Rosanna Traditional Chinese Medical Centre

How does it work?


Several theories have been presented as to exactly how acupuncture works. One theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to (or are located near) neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system.

Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic-like substances called endorphins, which reduce pain. Other studies have found that other pain-relieving substances called opioids may be released into the body during acupuncture treatment.


Safety


When practiced by a licensed, trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe. As a system of health care, acupuncture already has some inherent safeguards. Because the treatment is drug-free, patients do not have to worry about taking several doses of a medication or suffering a possible adverse reaction. Properly administered, acupuncture does no harm. However, there are certain conditions you should notify an acupuncturist about before undergoing treatment. If you have a pacemaker, for instance, you should not receive electroacupuncture due to the possibility of electromagnetic interference with the pacemaker. Similarly, if you have a tendency to bleed or bruise easily, or if you are a haemophiliac, you may want to consider a different type of care.


What conditions does it treat?


In the late 1970s, the World Health Organization recognized the ability of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to treat nearly four dozen common ailments, including neuromusculoskeletal conditions (such as arthritis, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, and neck/shoulder pain); emotional and psychological disorders (such as depression and anxiety); circulatory disorders (such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anaemia); addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs; respiratory disorders (such as emphysema, sinusitis, allergies and bronchitis); and gastrointestinal conditions (such as food allergies, ulcers, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, intestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis).

In 1997, a consensus statement released by the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture could be useful by itself or in combination with other therapies to treat addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma.

Other studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may help in the rehabilitation of stroke patients and can relieve nausea in patients recovering from surgery.


What should I expect on my first Visit?


As with most health practitioners, the first visit to an acupuncturist usually begins with the practitioner taking a detailed history. Since traditional Chinese medicine takes a more holistic approach to patient care than Western medicine, you may be asked questions that appear unimportant (questions about your sleep habits, your ability to tolerate heat or cold, your dietary habits, etc.) but are actually vital to the type of care you will receive.

After reviewing your history, the practitioner will begin diagnosing your ailment. Depending on your condition, you may be subjected to an examination of the tongue, as well as an examination of the pulse a major diagnostic technique in traditional Chinese medicine.

Using all of the information obtained during the history and diagnosis, the practitioner will then determine the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the condition, needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. The acupuncturist may use moxa or electrical stimulation to enhance acupuncture's therapeutic effect.
Depending on the seriousness and the length of your condition, your first visit may take between 60-90 minutes. It may take several visits to see significant improvement or cure your condition. As with any treatment plan, however, make sure that your questions are answered completely, and that the treatment plan seems viable and reasonable. If you don't understand a particular technique or type of treatment, make sure to ask.

When is herbal medicine used?


Disorders which may benefit from the use of herbal medicines include a wide range of minor ailments such as:

• Upset stomachs
  
• Common cold and influenza
  
• Headaches
  
• Sore muscles
  
• Skin rashes, eczema and so forth
  
• Constipation and diarrhoea
  
• Insomnia and fatigue
  
• Premenstrual syndrome and painful menstruation
  
• Impotence and prostate disorders
  
• Disorders associated with menopause
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Fluid retention

Other more serious conditions that respond well to herbal remedies are:

• Digestive disorders such as Peptic Ulcers
  
• Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  
• Rheumatoid, Arthritic and Osteoarthritis
  
• Chronic skin problems such as Eczema and Psoriasis
  
• Bronchitis and other respiratory conditions
  
• Hypertension
  
• Allergies
  
• Infertility and Gynaecological disorders
  
• Anxiety, depression and stress

How is herbal medicine applied?

It is important to consult a clinically trained herbal medicine practitioner before taking herbal medicine.

The herbal medicine practitioner must take many factors into account when recommending herbs, including the health condition of the patient and the underlying causes of symptoms to ensure you are prescribed the correct herbal formula, right dosage and only herbs that do not adversely interact with other medications.

Herbal Chinese medicine consultation consists of taking a case history, enquiring about the person's health condition and wellbeing. It may include a physical examination, inspection of the eye and the tongue, palpating and percussing different parts of the body, the reading of the pulse.

Often, a combination of herbs may be used together because the combination is more effective and may have fewer side effects.

Recommendation and advice may also be given about diet and exercises, if changes to your lifestyle are recommended.

What are the benefits of using herbal medicine?

Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals that have biological activity and compounds from plants that are used to produce reliable pharmaceutical drugs. Herbalism does however support holistic treatment, with prevention of disease being as important as the treatment of a particular illness.

