Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you wanted to know about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (or at least the most frequently asked parts)
How is Balance Point Acupuncture different from other clinics?
One unique aspect to our clinic is our family medicine approach. We are a family of healers and we work hard to support your entire family too. It's not uncommon for us to see one patient, and then their parents, their kids and even their grand kids too.
We use a minimal number of needles, we're very gentle and we tend to use points from the elbow and knee down so you don't often need to disrobe. We also have laser acupuncture for kids who aren't ready for acupuncture yet. Our other unique approach is that we can combine meditation, qigong and holistic counselling in support of our acupuncture treatments for those who are interested.
Who can benefit from your treatments?
Acupuncture is used for a variety of conditioners. It has been shown to help with:
Pain relief and management
Stress
Chronic pain related to depression by managing the underlying chronic pain
nausea following chemotherapy or surgical operations
There are many other ways we can offer support for your health and wellbeing, so if you’re not sure if Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is right for you, please feel free to email us here with your contact details and we’d be happy to discuss it in detail with you.
What insurances do you accept?
Some health insurance providers can cover acupuncture, specifically an extras policy, allowing you to claim the cost of treatment (up to a limited amount). Each provider will vary in what they offer and to what extent. We have specific healthcare provider numbers for Medibank, BUPA, Australian Unity and AHM, all other insurers will use our universal provider number called an ARHG number. If you’re looking for the right insurance provider for you and would like some support you can contact our friends at Fair Health Care for a quote.
What do I need to prepare before an Acupuncture treatment?
Please wear loose and comfortable clothing to your session. We will often need access to the leg from the knee down and the arm from the elbow down. You may like to remove jewellery and turn off your mobile phone before the treatment also. We work well in collaboration with other physical therapies; however, we recommend that you avoid other treatments for at least 24, preferably 48 hours, following acupuncture.
What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture treatments involve the insertion of fine, sterile, single use, disposable needles into specific points along the body’s energy pathways (meridians) to stimulate or clear and encourage the normal flow of energy, or Qi, throughout the body.
We might also stimulate these acupuncture points using other methods like acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha and laser therapy in order to rebalance the flow of qi.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Everyone’s experience will be different, but our acupuncture usually doesn't cause discomfort or pain. It can be described as a slight piercing at first, then a fullness or heaviness once they’re in. Acupuncture certainly doesn't need to hurt to be effective. For us at Balance Point Acupuncture we aim to make the treatments as relaxing and comfortable as possible. We simply insert the needles then leave them to work with you for around 20 minutes. We won’t move them again until we come back in to remove them.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
For the most part, it comes down to education and registration. Acupuncturists study for a minimum 4 years attaining a bachelor degree or higher. They are registered with AHPRA, comply with strict infection control standards and maintain mandatory continuing professional education annually. Some Dry Needling courses are as little as 42 to 72 hours long. To do dry needling you don’t need to be registered with a governing body and therefore may have no mandatory continuing professional development or governed infection control standards. If you receive dry needling from a practitioner you should ask about their training in the technique and make sure that their insurances cover them for the practice of needling.
Where are you located?
Our clinic is on St Kilda Rd between Toorak rd and Commercial rd. We're on the Albert Park Lake side of the road which is the side leading into the CBD. If you're catching a tram we're in between tram stop 22 and 23. Tram numbers 67, 5, 3/3a, 72, 6, 64, 16 will all stop at these stops. There is ample 1 hour parking on st Kilda Road most days, but there are also 2 local Wilson Car Park places nearby. When you reach to our Building (434) it's the one with the 2 lions out the front. When you come into the entrance the elevators are on the left. We're located on level 4. When you exit the elevators you turn left and we're about half way up the hall. If your appointment is on a Saturday or after 7pm, you will need to call us from outside the building and we will come to collect you.
Do you offer concession rates?
Yes. We have a variety of ways we try to make acupuncture as affordable as possible for those who need support. We offer a $15 discount on our acupuncture treatments for healthcare card holders and pensioners. We also understand the expenses of taking care of family so if you're paying for your kids or parents we will offer this same concession rate too.
How many sessions am i likely to need?
This can vary for everyone and will also depend on what you're coming to see us for. For acute conditions it can be as little as one or two sessions. For chronic ailments it can be more like 6 to 10 sessions at a more frequent rate and then transitioning to steady or regular maintenance sessions on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis or as needed. We will always discuss treatment plans in your initial session and check with you what you're most comfortable with.