This discussion paper forms part of the consultation process into the regulation of Chinese medicine practitioners. The purpose of the consultation process is to seek comment on a proposed registration framework for Chinese medicine practitioners in WA. This discussion paper explains the key issues and options, and seeks the views of interested groups and individuals regarding the regulation of Chinese medicine practitioners in WA.

It is proposed that registration in WA will initially be limited to three modalities, being acupuncturist, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner and Chinese herbal dispenser. Groups and individuals with an interest in this area are invited to respond to the issues raised in the discussion paper.Information regarding comments and submissions is made in the Consultation Process page in the discussion paper.

Download the paper Discussion Paper. Download file

By Tania Largent

An Brief Overview of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA, USA) Ear Acupuncture Protocol for Alcohol and Other Drugs

Continue Reading »

SUN TEN - Leading the Way in Quality, Safety and Efficacy

Since 1946 Sun Ten has led the way in innovation and development of Traditional
Chinese Medicines (TCM). Now with the release of nine new TCM Herbal Combinations,
Sun Ten furthers its reputation for quality, safety and efficacy.

Complimenting the already extensive range of single herbs and combination
herbal formulas these nine new TCM combinations combine the highest quality
raw materials with state-of-the-art production techniques.

9 GREAT NEW PRODUCTS FROM Sun Ten

ASTRAGALUS AND ZIZYPHUS COMBINATION [YANG XIN TANG]

Formula Category: Spirit calming formula
Ingredients
Panax ginseng (root), Astragalus membranaceus baked (rhizome), Glycyrrhiza
uralensis baked (root), Angelica polymorpha (root), Cnidium officinale
(rhizome), Poria cocos (fruiting body), Poria cocos (fruiting body) (different
Pin Yin name from above), Pinellia ternata (rhizome), Polygala sibirica
(root), Zizyphus spinosa (root), Cinnamomum cassia (bark), Biota orientalis
(seed), Schizandra chinensis (fruit), Zingiber officinale raw (rhizome),
Ziziphus jujuba (fruit).
TCM Functions
Supplements blood and Qi, nourishes the heart, calms the shen (spirit).
Traditional Indication: Heart blood vacuity.
Palpitations, night sweats, insomnia, fever, anxiety, irritability.

BUPLEURUM & CYPERUS FORMULA [CHAI HU SHU GAN TANG]

Formula Category: Qi rectifying formula
Ingredients
Bupleurum falcatum (root), Cnidium officinale (rhizome), Citrus aurantium
(fruit), Glycyrrhiza uralensis baked (root), Citrus reticulata (peel),
Paeonia lactiflora (root), Cyperus rotundus (rhizome).
TCM Functions
Enhances the flow of liver Qi, quickens blood, alleviates pain.
Traditional Indication: Liver depression Qi stagnation
Symptoms aggravated by emotional upset or stress. Irregular menstruation,
dysmenorrhoea, intercostal/hypochondriac pain, abdominal distension or
pain, alternating fever and chills, alternating infrequent or loose stool.

Tongue: Thin white coating.
Pulse: Wiry.

CHIN-CHIU & TU HUO COMBINATION [SAN BI TANG]

Formula Category: Wind-damp dispelling formula
Ingredients
Dipsacus asper (root), Eucommia ulmoides (bark), Ledebouriella seseloides
(root), Cinnamomum cassia (bark), Asarum heterotropoides (whole plant),
Panax ginseng (root), Poria cocos (fruiting body), Angelica polymorpha
(root), Paeonia lactiflora (root), Astragalus membranaceus (rhizome),
Achyranthes bidentata (root), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (root), Gentiana macrophylla
(root), Rehmannia glutinosa (root), Cnidium officinale (rhizome), Angelica
pubescens (root), Zingiber officinale raw (rhizome), Ziziphus jujuba (fruit).
TCM Functions
Supplements Qi and blood, supplements the liver and kidneys, dispels wind-damp.

Traditional Indication: Wind-damp impediment inhibiting the normal flow
of Qi and blood, with concurrent liver and kidney vacuity.
Helps relieve muscle spasm, joint and muscle pain.

