New to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates a variety of treatments and Dr. Samantha Mulcahy (Registered Acupuncturist) is fully trained and experienced in the following therapies.
Essential Therapies
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles which are single-use and sterile into specific points on the body chosen by your Acupuncturist. If you think of a road map, our body has road maps called meridians/channels. We can liken this to our roads with traffic lights, road works, forks or intersections, along these we find the points on the body we needle for blockages or imbalances to regain the flow of blood, Qi(energy) which enables nutrients from food and drink to be distributed around the body creating balance. The use of Acupuncture points for a specific treatment includes local and distal points, the points are chosen for the individual person and their condition I choose points specifically for what they do and what communication they have with different parts of the Brain. Ah shi points (trigger and/or Motor points) are also utilised for the presenting complaint.
Dry Needling
As a trained Acupuncturist, Dry Needling is (Acupuncture)it is one of the many needle techniques used to achieve an outcome in our diagnosis. We call these points that are tender Ah Shi points, sometimes they are actual points on a channel/Meridian sometimes they are not, they are called trigger points or myofascial nodules (knots in the muscle). These knots are where in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) that we find Qi and blood stagnation(stasis) here we look at where in the muscle lies in relation to meridians and organ theory, incorporate other treatment tools such as Tui Na massage or cupping. Motor points are situated at neuromuscular junctions, they may be Acupuncture points or may become Ah Shi points/tender points.
Auriculotherapy
Auriculotherapy (Ear Acupuncture) has different systems. Many instruments can be used from very tiny seeds to gold, silver, and stainless steel little balls, or pins, kept in place with clear or flesh plaster. If this is used as part of your Treatment in the clinic, then small fine Acupuncture needles may be used. I use this system in my treatments.
Cupping - Ba Guan
Cupping is the application of glass, silicon or plastic cups that create a vacuum effect on the skin. Cups can be fixed to an area, or they can be gliding which is like a massage sensation. They are used for different clinical reasons however most known for moving Qi and blood Stagnation in the knots in muscles. There are several techniques that can be applied using cups. However, not everyone is able to have cupping done, This is why you still need to have an Initial Consultation as like any other treatment. Sometimes the people who love cupping the most, may turn out that their constitution or condition is not suitable for cupping at all.
Targeted Therapies
Moxibustion
Moxibustion goes hand in hand with Acupuncture and they have the same extensive history being used together for centuries. Moxa is a herb (Artemis Vulgaris, ai ye - Mugwort) used to warm specific points and/or an area. The most seen in the clinic is a roll like a cigar or single as in the picture. It can be applied in many forms such as moxa roll, a moxa cone, rice grain moxa, in a balm or as a spray which tends to be used with the heat lamp. Moxa is generally applied externally and away from the skin or directly onto the needle to warm. However, mediums can be used between skin and moxa when using this direct on the skin.
Gu Sha
Gua Sha involves repeated pressed strokes/scraping over the skin with a smooth-edged Chinese soup spoon or similar Gu Sha tool made specifically for this purpose, they come in various shapes. Skin is typically lubricated with massage oil or balm. Gu Sha has several different uses clinically, and like cupping not suitable for everyone.
Chinese Herbal Formulas
Acupuncture and herbs combined are both parts of Chinese medicine practice. Acupuncture in conjunction with herbs, Acupuncture alone or herbs alone. These may help patients to manage a range of symptoms including pain, sport injuries, stress and fatigue which are a few reasons they may be prescribed. ONLY if deemed relevant to your diagnosis and Medical History.*
Work Cover Claims
Work Cover recognises that Acupuncture must be performed by a Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner/Acupuncturist to be covered for Work Cover under Allied Health. Our practitioners at Inner Rhythms Acupuncture are Registered Practitioners and have a Work Cover provider number.
*Please note all Herbal Formulas are an additional cost and are not included in appointment or consultation prices.
Any of the above Therapies, may be associated, like all health interventions, with some possible adverse reactions on occasion.