Another benefit of choosing herbal medicine is that it is gentler, yet has proven effects. Therefore, a profound transformation in health can be achieved, without the danger of the inherent side effects which is common in drug-based medication.

One of the potential problems of modern medicine is the constant and unnecessary over-prescription of antibiotics which may lead to conditions not clearing up and the immune system being weakened. Generally, herbal medicine can often heal more efficiently and effectively by supporting the immune system and not damaging it.





Cruelty Free

The herbal medicine used at the Rosanna Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre is cruelty-free: We are totally against the use of any medicine which may cause any harm to animals, or endangered Species, and we do not use any products which have been tested on animals

What is Gua Sha (Spooning)?

Gua Sha, also referred to as Spooning, is an ancient Chinese medical practice. This alternative Chinese healing technique is widely used in Asia by practitioners of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). When used in accordance to the TCM philosophy, the Gua Sha technique will dispel the 'Yang' type pathogens such as Heat, Wind and Fire, from the meridians. Blood is then encouraged to flow more easily through the vessels, hence effecting a cleansing action of the body.

When is Gua Sha used?

Typically, Gua Sha is very effective for treating all forms of:

• muscle and tendon injuries
  
• urinary and gynaecological disorders
  
• fibromyalgia
  
• muscle and tendon injuries
  
• heat syndromes (sunstrokes, heat syncope and nausea)
  
• headache and dizziness
  
• chills and aches
  
• joints stiffness, pain and immobility

In classical Chinese medical practice, Gua Sha is extremely useful in the treatment and prevention of acute infectious illnesses, upper respiratory health conditions (such as, the common cold, flu, asthma and bronchitis), digestive disorders, and many other acute or chronic disorders.

The Gua Sha healing technique provides a drug-free relief for the back, neck, leg and shoulder pain.

When is Cupping used?

Cupping is used to improve blood circulation and stimulate the peripheral nervous system in a natural way.

It is a safe, non-invasive and inexpensive technique use to treat a myriad of health conditions like:


• Sciatica and arthritic
  
• Gastrointestinal conditions such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.
  
• Respiratory diseases such as cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and cough
  
• Stimulate the digestive system
  
• Musculoskeletal conditions
  
• Skin problem such as acne, varicose veins, stretch marks, etc.
  
• Weight problems
  
• Acute sprain and strains accompanied by blood congestion
  
• Tensions, aches and pains

What are the benefits of Cupping?

Cupping releases rigid tissues and stubborn knots. Contracted, tense and painful muscle tissue will soften quickly with just a few minutes of Cupping. The feedback from cupping therapy produces a feeling of relaxation and invigoration. It gives deep warmth and tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended.
Cupping draws the inflammation out of the problem area, yet does not add to it and is excellent when used as a contrast therapy with oils or liniments. The increased local blood supply to the area will nourish the muscles and skin, and allow the toxins to be carried away.

Where is Cupping applied?

In practice, Cups are normally used on the softer tissue that can form a good seal with the edge of the Cup. However, Cupping can be applied to the part of the body affected by pain, where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled.

It is commonly applied to certain acupuncture points as well as to other parts of the body; e.g. neck, shoulders, back, sacral area, hip, abdomen, thigh, upper arms, calves, and in some cases even the forehead or the soles of the feet, depending on the condition. Some practitioners use the back shu points or bladder meridian and the dazhui.

How is Cupping applied?

The process involves placing Cups with reduced air pressure on the skin. The low air pressure may be created by heating the Cup or the air inside it with an open flame, then placing the Cup against the skin. The heat / suction anchors the Cup to the body. As the air inside the Cup cools, it contracts and draws the skin and superficial muscle slightly inside the Cup. The Cups are then left on the skin whilst the area beneath is being treated and the energy is moved.

The Cup may be used singly or in larger numbers to cover a larger area on the body. Sometimes the Cups are placed over an acupuncture needle that have been inserted or the Cups may be used on its own. The Cups themselves can be various shapes including balls or bells and may range in size from 25mm - 75mm (1 - 3 inches) across the opening.

Cups are generally left in place for ten minutes although the time can range from five to fifteen minutes. The cup is removed from the skin by pressing the skin on one side, allowing some outside air to enter and thus equalise the pressure.

What are the benefits of Cupping?

Cupping releases rigid tissues and stubborn knots. Contracted, tense and painful muscle tissue will soften quickly with just a few minutes of Cupping. The feedback from cupping therapy produces a feeling of relaxation and invigoration. It gives deep warmth and tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended.