DANG GUI & ANEMARRHENA COMBINATION [DANG GUI NIAN TONG TANG]

Formula Category: Phlegm transforming water disinhibiting
formula
Ingredients
Angelica polymorpha (root), Notopterygium Forbesii (rhizome), Glycyrrhiza
uralensis (root), Scutellaria baicalensis (root), Panax ginseng (root),
Artemisia frigida (whole plant), Sophora angustifolia (root), Cimicifuga
simplex (rhizome), Pueraria lobata (root), Atractylodes lancea (rhizome),
Atractylodes japonica (rhizome), Alisma orientale (rhizome), Polyporus
umbellatus (fruiting body), Ledebouriella seseloides (root), Anemarrhena
asphodeloides (rhizome).
TCM Functions
Dispels wind, clears heat, dispels dampness, reduces swelling, relieves
pain.
Traditional Indication: Dampness and heat giving rise to painful swollen
joints, eczema or dermatitis on the lower limbs
Tongue: Greasy yellow coating.
Pulse: Slippery and rapid.

GENTIANA COMBINATION [LONG DAN XIE GAN TANG]

Formula Category: Heat clearing formula
Ingredients
Gentiana scabra (root), Scutellaria baicalensis (root), Gardenia florida
(fruit), Alisma orientale (rhizome), Clematis armandii (whole plant),
Plantago asiatica (seed), Angelica polymorpha (root), Rehmannia glutinosa
(root), Bupleurum falcatum (root), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (root).
TCM Functions
Drains repletion heat from the liver and gallbladder, drains damp-heat
from the lower jiao.
Traditional Indication: Repletion heat in the liver and gallbladder, damp
heat in the lower jiao
Headache, irritability, dizziness, blood-shot eyes, bitter taste in the
mouth. May experience difficult and painful urination and leukorrhea.
Women may have a shortened menstrual cycle.
Tongue: Red tongue with yellow coating.
Pulse: Wiry, rapid and strong pulse.

GINSENG AND OPHIOPOGON [SHENG MAI SAN]

Formula Formula Category: Qi supplementing formula
Ingredients
Panax ginseng (root), Ophiopogon japonicus (tuber), Schizandra chinensis
(fruit).
TCM Functions
Supplements Qi, nourishes yin, reduces profuse perspiration, and stimulates
pulse.
Traditional Indication: Heat injuring vital Qi causes yin deficiency and
lack of body fluids
Profuse sweating, thirst, fatigue, palpitations, dry mouth and tongue.
Indicated in cases of vacuity of both Qi and yin especially of the lungs.

Tongue: Pale red tongue with dry thin coating.
Pulse: Weak and vacuous pulse.

MAGNOLIA FLOWER FORMULA [XIN YI SAN]

Formula Category: Exterior resolving formula
Ingredients
Magnolia salicifolia (flower), Angelica dahurica (root), Cimicifuga simplex
(rhizome), Ligusticum sinense (rhizome), Ledebouriella seseloides (root),
Cnidium officinale (rhizome), Asarum heterotropoides (whole plant), Clematis
armandii, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (root).
TCM Functions
Dispels wind-cold, unblocks the nasal passages and alleviates sinus pain.

Traditional Indication
Nasal congestion, copious nasal discharge, coryza, loss of sense of smell,
may have frontal headache.

PLATYCODON & SCHIZONEPETA FORMULA [ZHI SOU SAN]

Formula Category: Anti-tussive lung calmative
Ingredients
Platycodon grandiflorum (root), Schizonepeta tenuifolia (whole plant),
Aster tataricus (root), Stemona sessifolia (root), Cynanchum stauntonii
(rhizome), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (root), Citrus reticulata (peel).
TCM Functions
Relieves coughing and transforms phlegm, dispels wind and relieves exterior
symptoms.
Traditional Indication: Cough due to exterior pathogens (wind attacking
the lungs)
Cough with or without slight chills and fever, sputum that is difficult
to expectorate, itchy throat, may have headaches.
Tongue: Thin white coating.
Pulse: Floating and moderate.

