Headaches & migraine

Headaches and migraine have different causes. In TCM we enquire to identify the pattern of disharmony that is causing your symptoms, and treat that pattern. A common example is “liver qi stasis” (due to stress) causing headaches or migraine in its partner organ- the gallbladder meridian (around the sides of the head and temples). Each case is a little different and we treat it accordingly.

Musculoskeletal

Acupuncture, cupping and Shiatsu massage are powerful techniques for resolving tension & pain. Injuries & inflammation can respond rapidly to laser therapy, reducing pain & improving healing time. Remedial massage is also beneficial, and Chinese herbs such as our Sports Injury formula may be applicable. Sports Liniments and patches are available over the counter.

Stress & anxiety

Chinese Medicine can assist recovery from periods of high stress or anxiety. Acupuncture and herbs are generally free from side-effects, and can help you get back on track or in a place of coping again. (Chinese medicine is generally considered to be safe but occasionally, as with all health treatments, may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases.) An acupuncture treatment for stress or anxiety can be immediately calming, and its effects usually last a few days. Kali & Ayla also teach other relaxation techniques that you may be able to use long term.

Low energy

We often treat clients with low energy, including chronic fatigue. Acupuncture can effectively balance the body and emotions, allowing whatever energy is there to flow freely again. Then we use herbal medicine and diet advice to build up the qi (body’s energy) again. Often we need to look at digestive function to do this. In cases of chronic fatigue, we look for any signs of a ‘lingering pathogen’. This is where a virus or some sort of illness has not been fully expelled, and remains dormant in the body, sometimes coming out creating a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes/ glands, and other signs that the immune system is active. In these cases special Chinese herbal preparations are used to vent the pathogen from the body, before using any tonics.

Women’s Health

TCM has some unique advantages when treating women’s issues. Our ability to recognize the pattern of disharmony (through tongue, pulse, palpation & questioning) directs us to correct imbalances. The menstrual cycle is governed by the ‘liver’ in TCM, and acupuncture is extremely effective in regulating the liver qi, often resulting in improved mood, less PMT symptoms, regular pain-free periods. More complex issues such as peri-menopausal hot flushes, and the symptoms of Endometriosis or PCOS also respond well to Chinese Medicine.

Fertility

Many health practitioners may recommend acupuncture as an adjunct treatment that may assist with fertility including IVF treatment. There is continuing research about how acupuncture can assist with the effectiveness of IVF treatment and you should consult your treating practitioner/s about how acupuncture may be able to help you. Allowing 3 months of preparation time is important. If you’ve decided to undergo IVF, Acupuncture is used to naturally assist in a variety of ways. It can help improve blood flow to the uterus, and balance emotions caused by the hormones, and the process of IVF. Acupuncture points are used to calm or stimulate and energise the body in a variety of ways.

Talk to us for more information. We treat men too!

Pregnancy

Acupuncture During Labour: Kali may be available to attend a labouring mother if needed. Times when this could be helpful are for pain relief, improving energy levels and resilience, and as an extra support person.

*For acupuncture during labour, call out fee is $100, then $50 per hour thereafter

Digestive

There are many patterns involved in digestive complaints. The TCM advantage is that we diagnose the pattern of disharmony underlying the symptoms and work to resolve that, in order to hopefully recover completely from the problem. We help resolve symptoms such as sugar cravings, bloating and wind, irregular bowel motions and pain. A common issue for many clients is the presence of excessive Candida (fungal overload). In this case a strict diet may be necessary to starve off the fungus (bad bugs), and improve the quantity of good bugs using diet recommendations and quality probiotics.

Men’s health

Men are simpler creatures than women, but still deserve some TLC. As well as relaxing, balancing treatments for men (including acupuncture or massage) Chinese Medicine can support men’s health and vitality. Talk to us for more information. Usually a course of herbs is recommended for at least 3 months.

Healthy Weight, Quit Smoking and Detox

Chinese medicine helps support healthy weight by improving the digestive function, maintaining regular healthy bowel motions, and improving metabolism.

Please refer to packages for quit smoking treatment.

Drug detox works mainly with the liver, and Acupuncture & Chinese medicine are renowned for supporting healthy liver function. Acupuncture calms the nervous system and reduces cravings. We also recommend reading a book by  Chinese Medicine practitioner & educator Jost Sauer; ‘Higher and Higher’.

Respiratory

There are herbs available over-the-counter for relief from the symptoms of colds and flu, phlegm cough or sinusitis, and hayfever. Often a treatment with acupuncture, massage and cupping is helpful to support recovery and stimulate the body’s defensive qi (immune system). Ask us how we can help.

Skin

The skin is our largest organ, and a major organ of elimination. It often shows us what is going on on the inside. In cases of redness and inflamed rashes there is almost always heat involved. With pus or weeping there is dampness and toxicity, according to TCM diagnosis. We treat the underlying pattern, and by balancing the internal body, often improve the symptoms.

Autoimmune

Autoimmune conditions are tricky to treat, and in many cases we do not cure a condition but can reduce the severity of the symptoms. Chinese medicine treatment may be able to assist with:

• Management of pain, stress and fatigue related to some autoimmune disorders, in consultation with other treating health practitioners
• Management of pain, fatigue and nausea related to many chronic diseases

Chronic Pain

Acupuncture has been shown to assist with acute and chronic pain. Kali also offers body-mind strategies to help clients tune in to their bodies and work with pain by regulating their nervous system.