Cupping draws the inflammation out of the problem area, yet does not add to it and is excellent when used as a contrast therapy with oils or liniments. The increased blood supply to the area will nourish the muscles and skin, and allow the toxins to be carried away.

What to expect from the Cupping treatment?

Depending on the specific treatment, skin marking is common after the Cups are removed, that is, some marking on the skin where the rim of the cup was, is to be expected. This may be a simple red ring that disappears quickly, but more aggressive treatment / stronger Cupping (depending on the patient's condition) may result in deeper skin redness. An indication that circulation has been brought to the surface. These marks generally only last between two to seven days. In general, the longer a cup is left on the skin, the more of a circular mark is created.

The other effects to be expected are:

Tiredness: Most often, the effects of cupping feel the same as after a strong, deep tissue massage. Occasionally, you may feel a little run-down while the body is cleaning out the waste products. Therefore, it is very important to slow down and drink small amounts of water as often as possible.

Relief: Immediate results are noticeable after the treatment. You will feel a lot looser and the muscular pain will be relieved quite considerably or eliminated completely. The feeling of sore, aching muscles will be replaced with a deep feeling of relaxation and well-being.

What is Mugwort (Moxa Wool or Ai Ye)?

The herb Mugwort is known by many names, including Ai Ye and Japanese Wormwood. It resembles a shrub, which can reach a height of more than three feet, with small greenish-yellow flowers and alternating leaves of green, greyish green or silver. Traditionally in Chinese medicine, the leaf of the Mugwort plant is used for its medicinal purposes. The leaves are gathered in the spring and summer, while the plant is flowering, and dried in a shady place. Suppliers usually age the Mugwort and grind it up to a fluff. Depending on the practitioner they will either burn the fluff or process it further into a stick that resembles a (smokeless) cigar.

What is Moxibustion used for?

An active ingredient in Moxa is borneol, a substance that is known for its analgesic and antiseptic properties. Borneol is often included in topical remedies to reduce pain and inflammation.

Moxibustion can be used on its own, or in conjunction with the acupuncture technique can be very effective to:

• strengthen the blood, and stimulate the flow of life energy or Qi
  
• add new life energy (Qi) to the body
  
• warm the meridians and clear damp
  
• stop bleeding
  
• dispel cold and stop pain
  
• maintain general health

TCM considers Moxibustion to be especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, degenerative diseases and "deficient conditions" (weakness) including:

• cold and flu
  
• digestive disorders
  
• back pain
  
• muscle tension
  
• headaches, migraines
  
• tendonitis, arthritis
  
• anxiety
  
• inflammation
  
• carpel tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries
  
• Female health problems such as reducing menstrual cramps, irregular periods and infertility

Moxa for Women's Health

The benefits of Moxa treatments for women include:

• Regulate menstruation and reduce menstrual cramps when used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture
  
• Reduced risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
  
• Improved fertility
  
• Inducing labour and decreasing the length and intensity of contractions

A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that up to 75% of the pregnant women in the study had breech fetuses that turned in the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. The study showed that moxibustion using mugwort leaf on expectant mothers could help breech babies relocate into a normal head-down position that is considered safer during childbirth.

Results

The British RCT yielded results that indicate Moxibustion of Mugwort was indeed effective at increasing the cephalic positioning of fetuses that were in a breech position before the intervention. In contrast, a Cochrane review in 2005 found that Moxibustion may be beneficial in reducing the need for ECV, but stressed a need for well-designed randomized controlled trials to evaluate this usage. Since it also causes uterine contractions, it has been used to cause abortion. It also plays a role in Asian traditional medicine as a method of correcting breech presentation. A study of 260 Chinese women at 33 weeks of pregnancy demonstrated cephalic version within two weeks in 75% of fetuses carried by patients who were treated with Moxibustion, as opposed to 48% in the control group.

How is Moxibustion applied?

The raw Moxa can be burnt as rice grain sized pellet directly over specific pressure points of the body in order to stimulate the function of the point and induce a smoother flow of blood and Qi. It can also be burnt over the pressure point as a Moxa roll in order to indirectly warm the pressure point and meridian (when a larger area is to be treated). Moxa can also be placed in a moxa box in order to warm an area such as the lower abdomen or the back. It can also be rubbed along the meridian in a lion or tiger warmer or placed on the end of an inserted acupuncture needle in order to strengthen the stimulation of an acupuncture point.

