House of Natural Health FAQ

For an appointment call Davina on 0407 836 603 or contact us by email.

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The House of Natural Health

specialises in Classical Chinese Medicine which includes Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and
Massage Therapy.

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Since 1987 the House has established a strong community reputation and our patients continue to refer friends and family for the treatment of a wide range of health concerns.

What is Classical Chinese Medicine?

What do we feel in your pulse?

What do we see in your tongue?

How is stress treated?

Questions about treatment

What do we treat?

Questions about Acupuncture

Questions about Herbal Medicine

Questions about Massage

Questions about Diet

Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) was the original medicine of China as explained in the Classic texts of the Qin and Han periods. (TCM) Traditional Chinese Medicine has become the popular Chinese medicine both in China and abroad. It was developed by the Chinese Communist Government as an effort to “modernize” classical medicine and to verify it scientifically by conforming to the principles of conventional Western medicine. This adaptation unfortunately excludes some of the most important concepts from the classic texts, resulting in the practice of TCM as an incomplete variation of authentic CCM.

For thousands of years Chinese Medicine has defined health as being dependent upon a continuous integration of metabolic heat and fluids. Our core body temperature and all our systems function at 37 degrees, and our body is about 70% fluids. Disease is a disharmony of metabolic heat and fluids; too much heat dries fluids and too much fluid weakens the metabolism. Your blood is a good example; it must remain fluid and warm in the correct balance for optimal circulation.

The ancient Chinese related metabolism and fluids to the primary elements of fire and water. Universally they are called Yin and Yang; two complimentary opposites communicating as one, manifesting all the changes and cycles of life. Health can be measured by the harmony between these two elements. Diagnosing the cause of illness and re-establishing harmony is the work of a Chinese Medicine Doctor.

Diagnosis is based on your history and the symptoms of your condition. We then feel your pulse to find the cause of the disharmony between your metabolism and fluids. We may also feel the abdomen for changes in the organs and their function. We then prescribe a treatment of acupuncture and/or herbs specific to your condition relative to your constitution and lifestyle.

Your Chinese Medicine doctor carefully feels for many subtle changes in your pulse. The rate and rhythm indicate the heart function and blood circulation, the force of the pulse indicates the strength of the energy from your organ systems and each of the 28 qualities relate to changes of your physiology and constitution. Pulse diagnosis is a multidimensional matrix of information.

Richard Best was fortunate to study under some of the most skilled pulse diagnosis Doctors in China and abroad. These teachers inherited their skill from a lineage of doctors dating back to the origins of Classical Chinese Medicine. The art of pulse diagnosis is an important part of the tradition of Chinese Medicine but is unfortunately overlooked and misunderstood in today’s education.

Your Chinese Medicine doctor will ask you to put out your tongue as part of the diagnosis. The healthy tongue should have a light red or pinkish colour with a thin white coating.

The doctor looks for changes in the tongue by observing the colour, size and shape of the tongue body as well as the thickness and colour of the tongue coating. Cracks and vessels may also have significance in tongue diagnosis.

The tongue body indicates changes in the blood and fluid circulation. The coating on the tongue gives an indication of the state of the digestive system.

Tongue areas correspond to internal organs

Stress is one of the most common complaints of the modern world, affecting us mentally and emotionally, often resulting in physical symptoms. The pressures of day to day living can cause family relationship and workplace problems. Symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, premenstrual tension, palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression are common in today’s society. Fortunately Chinese Medicine has a long history of well documented treatments for the mental, emotional and physical symptoms associated with stress.

Each of the organ systems can be directly related to specific emotions and are treated by balancing one system with another. Acupuncture is excellent for calming the nervous system and regulating blood flow to help you feel relaxed and confident. Chinese Herbs focus on improving the quality of blood and clearing toxins from your body while strengthening the immune system to prevent illness from stress. Massage therapy relieves muscle tension and corrects musculo-skeletal imbalances that cause body pain and headaches.

“The greatest mistake in the treatment of disease is that there are physicians for the body and physicians for the soul, although the two cannot be separated.” – Plato.

Do I need a referral?