SAPOSHNIKOVIA AND ASTRAGALUS FORMULA [YU PING FENG SAN]

Formula Category: Qi supplementing formula
Ingredients
Astragalus membranaceus (rhizome), Ledebouriella seseloides (root), Atractylodes
japonica (rhizome).
TCM Functions
Supplements Qi, secures the exterior, stops sweating.
Traditional Indication: Vacuity of lung Qi and defence Qi (wei Qi)
Susceptibility to wind pathogens and a pale complexion, aversion to drafts
/ sensitivity to wind, recurrent colds, spontaneous perspiration, excessive
sweating.
Tongue: Pale with a white coating.
Pulse: Floating, vacuous and soft.

In Australia students at all levels find that studying acupuncture can offer a fascinating learning pathway, sound career opportunities and a chance to significantly contribute to the development of this holistic discipline.

Acupuncture students come from all walks of life so what you expect to get out of studying can differ widely. For some, a study pathway that culminates in becoming a competent, fully qualified practitioner is attractive. For others, learning within a holistic framework, and applying this knowledge by making a difference in patient’s lives are worthwhile reasons to study acupuncture.

Combined with an appreciation of the history and cultural foundations of acupuncture, most students look forward to the process of learning as well as the rewards of formal qualifications.

In response to growing interest in the field of acupuncture and holistic health practices, Universities, Colleges and Institutes in Australia are presenting courses that offer a rigorous and sophisticated learning syllabus to prospective students.

Major areas of study include theoretical, philosophical, diagnostic and clinical training. Techniques such as moxibustion and cupping are taught as well as Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese massage. Practice management and small business management are becoming frequently included in Acupuncture courses.

Future career paths for students can include starting your own private practice, jobs in herbal and pharmaceutical companies, government departments, community health services or drug and alcohol centres.

Further study pathways in Australia now include research degrees and course work degrees at the Master’s and Doctorate level.

New South Wales

Advanced Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine
92-94 Norton St
LEICHHARDT NSW 2040
Ph: 61 2 9550 9906
Web: www.sitcm.edu.au
Email: administration@sitcm.edu.au

Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine

University of Technology Sydney
PO Box 123, Broadway
SYDNEY NSW 2007
Ph: 61 2 9514 2500
Email: bob.hayes@uts.edu.au

Bachelor of Applied Science (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

University of Western Sydney
PO Box 555
CAMPBELLTOWN NSW 2560
Ph: 1800 632 885
Email: study@uws.edu.au

Queensland

Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) Acupuncture

Australian College of Natural Medicine
362 Water Street
FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006
Ph: 61 7 3257 1883
Email: info@acnm.edu.au

Victoria

Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) Acupuncture

Melbourne College of Natural Medicine
Level 1, 368 Elizabeth Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Ph: 61 3 9662 9911
Email: info@mcnm.edu.au

Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine)/Bachelor
of Applied Science (Human Biology) - double degree award
RMIT University
Chinese Medicine Unit, Plenty Road
MELBOURNE VIC 3083
Ph: 61 3 9925 7745
Email: charlie.xue@rmit.edu.au

Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) - Acupuncture
major
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) - Chinese herbal
medicine major
Victoria University of Technology
PO Box 14428, MCMC
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Ph: 61 3 9688 4110
Email: ccs@vu.edu.au Bachelor of Health
Science (Chinese
Medicine)

Potentially, WorkCover can provide a market for TCM practitioners and acupuncturists.

With physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and recently remedial massage therapists being added to the NSW WorkCover list of approved health care providers the question has to be asked “Why Acupuncture has no mention on this list?” Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2500 years with proven benefits for a myriad of medical conditions.
Continue Reading »

• What conditions can acupuncture treat?
• Does acupuncture hurt?
• Is acupuncture safe?
• How long does a treatment take?
• What are the side-effects of acupuncture?
• How many acupuncture points are used during a treatment?
• How much does a treatment cost?
• Can I have too much acupuncture?
• Can Acupuncture and TCM be combined with other treatments?
• What do I wear?
• How do I know who is registered as an acupuncturist?
• Can I claim acupuncture on my Private Health Insurance?
• Can acupuncture be bulk-billed through Medicare?
• Can I claim Acupuncture for WorkCover?
• Where is my nearest practitioner?.
• Who should not have acupuncture?
• How long is a course of acupuncture?
• Where are common acupuncture points located?
• How will I know if it is working?
• Can acupuncture be used for post-operative care

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is effective in treating a range of conditions. This includes acute conditions- those with a sudden onset, which have occurred recently (e.g. sports injuries) or chronic conditions- those that have been problematic for a long time (e.g. lower back pain, diabetes). If you are interested in learning if acupuncture can help a specific condition, please use this site to investigate further.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very fine gauge. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than needles (hypodermic syringes) used in vaccinations and injections. The sensation of an acupuncture needle is a little bit like a mosquito bite and this is sometimes followed by a dull, heavy feeling around the needle.