Another special technique is the burning of Moxa on a fine slice of ginger root to prevent scarring.

When is Moxibustion used?

In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi.

Research on Moxibustion

Research studies have shown that Moxa acts as an effective emmenagogue, which means that it helps to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus. Other studies have shown that Moxibustion also significantly increases fetal movements in pregnant women. This could explain its use in treating breech births and menstrual cramps.

What are the benefits of Moxibustion?

The benefit of Moxa therapy is that often the patient will notice an immediate improvement. Moxa relieves fatigue, fights muscular weakness, improves blood-circulation, eases muscular tension and stiffness, eases rheumatism, neuralgias and muscular pain and stimulates gastric functions. Moxa is especially good for treating menstrual disorders. It improves the overall blood and lymph circulations. Moxa also increases the:

• production of white blood cells
  
• production of red blood cells and haemoglobin

What to expect from the Moxibustion treatment?

Most clients described the feeling of the treatment as a calm, warming sensation that helps them to feel comfortable and relaxed. Moxa encourages deep breathing and improved circulation which helps to ease deep muscle tension. The treatment brings warmth and helps strengthen the activity of the blood

Infertility

Infertility is a devastating experience for many couples these days. Infertility affects both men and women. With the ever-increasing cost of living, couples are waiting longer to have children. This naturally decreases the opportunity for spontaneous pregnancy, especially for women in their mid-to late-thirties, but statistics also confirm that more couples are seeking treatment for infertility.

Infertility results from a male factor in about 35% of cases, and a female factor in about 50%. About 10% of infertility problems remain unexplained even after complete medical evaluations. Around 5% are due to infertility in both partners.

There are many available solutions for infertility and the TCM method is one option definitely worth trying.

What is infetility?

The standard definition of infertility is a woman of normal childbearing age who has not become pregnant (after at least one year for women under 35 or for women over 35, this decreases to 6 months) of trying to conceive or a man who, after a year of trying, has not been able to impregnate a woman. The term can also be used for a woman who is able to become pregnant but is unsuccessful in carrying the pregnancy to birth.

Causes of infertility

The cause of infertility appears to vary between the sexes but can be related to a number of things such as:

Possible causes of female infertility:

• uterine fibroids


• fallopian tube structure


• certain genetic conditions


• uterine lining problems, or quality of the uterine lining


• ovulation disorders and the ability of the ovaries to produce eggs


• lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, age or stress

Possible causes of male infertility:

• structural abnormalities


• erectile dysfunction


• exposure of testes to high temperatures


• sperm production disorders, such as low sperm production, sperm vitality / motility, sperm morphology (the size and shape of sperm)


• direction and quality of sperm movement


• hormonal issues


• presence or absence of antibodies


• lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, age or stress

Examples


• If your hair reveals an elevated calcium level two or three times the normal, then you calcium level within the body may also be elevated. If this is the case then a strong tendency exits for arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to calcium plaque).


• If your calcium level is low, then a tendency exists towards osteoporosis (demineralization of the bone), increased tendency to bone fractures, dental cavities, periodontal disease, muscle cramps, etc


• Various mineral imbalances, as revealed by hair analysis frequently lead to metabolic dysfunctions before any symptoms become manifest.

Other conditions which may result or be aggravated by mineral imbalances are:


• Depression


• Hypoglycemia


• Hyperactivity


• Headaches


• Hypertension


• Arthritis


• Hair Loss


• Anaemia


• Thyroid Disturbances


• Prostate Disorders


• Digestive disturbances


• Diabetes


• Musculo-skeletal Disorders


• Cardiovascular Disease


• Skin Rashes


• Emotion Problems


• Allergies

Why test for hair analysis?

Minerals are the spark plugs of life. They are involves in almost all enzyme reactions within the body. Without enzyme activity, life ceases to exist. A trace mineral analysis is preventative as well as been useful as a screening tool.

• Sinusitis
• Allergies
• Headache
• Hearing difficulties
• Earaches
• Rhinitis
• Tinnitus
• Cold and flus

Bowen Therapy has a wide range of applications.

Conditions that have responded well include:

• Musculoskeletal pain and imbalance from accident and injury


• Sciatica


• Groin and hip pain


• RSI/Carpal Tunnel


• Knee, ankle and foot pain


• Neck and shoulder pain


• Organic complaints


• Digestive


• Respiratory


• Menstrual and hormonal


• Headaches


• Back pain in pregnancy


• Stress

Service Categories