No. Although we accept referrals from Doctors, specialists or other medical practitioners, most of our patients are referred by family or friends. We appreciate any referrals and are committed to helping all patients who attend the House of Natural Health.

Will my health fund rebate my treatment?

Yes. The House of Natural Health is covered by most health funds for Acupuncture and Massage Therapy. Some funds cover Herbal Medicine. Please check your cover with your provider for the rebate you can claim.

Which treatments are suitable for pregnancy?

All our practitioners are trained in treatment for pregnant women. Acupuncture and herbs are excellent for many conditions during pregnancy such as morning sickness, fluid retention, hypertension, hemorrhoids, restless baby and restless legs, malposition baby (ie Breach) and labor induction.

Massage and acupuncture are excellent treatments for relieving back pain which is very common in later stage pregnancy.

Which Treatments are suitable for Children?

All our therapies are safe and non-invasive suitable for your child. Acupuncture is a treatment suitable for all ages old and young. For sensitive children or babies we use massage over the acu-points with excellent results. Herbal Medicine is often mild for children and not unpleasant to take.

Should I cancel an appointment if I have a virus or feel unwell?

No. We are here to help you feel better no matter how acute your condition might be. The sooner you have treatment the quicker the response to the treatment. Treating acute conditions means that we are able to prevent the condition form becoming worse.

Acute and chronic virus and pathogens

Common cold, fever, influenza, Ross river fever, glandular fever and malaria. The effect of restoring immunity to treat chronic fatigue and prevention of these conditions is an important part of holistic Chinese medicine.
Musculoskeletal disorders

Lower back and neck problems; sciatica, disc hernia, tenosynovitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow. Treatment relaxes muscle spasms, heals tendons and realigns vertebrae.
Digestive disorders

Constipation, diarrhoea, colitis, IBS, haemorrhoids, abdominal pain and bloating, stomach ulcers, reflux, indigestion, toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, hiccough, oesophageal spasms, gastric and duodenal ulcers, hyperacidity, gastritis, heartburn, hiatus hernia syndrome, flatulence, paralytic ileus, liver and gall bladder disorders, and weight control.
Sporting Injury and trauma

Sprains and bruising, damage to ankles and knees, torn cartilage, muscles and ligaments, broken bones and fractures.
Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease

Paralysis, chest pain, high or low blood pressure, angina pectoris, fluid retention and slurred speech.
Diabetes and Neural problems

Bell’s palsy, peripheral neuropathy, numbness and tingling, cold hands and feet, muscle cramps, thirst and dryness, facial and inter-costal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, dizziness, and Meniere's disease, noises in the ears, some forms of deafness.
Arthritis

Joint pain & degeneration, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout.
Skin conditions

Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, nerve rash, herpes zoster, acne, ulcers, scar tissue, scabies, lice, hives, dry or scaly skin and sweating disorders.
Gynaecological and obstetrics

PMS, painful, heavy or irregular periods, abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge, PCOS, menopause, hormonal imbalances, prolapse, infertility and morning sickness.
Urinary and sexual dysfunction

UTI’s, frequency, incontinence, prostatitis, cystitis, orchitis, low sexual vitality, urinary retention, kidney disorders, nocturnal enuresis, and bladder dysfunction.
Eye conditions

Visual disorders, conjunctivitis, cataracts, myopia in children, central retinitis.
Stress and Psychological conditions

Headaches, migraines, depression, phobias, emotional disturbances, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, restless legs and addictions such as smoking.
Respiratory problems

Cough, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma, phlegm, emphysema, acute tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, laryngitis, sore throat.

How safe is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for the population of China, Japan, Korea and many other countries. In Australia we practice under strict guidelines of the skin penetration act. All needles and equipment are pre-sterilized disposable and conform to the highest Australian safety standards. The House of Natural Health practitioners are all members of the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia and follow these guidelines.

Can my child have Acupuncture?

Yes. Acupuncture is a gentle, safe and non-invasive treatment using finer needles suitable for your child. For sensitive children or babies we use massage over the acu-points with excellent results. Acupuncture is a treatment suitable for all ages old and young.

How long will the Acupuncture session take?

