Welcome to our Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When choosing an Acupuncture Clinic, you want to be sure you are choosing one that you can fully trust to answer all of your questions and concerns. We offer you easy-to-understand FAQs on some of the most common inquiries we receive from our patients. Check it out below!
WHAT IS ACULIFE?
AcuLife is an Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic based in Harrington Park, NSW Australia
AcuLife’s mission is to naturally help our patients manage pain
AcuLife’s values are honesty, patient centred care, and illness prevention.
We are everyday Australians & understand your needs.
We have created a calm serene atmosphere to promote healing in our clinic
We see everyone and have a diverse patient base from young children to seniors
We have both male and female practitioners
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)?
TCM is one of the oldest health modalities that has lasted over 4000 years that provide natural modalities in the treatment of injury, disease and disorders through methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping and other treatments.
TCM helps regain balance in the body through incorporating the understanding of acupuncture channels and meridians that run through the body. These are energy pathways that correlate with each of the major organs of the body.
When a person is ill or affected with injury, it impacts the body's main systems that include respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. The acupuncture channels run through each of the above mentioned systems and placing acupuncture needles on well known trigger and acupoints help simulate a therapeutic response.
HOW CAN TCM PRACTITIONERS HELP?
How can TCM Practitioners help?
TCM Practitioners are highly trained health professionals who provide treatment for people suffering from physical, mental and emotional problems arising from injury, disease, illness and ageing. AcuLife’s TCM practitioners are both Doctors of Acupuncture and Doctors of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
We aim to get you pain free without surgery or medication. TCM can help improve your performance in sport, the gym and improve your quality of life. TCM Practitioners can prehab before surgery to speed up recovery time and also provide post operative care. TCM Practitioners can be of assistance in the management of physical pain, support emotional wellbeing and provide fertility and IVF support.
DOES A TCM PRACTITIONER NEED TO BE QUALIFIED?
Yes. Australia requires all TCM Practitioners to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA). TCM Practitioners in Australia have trained for at least 4 years in University with extensive clinical training and must keep up to date with the latest research and clinical reasoning.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A TCM PRACTITIONER?
TCM Practitioners assess the physical, mental and emotional condition of an individual in order to diagnose problems and implement a treatment plan. Diagnosis can be made via assessing the pulse, tongue, face and provide an extensive medical history assessment. TCM practitioners will also be responsible for educating their patients and their families to prevent injuries and to help those people lead healthy lifestyles. The AcuLife team will also work with local gyms and fitness centres to promote good health and health advice and to prevent injuries.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TCM?
TCM Practitioners see all manners of people including athletes, general population, children, babies, elderly, people after surgery, people undergoing IVF support, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with acute and chronic pain.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF TCM?
TCM can be an effective treatment for a plethora of conditions and any one of these treatments can help lessen the recovery time after a variety of surgeries. TCM Practitioners can specialise in a number of different areas including:
Sports medicine
Emotional health
Women's health
Within these parameters, there are different acupuncture styles that include local, distal, scalp, wrist and ankle, abdominal, and auricular.
WHAT CAUSES INJURY?
Injuries can arise from a variety of factors and are different for every individual. Factors may include poor immunity, weak/tight muscles, poor motor patterns, bad posture, overweight, physical trauma/accidents, or poor technique when playing sport. Accordingly, the TCM Practitioner not only treats the pain but addresses the root problem of the issue which helps provide a holistic approach aimed to reduce the risk of the injury happening again.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE A TCM PRACTITIONER?
No. You do not need a referral by a doctor or other health professional in order to see a TCM Practitioner. However, a health professional, Doctor, personal trainer or fitness coach may recommend acupuncture and TCM to help treat an injury, imbalance or health concern.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SEE A TCM PRACTITIONER?
TCM cost can vary depending on the location, type of service and visit type. Prices for an initial consultation in Sydney range from $100 to $220. Prices for a subsequent consultation in Sydney range from $80 to $150.
DOES HEALTH INSURANCE COVER THE COST OR GAP FOR ACUPUNCTURE?
Yes, some private health insurance providers do cover a partial amount of the acupuncture treatment. It is best to check with your provider as every plan and provider is different. AcuLife has a HICAPS machine in the clinic, which allows you to make a claim on the spot and pay the gap. For example, if the cost is $120 and you get a $55 rebate from your insurer, then you would pay the gap of $65.
DOES MEDICARE COVER THE COST OR GAP FOR ACUPUNCTURE?
Medicare does not cover.
WHERE IS ACULIFE LOCATED?
AcuLife is located in Harrington Park NSW. We are a 2 minute walk from Narellan Town Centre. Address is 5 Stewart Street, Harrington Park NSW 2567 (on the same street as Lickits and Antico Pizza).
WHAT AGE GROUPS DO YOU ACCEPT?
All age groups.
DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Ideally, yes. At our clinic we do prefer our clients to make a booking. We are open to walk-ins but can only do so if a time slot is available.
