Observe, Listen
and Question
What can I expect from my first appointment?
To create the best treatment plan for you, Hong needs to get an overall picture of your health.
When you come to Hong Gu Acupuncture & Natural Therapies clinic in Sydney’s inner west, Hong will:
Observe
Often subtle observation of physical body signs give bigger clues to your overall health. Hong will look at things like your facial expressions, skin colour and texture, general appearance, and the shape, colour and markings of the tongue, as these can all indicate where the problem may lie.
Listen
Hong carefully listens to your body, your speech, the way you breathe, and looks out for any sounds that may indicate illness such as coughing or stomach gurgling.
Question
Hong will ask you about your medical history, sleep patterns, diet, bowel motion, symptoms, appetite and whether you are experiencing any pain, fevers or chills.
Check your pulse
This is not to gauge your heartbeat. Hong checks your pulse to identify areas of your body that may be weak, deficient or carrying an excess of something in various channels. By analysing the speed, strength, shape and rhythm of your pulse she can identify the Yin and Yang imbalances in your body.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine and conventional Western medicine?
Put simply, Western medicine focuses on a cure where Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on prevention. And, where Western Medicine tends to use synthetic medication, Chinese medicine uses natural alternatives.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
I know some people are scared of needles, but I use a very gentle approach and the highest quality needles to ensure your comfort. At the most, you’ll feel a cold tingle at the point of insertion.
For those who have a needle phobia, I also offer alternative techniques, that I also use on children, to make you feel at ease.
How is Acupuncture different to massage?
Massage works the muscle tissues, whereas acupuncture works on your various internal channels – organs, cells and circulation – to help balance the body from the inside out.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine for me?
There are many reasons why you might decide to use Chinese herbal medicine or acupuncture, but perhaps the quickest way to decide is to answer these questions:
- Have you got an acute or chronic illness or pain?
- Have you tried several different doctors and been prescribed just as many treatments, but not experienced lasting improvement?
- Are you tired and frustrated with feeling unwell?
- Have you just about given up on ever feeling normal again?
- Do you want to get better and stay better?
- Do you want to have more energy, balance and clarity in your life?
Do the herbs have side-effects?
As with any medication, the body could react to different herbs, but this is very rare in my experience. And reactions are never severe or life-threatening.
Do the herbs taste bad?
Some can, but others taste quite pleasant. They can be sweet, bitter, salty or sour. It depends on what we’re treating. But I usually prescribe pills or a compound.
How long will recovery take?
As with everything, a lot depends on how sick you are, how long you’ve been sick and how committed you are to following the treatment plan I create for you. In some cases, you may only need one treatment. In others, you may need treatment over several months or even years.
Patients with acute conditions take less time to recover, whereas the recovery time for those with chronic, complicated conditions can be longer.
Will any of the treatments contraindicate any Western medication I’m taking?
Yes, there is always a chance that they could which is why I will always ask you what medication and treatment you are receiving before prescribing any herbs or acupuncture.
What are your fees?
Initial acupuncture: $160
Standard or follow up: $130
Remedial massage: $100
Remedial massage & acupuncture: $180 (1.5 hrs)
Herbal consultation: $50
Workers Compensation and Heath Fund Rebates available
