Acupuncture works by tapping into the nervous system and increasing circulation around the body, creating a sense of homeostasis through restoring balance. Any imbalances that occur may result in disorders related to pain, insomnia, digestive complains, stress and emotional distress, cold and flus as well as fertility complaints. By influencing the nervous system, the body can work as one to enable repair so that the body can function at its optimal state for adequate health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture causes a sensation rather than pain. When you have acupuncture, the sensations that are described are, dull aches, tingling, warmth and much more. These feelings are appropriate to the treatment as they indicate to the patient and practitioner that the needles are working within the treatment.

The needles that we use in an acupuncture treatment is less than a millimetre thick. They are NOTHING like blood test or immunisation needles. Personally, the needles that I use are 0.22mm (thick) X 30mm (long).

In Australia, we have high quality control, which makes all the products used in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine of the highest quality. These needles are sterile, single use, stainless steel needles that have been tested time and time again.

Simple answer to this question is yes. Bleeding and bruising is commonly seen in acupuncture as you are inserting an object into the body. Through years of training and practicing over 300 acupuncture points on the body, you cannot avoid this from happening as everyones body’s and their structural placement is different, making it a possibility of bleeding and bruising. Please note that if bleeding occurs from acupuncture needles is rarely an excessive amount and is nothing to worry about.

Acupuncture can assist with many health concerns. Some concerns that patients seek acupuncture treatments for relief is:

- Pain Relief and Management

- Stress Chronic pain related to depression

- Emotional feelings related to anxiety

- Regulation of hormones through stress relief

- Nausea, pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy, digestive disorders and chronic illnesses

And much more.

Due to everyones individual nature, genetic structure, lifestyles, chronicity of injury/illness, age and many other personal factors, the period of time that acupuncture may take to facilitate with each individual concern will vary. For the first three weeks we recommend obtaining 1-2 treatments per week to see if acupuncture is the right treatment for you and your condition. Some patients see immediate results, whereas others (generally more chronic issues) can take up to or more than 8 treatments to start seeing results. Generally

speaking, for acute conditions it may take between 3-6 treatments and more chronic conditions may take between 8-15 treatments.

Again, YES! Acupuncture AND Chinese medicine work well when they are integrated into western medical care. Common illnesses that acupuncture is used for to promote the natural functions of the body and its remodelling and healing mechanisms is:

- Managing stress to promote the effect of blood pressure medication

- Managing pain, nausea, stress and other symptoms whilst undertaking cancer care/ treatment

- Relaxing the body, managing pain, fatigue and stress related to some autoimmune diseases

- Assist regulate hormones to help manage symptoms of menopause, fertility treatments and hormone medications

Depending on your cover in your health insurance, yes you can! We have a HICAPS terminal in the clinic to process your claim on the spot.

After your treatment we recommend you take it easy, meaning not to much strenuous exercising or moving, drinking plenty of water and have a meal to stay energised.

We offer a wide variety of massages here at Coastal Wellness Cottage. We offer, myofacial, relaxation, remedial, pregnancy, postnatal, and much more.

Massage can help you with a range of concerns such as:

• Aches and Pains

• Tight muscles and tendons

• Promoting relaxation and mental support

• Stabilising blood pressure and lower the stress hormone cortisol

• Improving sleep

• increasing blood and lymphatic circulation

and much more.

Apart from pure relaxation, there should be no other side effects! Occasionally if your body hasn’t been in a relaxed state for a while, you may feel a bit sleepy after your treatment.

Once we book you in via out online system, you will receive an intake form to fill in before your appointment. This is to inform us of your concerns before you arrive. Once in the clinic for your appointment our massage therapist will take you into the treatment room and start your consultation. Here we will talk to you for 10-15 minutes about your concerns, medical and health history and discuss what your goals are in regards to treatment. From here we will make some notes and inform you on how to get ready for your massage. From here you will receive a divine massage where your mind and body can truly relax.

After your treatment we recommend you take it easy, meaning not to much strenuous exercising or moving, drinking plenty of water and have a meal to stay energised.

Depending on your cover in your health insurance, and the practitioner, yes you can! We have a HICAPS terminal in the clinic to process your claim on the spot.

Please note that Sarah Munro is the only practitioner who takes private health rebates at Coastal Wellness Cottage.

Your first session is all about making you feel comfortable, building rapport and laying the foundations for a trusting therapeutic relationship. You’ll be invited to share your story as well as your expectations for therapy and your therapeutic goals.

Counselling can help with all manner of emotional turmoil and mental ill-health. Whether you’re living with a long-term formal diagnosis or just going through a difficult stage in life, counselling can help you to:

* better understand why you feel the way you do

* feel validated and understood

* learn different ways to cope with your feelings or condition

Unfortunately, we do not have any therapists that take mental health care plans at the cottage

Our counsellor Kate accepts some private health funds. For more information on this, please contact her directly.

That depends on many factors, such as your commitment to your healing process, the severity of your mental illness/situation, your willingness to employ the recommended strategies, medication compliance and more.

That’s very individual. I would suggest taking some time out for yourself to reflect on and process what you’ve just shared and what you may have learnt.

Counselling can bring about new ways of thinking and new ways of behaving so it’s important to give yourself permission to let it all sink in first.