You can make a booking by calling us on (02) 4620 9798.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
BEFORE TREATMENT
AM I ALLOWED TO BRING SOMEONE WITH ME DURING MY APPOINTMENT?
Absolutely! You are more than welcome to bring a friend or family member along with you if you wish to do so. We have plenty of space, a large waiting room, ample parking and a friendly team here at AcuLife just for you.
SHOULD I HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT PRIOR TO TREATMENT?
Yes we do advise having a small meal or snack at least 1 hour before treatment. This can help provide energy for the session and also avoid feeling tired and lightheaded during or after the treatment.
AM I REQUIRED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME?
You may wish to bring any diagnostic tests that relate to the injury or concern along with you. This may include X-Rays, MRI’s, Blood Tests, or previous surgery information. This information will be taken into consideration when assessing your overall health.
WHAT DO I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Wearing loose comfortable clothing is advised, especially one that is easily able to be removed or rolled up if required in the treatment.
IS IT SAFE TO RECEIVE TREATMENT WHILE PREGNANT?
Treatment is safe for individuals who are currently pregnant. Please be sure to let our practitioners know if you are. Rest assured, all our practitioners at our clinic have undergone extensive training in their related professions which includes delivering safe and effective treatments to pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy.
DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Ideally, yes. At our clinic we do prefer our clients to make a booking. We are open to walk-ins but can only do so if a time slot is available.
You can make a booking by calling us on (02) 4620 9798
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
DURING TREATMENT
WHAT SHALL I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST TREATMENT?
During your first visit at our clinic, we will ask you to fill out some paperwork to better understand what brings you in to see us. With your practitioner, you will have an in-depth consultation and assessment to diagnose the extent of your complaint. Next, they will present a personalised treatment plan outlining what treatments will be best to address your complaint as well as the frequency we would need to see you to achieve the best results. From here you will go on to receive treatment for the rest of your session.
WHAT SHALL I EXPECT DURING MY FOLLOW UP TREATMENT?
As you enter our treatment rooms, your practitioner will take time to find out how you have been travelling and discuss what the plan will be for today’s session. From here, treatment will begin and the practitioner will allow you to rest and periodically check in throughout your treatment. Should you need assistance at any time during treatment, our clinic has a pager system in place, your practitioner is only a push of a button away.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING DURING MY TREATMENT?
The practitioner will either place you on the treatment beds facing up or down. This is depending on what is required for the treatment and also considering what is most comfortable for the patient. While the acupuncture points are in, it will last about 15-25 minutes. You may choose to relax, calm the mind and even sleep during this time while enjoying the relaxing music we have in the background.
WHAT TREATMENTS WILL I RECEIVE?
This will be discussed with you at your Initial Appointment and will depend on your health concern. The practitioner will provide treatment that is personalised to you and can adjust it accordingly throughout your prescribed appointments. Treatments will be mainly to help get relief for symptoms fast. Sessions may include one or all of the following: acupuncture, cupping, wet cupping (Hijama).
IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE CLINIC?
We have ample parking at the rear which can be seen as you drive into the clinic. Disability parking is also available at rear with a ramp to assist in the ease of access for wheelchairs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
AFTER TREATMENT
CAN I USE ACUPUNCTURE IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?
Yes you can, ideally on alternate days. We recommend trying to avoid booking in multiple treatment therapies on the same day. Too many treatments on the same day can overstimulate your body. If it can’t be avoided, once or twice should not be an issue.
I HAVE JUST STARTED TREATMENTS AND FEEL GREAT AFTER A FEW SESSIONS, DO I NEED TO KEEP COMING?
Feeling great is a good sign that the treatment protocol is working for you. In most cases at the start, feeling great may only last a few days to a week. By following the treatment sessions prescribed for you, you will get the best health outcome possible. The last thing we would want is for your symptoms to relapse and for you to experience pain again by ceasing treatment prematurely.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY TREATMENT IS WORKING?
The pain or symptoms you have been experiencing may change, whether that be the intensity or severity. It is common for your symptoms to be relieved for a few hours after your initial treatments. Our practitioners always prescribe more frequent treatment at the start of a treatment plan in order to build up momentum so that symptoms are relieved for longer and longer.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ME TO SEE RESULTS FROM MY TREATMENTS?
In more significant cases however, it can take up to 3-4 days after treatment commences or multiple treatments at the start of your treatment plan to start feeling any kind of relief. It’s best to always consult with your practitioner about how you are feeling.This is all dependent on the type of condition being treated. Some can be seen physically while others may just require a blood test in order to see changes in specific areas that can’t physically be seen. In some cases, you may notice a change in the way you feel almost immediately.
IS IT NORMAL TO FEEL LIGHTHEADED FOLLOWING TREATMENT?
Yes, this is normal. It is not uncommon that patients can feel lightheaded after their treatment session. This could be due to a drop in blood pressure or decreased blood sugar levels, which may be related to receiving treatment on an empty stomach.
CAN I EXERCISE FOLLOWING TREATMENT?
We recommend you avoid strong physical exertion immediately after treatment unless your practitioner has advised otherwise.