Allow an hour for the first Acupuncture session. The Chinese Medicine Doctor will spend about half hour taking your pulse and speaking to you for a complete history and to gain an in depth understanding about your health. You will rest during treatment for approx. 20 minutes. Follow-up appointments may take less time, but if you allow 1 hour you will not feel rushed.

How safe is Chinese herbal medicine?

Classical Chinese herbal medicine has been statistically proven to be extremely safe when prescribed and prepared by a classically trained Herbalist. In rare cases herbs are contra-indicated with the use of medical drugs, however our practitioners are well informed with regards to these inter-reactions.

All herbs are registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

How do I take my Chinese herbal medicine?

Formulas are carefully chosen to suit your specific condition. The formula is prepared to suit your specific condition as either a bulk (uncut) formula or ground into a coarse powder for you to take home and boil into a drinkable tea. Some formulas are prepared as fine powder or pills. You will be given complete instructions on the correct way to take your herbs for maximum benefit. All formulas are prescribed, prepared and dispensed according to the authentic method of classical Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Can the House of Natural Health fill my prescription from another herbalist?

Yes. We can fill herbal formulas which have been prescribed by another registered herbalist. It is not legal for us to sell herbs without a prescription as herbs are powerful “practitioner only” medicines and can only be prescribed and distributed by a professional Herbalist. Other basic formulas such as Chai tea and probiotics are over the counter products and can be bought by anyone without a prescription.

To ensure you are prescribed the correct herbal formula, we gain an in-depth health history from you and by using the Chinese medicine pulse taking method, can determine which herbs you require. This takes about half an hour.

Which style of Massage suits my condition?

Your condition will dictate the style of massage you are likely to receive.

Relaxation massage uses long, broad, slow strokes to help relax the body and bring a sense of calm and peace.

Remedial massage is used to treat injury or dysfunction. Remedial massage employs differing strokes and techniques to balance the musculoskeletal system.

Deep Tissue massage is designed to reach hidden tension stored within the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Deep Tissue massage is slow with heavy pressure.

Trigger Point massage is designed to release hyperactive knots in the muscles through static pressure. Trigger Point massage is incredibly beneficial for treating conditions with restricted movement and pain, both local to the trigger point itself, or where there is radiating pain to another area.

How long should a massage appointment be?

Initial massage appointments are 1 hour in length. This allows for comprehensive history taking, analysis of your condition and treatment. Follow-up appointments may be shorter in duration, however in our experience, it is often more beneficial to allow the extra time for your body to respond to the treatment and gain lasting results.

Chinese dieticians discovered the nature of individual foods that can be removed or included in your diet specific to your health to correct the imbalance of your metabolism and repair your digestive and immune system.

We encourage a diet of nutritious whole foods and to avoid over processed and high sugar foods. Excessive sweetness is addictive due to the instant energy release and the relaxation you feel soon after your energy drops. This is a hypoglycaemic condition.

All carbohydrates contain sugars, the more processed the grain the less fibre and the higher the sugar. The danger in high processed carbohydrate diets is that the digestive system cannot regulate the amount of sugar entering the blood. This leads to many illnesses like obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Foods that do not suit your digestion make you feel heavy and bloated and cause digestive problems and increased stress. Your immune function will also be compromised with potentially more viruses and poor healing capabilities.

Nutritious diets are simple, inexpensive and taste great. Let us help you to identify the foods that are affecting you and personally design a diet that will lead you back to excellent heath.

Check our Downloads page for general diet ideas and simple nutritious recipes. You will feel vibrant and calm with a renewed sense of wellness.

Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm • Saturday 8:00am to 1:00pm • 89 Zillman Road, Hendra 4011 • Ph: 0407 836 603

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The House of Natural Health has a policy to keep all information you provide private and confidential. We will only use your personal details for the benefit of your health. Your information will not be used for advertising, or distributed to any third parties without your prior consent.

Disclaimer

Treatment, medicine or products are not able to be supplied without a professional diagnosis and or prescription. We are always willing to answer your questions and enquiries by telephone or email. It is necessary to deal with your personal health concerns by the correct methods of professional diagnosis which requires an appointment with one of our practitioners.

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