Is acupuncture safe?

In Australia, only single-use disposable acupuncture needles are used. Occasionally spot bleeding occurs at the needle site, though because the needles are very fine, this is very rare.

How long does a treatment take?

The first consultation, when a detailed history is taken, may take 1 to 2 hours. After the initial treatment, follow up treatments usually go for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

What are the side-effects of acupuncture?

There are very few side effects of acupuncture treatment. A feeling of euphoria, relaxation and general wellbeing is commonly experienced during and after the treatment and while this is not unpleasant, it may interfere with operating heavy machinery.

On very rare occasions, you may feel faint or nauseous during the treatment, in which case the practitioner will remove the needles and have you lie down for a few minutes until you feel better.

Occasionally there may be slight bruising around the acupuncture needle site. The bruises are usually no bigger than a 5 cent piece, and clear within a few days.

How many acupuncture points are used during a treatment?

This is a very difficult question as practitioners will often use different techniques depending on the condition. A general acupuncture treatment will require anywhere between 2 and 20 points, however in a recent survey most acupuncturists said 10-12 points was the average.

How much does a treatment cost?

In Australia, prices vary between practitioners, however most practitioners charge between $50- $80 and may charge more for the initial consultation which generally takes longer. Some practitioners will charge extra for other treatments such as massage and Chinese herbal medicine.

Can I have too much acupuncture?

In China, acupuncture is often given to patients every day. However, in Australia this may not be practical. Acupuncture once to twice a week is ideal during the initial “crisis” stage of an injury or condition and this can be gradually reduced to once a fortnight, once a month and once every three months when the injury or condition has improved. Regular, ongoing treatments are advised to maintain good health.

Can Acupuncture and TCM be combined with other treatments?

As a general rule, acupuncture complements other treatments (including osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy etc). It is important to inform other practitioners, including your GP, if you are having acupuncture or taking Chinese Herbal Medicines. Equally, it is important that you inform your acupuncturist of other treatments you are having, or medications you are taking (including herbs and homeopathic remedies).

What do I wear?

There are acupuncture points all over the body. However, the most common points are on the arms and legs and on the back and abdomen (stomach). Wearing loose fitting, comfortable clothing is advised- to make points easily accessible and avoid any discomfort during the treatment.

How do I know who is registered as an acupuncturist?

All acupuncturists in Australia must belong to a professional registering organisation, for example the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine of Australia Association (AACMA) or the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS). If you are unsure, ask your local practitioner to verify which association they belong to.

Can I claim acupuncture on my Private Health Insurance?

In Australia, most Private Health Insurance companies offer rebates for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Click here to view a comprehensive list of Private Health Insurance companies that recognise acupuncture and offer you rebates for your treatments.

Can acupuncture be bulk-billed through Medicare?

In Australia, Acupuncture can be claimed as a Medicare MBS Item if the practitioner is a medical doctor.

Can I claim Acupuncture for WorkCover?

Yes, acupuncture is recognised by WorkCover in Australia. For more information, contact the lead WorkCover organisation in your state or territory.

WorkCover New South Wales

www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Victorian WorkCover Authority

www.workcover.vic.gov.au

WorkCover Queensland

www.workcover.qld.gov.au

ACT WorkCover

www.workcover.act.gov.au

WorkCover Western Australia

www.workcover.wa.gov.au

WorkCover Tasmania

www.workcover.tas.gov.au

Northern Territory

www.worksafe.nt.gov.au

WorkCover South Australia

www.workcover.sa.gov.au

Where is my nearest practitioner?

Use the Natural Therapy pages fields above to find your nearest acupuncturist.

