What is involved in a Shiatsu massage treatment?
The patient wears light loose clothing during the session.
The therapist takes a history of the complaint. The treatment starts with the patient sitting. Thumb and finger pressure is applied to the head and neck region.
The patient then lies on the couch where hand and finger pressure is applied systematically to different parts of the body.
Additional techniques that may be used include warming of certain points with moxibustion, special limb stretches, cupping, and guasha(scraping).

Is Shiatsu painful?
A shiatsu treatment should not painful. A properly trained therapist may use some points which elicit a sensation that is experienced as ‘pleasurable’ pain. This pain doesn’t hurt but feels right and satisfying.

Are Chinese herbs safe and free from side effects?
Side effects from Chinese herbs are quite rare although there have been reports of inter-reactions between Western medicine drugs and Chinese herbal medicines. It is important that I know what medications you are taking before prescribing the herbal formula.

Do your herbs contain products from endangered species?
No. I do not prescribe herbal products that come from endangered species or from cruel practices.

Will acupuncture hurt?
There is only minimal discomfort on insertion of the needle. It feels something like a ‘mosquito bite’. I use very fine needles (0.22 mm.).

Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. I use sterile single use needles and swab the skin with anti-septics. I use a shallow insertion technique, rarely insert needles more than 4 mm. Acupuncture is free of side effects and it will not react with any medication you are taking.

What should I expect for my first acupuncture treatment?
I will take a detailed Chinese medicine history, asking questions about your symptoms and about your digestion, sleeping, moods, and menstrual cycle. This includes looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse. I will diagnose the pattern of disharmony in terms of Chinese medicine analysis. This will enable me to choose acupuncture points and if needed, a herbal formula.
You will be asked to lie on the couch while I insert the needles. Sometimes I use moxibustion (heat treatment) and cupping.

How long does a session last?
Generally a session takes between 60 to 90 minutes.

 Can I claim private health fund rebates and Workcare rebates.
Workcover is available, but you need to be referred by a doctor.
I am accredited with most health funds for rebates for acupuncture treatments and remedial massage(Shiatsu). However, for Chinese herbal medicine you will need to check with your health fund.