Frequently Asked
Questions
GENERAL
Sadly, no.
Yes. I am registered for private health fund rebates. You will be issued a receipt which you can use to claim with your health fund.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine consultations are typically included in most extras cover (the actual herbs are typically not). As of the time of writing all health funds, with the exception of Medibank and ARHG, accept claims for at-home acupuncture treatments. Please be sure to check with your health fund for specific details about what your fund will cover.
Payments can be made in cash on the day (for in-home treatments) or via bank transfer.
Please refer to the contact page.
In-Home Acupuncture
One of the big advantages of mobile acupuncture is that you can receive the treatment wherever you would like. While I do bring a massage table with me, many people feel most comfortable lying/sitting in a spot of their choosing (bed, couch, chair, recliner).
When performed by a well trained and experienced practitioner acupuncture should not hurt. A brief sensation or twinge may be felt as the needle is inserted, and then once the needle is in a slight ache or heaviness can sometimes be felt. But for the most part treatments are typically quite relaxing.
Once inserted needles are typically retained for 20-30 minutes.
It is preferable to wear loose, comfortable clothing where sleeves can be pulled up to the elbows, pants up to the knees, and the abdomen exposed. This may negate the need to get undressed at all in many instances. In other cases I may need access to your back or higher up on your arms or legs, in which case some de-robing will be required.
Online Consultations
To ensure privacy and security I use a program called Jitsi Meet. No programs need to be installed; it simply runs through your internet browser. You will be sent a meeting link ahead of the scheduled appointment time.
I utilise the services of a local herbal dispenser here in Melbourne (The Herb Grove) to prepare your herbs on my behalf. Once I have written your herbal prescription I send it off to the dispenser and they prepare it according to my instructions and send it directly to you.
I have a strong preference for encouraging the use of the strongest form of Chinese herbal medicine possible; using raw herbs. This method involves cooking up a bag of raw herbs and then drinking the resultant strained decoction. When people cannot tolerate raw herbs I use granules (concentrated herbal extract powder that you add to warm water) or occasionally patent pills (little herbal balls that you swallow).
You will be provided with cooking instructions at your first consultation.
This will depend on your condition and its duration, however in most cases after the initial consultation two follow-up appointments are required each two weeks apart. This allows us to assess how you’ve progressed and to fine-tune your formula. After this first month, return consultations can start to be spaced out a little further. A full treatment plan will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
Yes; when taken under the supervision of a registered Chinese herbalist. Herbal medicine is recommended to be taken at least two hours away from prescription medications.
Yes. I usually prescribe herbs in granule/powder form for travelling as they do not require cooking or refrigeration (and are smaller in size), so are much more convenient while on the go. I provide you with a letter to accompany the herbs outlining the ingredients and their medicinal purpose, should there be any questions asked along your journey.
Most definitely. Most herbs are of plant origin and all formulas can be made 100% vegan friendly.