Who should not have acupuncture?

There are a few medical conditions which are not suitable for acupuncture. These are:

* Psychiatrically unwell
* Unable to give informed consent
* Intoxicated persons (alcohol or other drugs)
* Epilepsy
* Bleeding diathesis

How long is a course of acupuncture?

This is a difficult question as acupuncture treatments will vary for each person depending on the condition. Having a minimum of three sessions of acupuncture is advised in the first instance. This can be three times a week, once a week for three weeks or even every second week for six weeks. Many practitioners advise it may take about six weeks of weekly treatment for a condition to be noticeably relieved.

After these initial treatments, additional sessions may be required. If the condition is severe, up to 10 sessions may be required. Most acupuncturists will recommend regular treatments (for example one a month) to maintain good health and prevent the problem from reoccurring.

Where are common acupuncture points located?

Most major acupuncture points are on the arms (from the elbow to the fingers) and on the legs (from the knee down to the toes). There are also major points on the back in the muscles along the spine, and on the abdomen (around the umbilicus). Click here to view an acupuncture chart of all the points.

How will I know if it is working?

Depending on your condition, it may take a few treatments before you see the effects of acupuncture. What you will experience immediately is a feeling of relaxation which is usually noticeable in the first few minutes of treatment and may last several hours and sometimes several days. The effects of acupuncture are accumulative- the more you have it, the more you notice the results. If you are not getting the treatment response you want, talk to your practitioner about other TCM treatment or other treatment modalities.

Can acupuncture be used for post-operative care?

If you have just come out of hospital, you may like to consider acupuncture and TCM as part of your post-operative care plan. This would mean you would see a GP, your hospital specialist and an acupuncturist to help speed up your recovery process. The GP will be responsible for ensuring there are no infections following surgery, whereas your acupuncturist will help with pain management as well as rebuilding your immune system- to support your body to heal itself during recovery.

It is important you inform your GP and hospital specialist that you have having acupuncture and TCM. It is also important that you let your acupuncturist know what medication you have been prescribed. If you are unsure of what your medication is (or does), it is advised you talk to your GP or community pharmacist.

While Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) continues to grow in popularity in Australia, there is a recognised need to coordinate the expansion and development of acupuncture and TCM in the community.

Practitioners often feel isolated in private practice and need to have access to up-to-date research and clinical information for their continuing professional development. This website aims to provide support for acupuncture and TCM practitioners and promotion of their services to the general public. On this site you can share your experiences with other practitioners as well as ask senior clinicians and experts in the field their views on acupuncture and TCM theory and clinical practice.

What is a Discussion Forum??
The discussion forum is a place for you to share ideas and information with like minded people. There are a range of topics to choose from including positions vacant, locums wanted and a classifieds section if you have something for sale.

To enter, go to the discussion forum and click on register then add your name, email address and password. Next time you enter, simply go to log on.

Click here to view forum

If you have problems registering, or would like to know more, email the public officer click here

During your first visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behaviour. An in-depth assessment is important to gain an overall picture of your health and specific condition. By asking a range of questions such as diet and eating patterns, digestion, sleeping patterns, location and nature of pain etc, a TCM practitioner can decipher the underlying cause of the problem, and decide on appropriate treatment.

It is important to inform your acupuncturist of any medications you are taking, as well as past accidents and injuries that may be of importance.

The practitioner will also take your pulse and may ask to look at your tongue. In some cases the practitioner will palpate areas of your abdomen and gauge the sensitivity to pressure of points known as alarm points. They may also check the relative heat & cold of different areas of the torso.

The practitioner will then insert the needles and commonly leave them in place for about 20 minutes.

Besides needling, the practitioner may use other techniques including -

Moxibustion - the acupuncture point is warmed using moxa (Artemisia vulgaris). This will be done with either a lighted moxa roll above the point, with loose moxa wrapped around the head of the needle or by applying a cone of moxa to the point.

Cupping - a vacuum is created in a cup which is applied to specific areas, most often on the back, causing light suction and relieving pain as well as treating conditions.

Chinese herbs - herbs may be prescribed to reinforce the acupuncture treatment. The herbs will be dispensed as freeze dried granules, pills or raw herbs.