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CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE at Health In The Bay.
What is Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is a form of therapy that has evolved over at least 2000 years. It is one branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and although it can be used alone, Victor generally uses it in conjunction with Acupuncture for greatest effect. Chinese herbal medicine is particularly useful when the health issue is longstanding. Several herbs are combined into a formula (prescription) that is selected to address your specific health issues. Traditionally, patients used to boil the herbs up themselves in the kitchen, but with today’s busy lifestyles, this is often not practical. When a formula needs to be individualised (ingredients modified, added, or removed from a standard formula), Victor uses powdered (granulated) herbal formulas – the herbs have already been decocted. What you receive is a powder that is easily dissolved in hot water, to make a drink. In other instances when a standard formula is appropriate, either powder or pills may be given.
What sort of substances are given?
Most Chinese herbs are derived from plants. Chinese herbal medicine is very specific about the exact part of the plant used and the method of processing, with one plant sometimes yielding several Chinese herbs (e.g., the roots have distinct properties from the stems and leaves, and the flowers may have a different action again). Occasionally, minerals are used.
Although animal products were also used in traditional practice, most practitioners are moving away from using these. Victor does not prescribe animal products, preferring to use plant- or mineral-based substitutes. There are also strict conventions in place to stop any endangered species (plant or animal) being used.
Victor only uses suppliers that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) licensed as certified by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
Are there side-effects?
It is uncommon, but occasionally there can be side-effects from Chinese herbal medicine. This might be because the formula is too strong for your particular constitution, and this is usually rectified by changing the formula. Please report any adverse effects to Victor.
Can the herbs be taken with Western medicines?
It depends. Although interactions are rare, they do occur for some combinations of drugs and herbs, and Victor has had training in this area. Please discuss with Victor any medicines (prescribed, over-the-counter, or even herbs from a naturopath or Western herbalist) you are taking during the consultation.
Victor Fenech
Victor has been an acupuncturist since 1986 and Chinese herbalist since 2006. He trained with many respected Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and teachers in China and Australia and continues to build on his knowledge and techniques. More.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting tiny needles at specific points on the body to treat illness or promote health and well-being. Oriental medical theory describes a network of energy pathways in the body (meridians) that can be accessed on the surface at the Acupuncture points. The points to be used in a session are chosen by the practitioner based on traditional theories outlined in texts that are at least 2000 years old. More…
Availability
Victor works each:
- Tuesday (2:30pm-7:00pm)
- Wednesday (10:30am-7:00pm).
Fees
The fees for Acupuncture (which include Chinese Herbal Medicine) are below.
- Initial appointment, 60 mins – $130
- Standard appointment, 45 mins – $100
Rebates
Rebates are available for most services at Health In The Bay. See our Rebates page for more information.
Referrals
Referrals aren’t required for Acupuncture appointments. All we ask is you refrain from consuming alcohol prior to your visit. Call 02 9904-1333 to make your appointment.
Book Now
There are three ways to make an appointment.
- Book online HERE.
- Call us on 9904-1333.
- Or contact us on our CONTACT PAGE.