Integrative Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a small traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinic owned and operated by Ellen Parry which services the Gubi Gubi region of the Sunshine Coast. Ellen provides one on one individualised treatments that are grounded in evidence based practice that focuses on integrating traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a longstanding system of healthcare that incorporates a range of therapeutic approaches, including acupuncture, massage, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, dietary therapy and herbal medicine. These therapies are based on traditional Chinese medical theories and are increasingly being studied using modern clinical research.
The strength of scientific evidence varies between treatments and health conditions. Some therapies, such as acupuncture, have been studied extensively for particular types of pain, while evidence for other TCM therapies remains limited or mixed. Treatment is therefore individualised according to your health history, symptoms, goals and clinical presentation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile, single use needles into specific points on the body. It is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that has been practised for thousands of years.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture is used to influence patterns of imbalance and support the body’s natural regulatory processes. From a biomedical perspective, research suggests that acupuncture may influence the nervous system and other physiological processes, although its mechanisms are not fully understood.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage technique incorporating methods such as soft tissue massage, acupressure and manual techniques.
Treatment may involve pressure, kneading, rolling and other forms of manual stimulation directed towards muscles and soft tissues. Within TCM, Tui Na is traditionally used to address patterns of imbalance and support the movement of Qi and blood.
Cupping
Cupping involves placing glass or silicone cups on the skin and creating suction. Depending on the technique used, cups may remain stationary or be moved across the skin.
Within TCM, cupping is traditionally used to stimulate and mobilise the tissues and is commonly incorporated into treatment for musculoskeletal symptoms.
Cupping commonly produces temporary circular areas of redness or darker discolouration on the skin. These marks are generally temporary and can vary according to the type and intensity of treatment and individual skin response.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a traditional technique involving repeated, gentle to moderate pressure with a smooth edged therapeutic tool across the skin.
Within TCM, Gua Sha is traditionally used to promote the movement of Qi and blood and to address areas of muscular tension or discomfort.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the application of heat to, or near, specific acupuncture points. It commonly uses dried mugwort, known as moxa, which is gently heated to produce a therapeutic warming sensation.
Within TCM, moxibustion is traditionally used to provide warmth and support particular patterns of imbalance.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture combines acupuncture with a small electrical current delivered between selected acupuncture needles.
The electrical stimulation is intended to provide additional sensory or muscular stimulation. From a biomedical perspective, electrical stimulation may influence nervous system activity and muscle responses, although the clinical effects vary according to the condition being treated.
Chinese Dietary Therapy
Chinese dietary therapy is a traditional component of TCM that considers food as part of an individual’s overall health and wellbeing.
In TCM, foods are traditionally considered according to characteristics such as temperature, taste, seasonal qualities and their relationship to an individual’s constitution and pattern of imbalance.
Dietary recommendations are therefore individualised rather than based solely on a standardised diet. Recommendations may also consider contemporary nutritional principles, your existing dietary pattern, health goals and any relevant medical considerations.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is a traditional component of TCM and involves the use of individual herbs or combinations of herbs formulated according to a person’s presentation.Herbal prescriptions are traditionally individualised according to the principles of TCM and may be modified over time in response to changes in symptoms and presentation.
In Australia, Chinese herbal medicines supplied as therapeutic goods are subject to the regulatory requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
An Evidence Informed Approach
Our approach combines traditional Chinese medicine principles with consideration of current clinical evidence and individual patient circumstances.
Evidence for complementary therapies varies depending on the treatment, the condition being treated and the quality of available research. Where evidence is uncertain or limited, this is acknowledged rather than assuming that a treatment will be effective.
