Acupuncture at Torquay Chinese Medicine is one of the most popular treatments - and for good reason!  For most people, acupuncture is a pleasant and enjoyable experience that they look forward to.  After a Chinese medicine diagnosis is made, and treatment principles have been decided upon by your Chinese medicine practitioner, fine, sterile, single-use needles are inserted into various points on the body's surface (known as 'Acupoints') in order to stimulate the flow of energy and blood.  The depth that the needles are inserted is dependant on the location of each specific acupoint.  Some needles are inserted as superficially as 1mm, where as others are inserted to a depth of 50mm.  The needles are usually retained for approximately 15-20 minutes, during which time the patient usually rests and relaxes on the treatment bed.  For information on how to make an appointment for acupuncture, click here.

Cosmetic Acupuncture (also known as facial rejuvenation) is offered here at Torquay Chinese Medicine’s ‘little sister’, Glow Cosmetic Acupuncture. Cosmetic Acupuncture is increasingly popular because it is known to enhance the body’s own ability to produce collagen, thereby improving plumpness, reducing fine lines, and brightening the facial complexion. Dr Frances Nininahazwe is an Acupuncturist with over 15 years Acupuncture experience, and provides Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment and Oriental Gua Sha Facials to people from the Surf Coast and Geelong. She often has people travel from Geelong, Belmont, Grovedale, Waurn Ponds, Armstrong Creek, Torquay, and Jan Juc to seek her treatments.

For more information, please go to www.glowcosmeticacupuncture.com

Chinese herbal medicine has origins in China dating back at least 5000 years, making it one of the most ancient and long-standing health care systems in the world.

At Torquay Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbal medicine can be prescribed in many different forms including patented pills or capsules, teas, tinctures, lozenges, external tinctures or washes, and dried granules.

Chinese Cupping is offered here at Torquay Chinese Medicine. It is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which local suction is applied to the skin and muscles by applying glass cups to particular areas of the body. It can relieve muscular tension and stress by promoting blood circulation.

Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy which uses 'moxa' made from a Chinese Herb called Aiye, or Mugwort.  The herb is aged, and then processed into a cigar-shaped stick, which is the moxa.  It is then lit with fire, and the smouldering moxa is used to apply heat indirectly to the skin surface above specific acupuncture points.  Moxibustion is used to warm meridians, and believed to stimulate circulation by inducing the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood.  It can be very useful for treating conditions associated with 'cold' or 'yang deficiency', and is commonly employed for infertility and the treatment of malposition of the foetus (baby in breech position).

The term Gua Sha itself is defined in two parts: ‘gua’ for scraping with a specially designed tool (usually made of a precious stone with healing properties); and ‘sha’ for redness of skin that appears after the scraping.

Gua Sha began to take its modern shape by way of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with major medical records documenting its extensive use dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Gua Sha has been traditionally used by Chinese medical practitioners to treat issues related to chronic pain caused by inflammation, with the literal goal to ‘scrape away illness’.

Here at Torquay Chinese Medicine, we apply Gua Sha on the body in its more vigorous form to address conditions such as chronic pain and long standing body pain due to a history of physical trauma, and common colds and flu.

We also apply it in its milder form for facial gua sha, known to sculpt the facial muscles by encouraging blood and lymphatic circulation, while also relaxing any muscular tension being held in the numerous facial/neck/scalp muscles. The increasingly popular facial rollers are also a form of facial gua sha.

Food is Medicine

Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy involves the choices and application of particular foods with the aim to improve health and enhance health preservation.  It involves eating particular foods in appropriate amounts, and preparing or cooking foods in a certain way.  All while keeping in mind the specific health of the individual and the current season or environment.  Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy is able to be incorporated into everybody's way of life.  The degree to which it is adapted into an individual's usual cooking and eating routine is entirely up to the patient.

Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy is frequently included in the advice that our practitioners provide during consultation when treating specific conditions.  If your condition would particularly benefit from Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy advice, it will be provided as part of your holistic treatment.  A consultation dedicated to Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy can also be arranged upon request.