Acupuncture
Acupuncture Melbourne
Support your health and wellbeing with acupuncture at our inner Melbourne Clinic
Are you looking a new way to help support your body, mentally and physically?
Acupuncture may be the missing link you have been looking for to elevate your health. Dr Chloe Stubberfield (The Which Doctor) has been helping support a range of people improve their overall health with acupuncture for over 10 years. Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine alongside herbal medicine. Acupuncture is thought to unblock stagnant Qi (energy) in the body which helps restore balance and harmony.
Contact our friendly Melbourne TCM practitioners today for a consultation on how we can help support you towards your health goals.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the most well known branch of Chinese Medicine, due to its incorporation into the modern world and modern medicine. In 1972 the then USA President Richard M. Nixon introduced the western world to acupuncture after a successful visit to a Chinese acupuncturist and since then modern medicine’s interest in acupuncture as a medicinal tool has peaked.
Acupuncture is the insertion of many fine needles into anatomical points on the body that have the specific purpose of manipulating Qi (the body’s energy). It is based on the theory that there are several lines of energy throughout our bodies (meridians) that control our energy flow and correspond to our bodily organs.
A trained acupuncturist will put anywhere from 10-100 needles into a patient depending on the severity and nature of that condition. These can be anywhere on the body, including in the ears (auriculotherapy), feet, hands, abdomen and muscle lines.
An acupuncture degree on its own takes 3-4 years depending on any undergraduate qualifications. A Chinese Medicine degree takes 4-5 years as it includes herbal medicine as well.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works with energy, Qi. This is the energy that flows along particular pathways (meridians) within your body. When your flow of Qi is disrupted, this is when your body becomes unbalanced, and you start feeling symptoms of being unwell.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating certain acupuncture points on the body. Fine acupuncture needles are used to stimulate these different points depending on your specific ailment. These acupoints can also be stimulated using other techniques such as moxibustion (burning herbs near acupressure points) and cupping therapy (applying suction cups to specific areas).
As well as moving Qi through stimulating these acupoints, acupuncture can also promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension by releasing endorphins in your brain which are responsible for producing feelings of happiness and well-being.
What To Expect During Your Acupuncture Appointment
When you work with a TCM therapist at The Which Doctor in South Yarra, we will firstly assess your current health and the purpose of your treatment, through a range of specific TCM principles. This may include examining your tongue, pulse diagnosis, assessment of your diet and lifestyle, as well as your general medical history.
A typical session will last between 45 minutes – 1 hour depending on your assessment and areas of your health you’re interested in focussing on. During your acupuncture session itself, our therapists place fine needles along various points of your body’s meridian. This stimulates flow to those points to help promote energy and healing.
For your comfort, our treatment rooms are very quiet and comfortable. You will be lying down for your acupuncture treatment, with relaxing music playing in the background (or silence if you prefer). Our practitioners will check in on how you are doing throughout your session.
At the end of your treatment, the needles are quickly and gently removed, and we’ll do a quick check to see how you’re feeling. Whilst the acupuncture session itself is quite relaxing, and we find most people take it as a chance to zone out and have a little ‘acu-nap’, we encourage you to stay hydrated and listen to what your body needs following your treatment. This may include rest, or eating nourishing food.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Support?
Acupuncture can be used to support a range of conditions and general health and wellbeing. Our practitioners at The Which Doctor have a particular interest in supporting women’s health. This include a range of conditions including:
- PCOS
- Period Pain
- Hormone Irregularities
- Fertility
- Issues with Conceiving
- IVF Support
- Endometriosis
- Birth Preparation
- Menopause
We also support general health and wellbeing, such as:
- Stress Management
- Low Immunity
- Fatigue
- Pain Management
- Headaches & Migraines
- Anxiety & Depression
- Digestive Issues
- Respiratory Issues
- Allergies
- Weight Management
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture generally does not hurt because the needles are very thin and do not go very deep into the skin’s surface. Sometimes, clients may feel a sensation of the skin tingling, but otherwise Acupuncture needles are virtually painless.
After being inserted, Acupuncture needles may be moved around or they may be left stationary. We generally leave each needle in place for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Most people find acupuncture to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Acupuncture is generally considered safe for most people but there are occasionally some minor adverse reactions. Side effects may include bruising, discomfort in some areas and fatigue. Please make sure you disclose all of your health information including medications to us at The Which Doctor before we decide if acupuncture is right for you.
If you are experiencing any pain or unwanted side effects following your treatment, please contact us for advice.
Why Choose The Which Doctor for Acupuncture
Dr Chloe Stubberfield (Doctor of Chinese Medicine) is the leading practitioner at The Which Doctor. She has 10 years of clinical experience in working with people in all life and health stages.
Based in South Yarra, she supports her clients from all over Melbourne, with a large portion of them being in local suburbs including Richmond, Toorak, Windsor, Prahran.
If you’re ready to see how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help support your health and wellbeing, then call our clinic to speak to one of our friendly practitioners today.
Dr Chloe Stubberfield is the leading head TCM practitioner for The Which Doctor. She, and her team of specialists, have been supporting women clients with their health and fertility for over 7 years. Chloe has been practicing acupuncture extensively and is continually researching and expanding her expertise in Chinese medicine.
If you’re ready to see how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help support your health and wellbeing, then call our clinic to speak to one of our friendly practitioners today.
