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Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, uses herbal medicine, acupuncture and lifestyle changes to prevent and manage diseases. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is TCM?

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a systemic body of medical knowledge looking at subtle changes in body function as being a cause or risk factor for disease. Part of this is how the body produces, moves and uses of functional energy Qi (pronounced Chi) and nourishing energy (your blood) to all the vital organs and parts of the body.


It is all about balance.
 

Good communication in the body allows organs to function in harmony.  This then allows the body to resist disease and recover quickly.

Many of the demands on our body create habits that push the body out of balance, this on top of natural weaknesses allow disease processes to start, some of which will not become apparent for decades.

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Acupuncture is of the therapies used in TCM. It involves inserting very fine needles to stimulate changes in the body's function by improving communication between the different body systems. Acupuncture is usually a comfortable procedure that most adults and children find surprisingly relaxing. For those that really are overwhelmed by the idea of needles, there are options that use no needles at all. 

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Chinese Herbal medicine is the use of specific plant and mineral ingredients to assist in the regulation of the body functions. Historically some animal products may have been used, but for more than two decades that practice has been discouraged.  Most of the recognised Chinese herbal medicine is "Cruelty Free" and avoid the use of any animal products.

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Moxibustion describes the application of heat therapy. This TCM therapy consists of burning dried mugwort (called "moxa") on particular meridian (energy flow) points. It helps to stimulate circulation and induce a smoother flow of blood and Qi. Moxibustion mitigates against cold and dampness in the body, and can serve to turn breech babies. 

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Cupping in the application of heated special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create a suction. Cupping therapy is one of the oldest and most effective method of releasing the toxins from body tissue and organs. The cups can be made out of several materials. At Supple Clinic we use glass cups for their extreme hygiene and ability to see any skin colour change during the suction. 

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What to expect at your first appointment

Your appointment will involve taking a detailed history of the injury/ concerns, run through your lifestyle, diet, job, sports/ hobbies, allergies and medical history. 

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A detailed examination will then be performed using TCM examination techniques (such as feeling your pulse). Your TCM diagnosis or contributing factors will be explained to you in plain English, and treatment options will be discussed if you still have questions, before proceeding. You may also go away with lifestyle recommendations to further enhance the TCM treatments.

 

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Before making your appointment

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Our standard appointment length is normally sufficient for assessment and treatment of one problem area. Should you have multiple areas of concern, or a complex issue, we ask you to please book an extended, double session or prioritise the area you want treated.

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Please forward any referral letter to us PRIOR to your appointment. A referral is NOT a requirement for an appointment. 

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TCM and Acupuncture are covered by most Private Health Funds, depending on your level of cover. 

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In some situations Workers compensation and Motor Vehicle Insurances are able to be billed for acupuncture - please get your Claims Manager in touch with us to make arrangements PRIOR to your appointment. Otherwise, if urgent, you can come to your appointment, you pay upfront, and organise the rebate from your Claims Manager yourself (we will give you a receipt). 

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If you have an NDIS Plan - again we require the details prior to your first appointment.

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You can email or drop in your referral to us. 

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What to bring to your appointment

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Please bring the following:

  • Any x-rays or scans

  • Contact details of any health professional you wish for us to communicate with on your behalf.

  • Your Private Health Fund card for on-the-spot claiming.

  • Any letter from your GP or Specialist - if you haven't given to us already. 

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We welcome you to bring a family member or friend as support to your appointment. All children (under 18 years) must be accompanied by an adult for the whole appointment.

Conditions we treat with TCM

Acne

Allergies

Arthritis

Asthma

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Back pain

Breech baby (baby in wrong position for natural delivery)

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Chronic Pain

Constipation

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Diabetes

Digestive issues

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Eczema / Dermatitis

 

Fatigue (unexplained)

Fertility

Fibromyalgia

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Headaches

High cholesterol levels

Hypertension

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Inflammation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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Joint Pain

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Lactation

Liver concerns

 

Menopause

Migraines

Muscular Pain

Multiple Sclerosis

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Nausea

Neuropathic Pain

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Osteoporosis

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Period symptoms and pain (PMS)

Pregnancy

Poor appetite

Poor circulation issues

Psoriasis 

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Respiratory issues and congestion

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Skin concerns

Sport injuries

Soft tissue injury

Swelling

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Weakness (unexplained)

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Varicose veins

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