxibustion.

Acupuncture is considered to be safe when the treatment is performed by a licensed and skilled practitioner. The risk of infection is low as single-use needles are standard at acupuncture clinics. You should advise your acupuncture practitioner if you have a bleeding disorder, pacemaker or are pregnant prior to your treatment session.

Dr Sharlane Aldover is registered in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria (CMRBV) as well as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She has over 15 years working as a Chinese Medicine practitioner.

For the majority of patients there are minimal to no side effects but a small percentage of patients may experience some minor soreness, bleeding or bruising.

Generally, acupuncture is not as painful as what most people expect. Most patients feel a slight prick or pinch as the acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin, but this should not be sharp or painful. Many patients feel a numbing, warm, dull or tingling sensation when all the needles are in the body but no sharp, uncomfortable pains. In saying this, some patients are more sensitive to the acupuncture needles than others. AcuHealth Therapies Chinese Medicine ensures a gentle yet therapeutic approach in inserting acupuncture needles. However, if a patient feels any sort of uncomfortable pain or discomfort during a treatment, please make the practitioner aware.

In most cases, acupuncture is a safe and effective technique and Dr Sharlane has over 15 years experience working with patients that are undergoing IVF and fertility treatments. It is important to consult with your fertility specialists if you are considering acupuncture or chinese medicine for IVF or fertility treatment.

Yes, when the treatment is performed by a skilled and licensed practitioner, acupuncture during pregnancy is considered safe. A patient who is pregnant should advise their acupuncture practitioner prior to the commencement of any treatment program.

The amount of sessions required to treat a condition will depend on each patient’s individual circumstances. Some patients may require only a few treatment sessions whereas other patients may need ongoing maintenance for chronic conditions. Each treatment plan is tailored to an individual patient’s needs. The Initial acupuncture consultation therefore is an integral part of the process to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Generally at AcuHealth Therapies, we recommend starting off with weekly acupuncture sessions to see positive results. However this varies from patient to patient.

Please come prepared to discuss your condition and any relevant medical or family history with our practitioners. It is also beneficial to bring any relevant medical documents related to the condition along with a list of any medications you are being prescribed.

An initial consultation is 1 hour and any return consultation is 45 minutes.

Yes, AcuHealth Therapies also offers cupping therapy. Cupping therapy can be combined with acupuncture if deemed appropriate and recommended by the practitioner.. If cupping therapy is added to an acupuncture session there is no additional fee.

Cupping therapy is a Chinese medicine technique in which cups (mostly made of glass) are applied to the skin to generate localised suction to relieve muscle tension and stress. Dr Sharlane incorporates cupping into treatment plans for patients who are experiencing back, shoulder and neck pain, poor circulation and musculoskeletal pain.

Yes! If you are seeing Dr Sharlane for acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine, the majority of health insurance companies provide a rebate. It is usually only a portion of your treatment, dependent on the type of cover and health insurance company. Please call your private health insurance company for further information on eligibility of rebates for your policy.

Appointments for acupuncture, cupping or for a Chinese herbal medicine prescription can be made by booking an appointment online or by calling us on 0403 524 893 to discuss your condition and how a treatment plan may assist you.

We understand that sometimes unexpected events happen which may require a patient canceling or rescheduling an appointment. We require at least 24 hours notice for appointment changes so that we are able to offer your appointment to another patient.

If you fail to notify us (less than 24 hours notice), 50% of the consultation fee will be charged. 100% of the consultation fee will be charged if you do not attend your appointment at all and give insufficient notice.

Please contact us to advise of any inability to make the scheduled appointment time.

Please be aware that if you arrive more than 10-15 minutes late, your appointment will be cut shorter and charged at the normal consultation fee.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine - Frequently asked questions

To find out more about Acupuncture & Chinese medicine call us at the clinic on 0403 824 593