Acupuncture is a latin derived word meaning needle-puncture. Needle however is quite an inadequate translation because the "needles" used in acupuncture are not like the "needles" (syringes) used for injections. Acupuncture needles are 0.2-0.3 mm in diameter and can be compared to the width of a piece of hair. This is the main reason that acupuncture is relatively painfree. The majority of pain experienced during injections is associated with fluid being pushed into the surrounding tissue. 

Most patients find acupuncture very relaxing and many even fall asleep during the treatment. All needles used are sterile, disposable, and completely safe.

Acupuncture is an extremely effective way to treat muscular aches and pains, sports injuries and degenerative problems.  Acupuncture not only provides pain relief, but it encourages the natural healing process in your body. 

Acupuncture is a vital tool in todays atheletes, with most professionals utilising this antient medicine.  It can reduce muscle spasm, increase circulation, reduce swelling, reduce bruising, and heal tissue.  It is also great for breaking down calcification, healing tears, reducing lactic acid build up and helping muscle recovery.

Most treatments will include Tui na (traditional chinese massage) as well as acupuncture, and recommendations for stretching or exercise therapy will be discussed.

Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can also improve an athletes vitality and reduce fatigue. 

Chinese medicine has been used in the treatment of gynaecological problems for approximately 3000 years.  The first recorded Chinese herbal formulas for the treatment of infertility dates back 2250 years.  In 200BC China had already formed medical specialities, with gynaecologists referred to as Ru yi (breast doctor) or Nu yi (women's doctor). 

Western medicine was introduced into China in the late 1800's and today is practiced side by side with Chinese medicine.  In China medical practitioners are trained as western doctors who can specialise in Chinese herbs, acupuncture or tui na (massage).  They incorporate western tools such as blood tests, x-ray, MRI, CT and occasionally drug therapy. 

Even though doctors are trained in western and Chinese medicine, herbal medicine still remains the most used and effective medicine for women's health.  

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Threatened miscariage

Unexplained infertility

Oedema/ Swelling

Low Sperm count

Nose bleeds

Mouth ulcers

Acupressure for labour

Skin eruptions / Acne

Dizziness

Initial consultations: Diagnosis is made by a detailed examination including: visual inspection, abdominal palpation, questioning about diet, lifestyle,  digestion, bowel movements, respiration, urination, energy levels, emotions, sleep, menstruation and medical history.  A basal body temperature chart will offer information about hormones, length of follicular and luteal menstrual phase as well as the Traditional Chinese diagnosis.  Other investigation tools such as ultrasound and blood tests may be used as well as referrals to GP's or Gynacologists.
Treatment usually includes acupuncture, moxabustion as well as chinese herbs and dietary recommendations.

Follow-up consultations: Involve follow-up evaluation of signs and symptoms, treatment as above and evalutation of BBT chart.
 
At Newstead holistic medicine, we recognise the importance of both medical systems and often refer to western doctors as well as initiating communication with our patients GP's or specialists.


Health funds
Health fund rebates may apply - be sure to ask at time of booking - and most people receive $20- $30 back, depending on their health fund and cover.  After your consultation you will be given a receipt which you send to your health fund to receive your rebate.

Generally speaking, acupuncture as most people know it, is rarely used for children, as most are scared of needles. However, did you know there is a great style of acupuncture especially for children? It is called Shonishin.

Shonishin is a Japanese style acupuncture that was developed for children 250 years ago, using the 2000-year-old theories from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Treatment involves specialised techniques using various blunt Shonishin tools for touching, rubbing or massaging along the acupuncture meridian and surface of the body. It is painless and does not frighten children. Actually, most little patients love this style of acupuncture.

Although, it is a very gentle technique, it can resolve symptoms quickly. The delicate skin and tissue of children transmit changes to the body very easily and creates faster healing than in adults, while using very small amounts of stimulation. The treatment not only resolves the symptoms, but also increases children's vital energy and strengthens their immunity.

Because children respond very quickly, treatment takes no more than 30 minutes with an initial appointment of 45 minutes for diagnosis. To improve results, children are sometimes prescribed herbal medicines, to support the treatment.

Usually, Shonishin treatment is applied to children aged one month to 10 years old, once or twice a week, for a few weeks, depending on the condition, or once a month for general well being.

Rebecca Maitland
Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine
BHSc (Acupuncture)

Rebecca is qualified in Acupuncture,
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Tui Na (Traditional Chinese Massage).

Rebecca opened Newstead Holistic Medicine in 2002.  She has worked in hospitals in China as well as along side Medical Doctors, Nutrition medicine practitioners and other health professionals in Australia.

Rebecca has completed a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she has specialised in Musculo-skeletal / sports injury and women’s health. Rebecca is registered with Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).

Rebecca's specialties are:

• Women's health
• Menstrual disorders
• Fertility
• Pregnancy
• Post-natal disorders

Jay Kho
M.A. Medical course of Oriental Medicine
B.A. Medical course of Oriental Medicine

Jay has 9 years experience working as an oriental medicine doctor in Korea including: 2 years experience in Dae-Jeon University hospital; 2 years experience with Orthopedic doctor and Chiropractor in a muscle and joint pain clinic; 2 years experience as a university lecturer; 5 years experience as an advisor to KBS TV health program.

Jay is registered with the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).

Jay's specialities are:

• Sports injury
• Aches & Pains
• Quite smoking
• Alcohol addictions

Chiemi Kinoshita
BHSc (Acupuncture)

Chiemi joined Newstead Holistic Medicine in November 2006. She completed her Bachelor of Health Science through the Australian College of Natural Medicine in 2006.

She has worked extensively with Jiang Man, a renowned Brisbane based Tradional Chinese Medicine Professor.

Chiemi is trained in both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and has completed an internship with a gynaecology acupuncturist in Japan. 

Chiemi is registered with the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).

Her specialities include:

• Maintenance of general health and well being
• Menstrual Problems
• Premenstrual tension/syndrome
• Infertility
• Paediatrics (Children from 1 month to 10 years)

Robert Shaw

BHSc (Acupuncutre)

Robert has recently joined Newstead Holistic Medicine and brings to the clinic experience in massage therapy and treating musculoskeletal injuries, stress, fatigue and digestive disorders.

Robert has completed his Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) through the Australian College of Natural Medicine.

Robert has a background in Natural Health and health consultancy with experience in nutritional support, dietary advice and body composition.

Robert is registered with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.

His specialties include:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Digestive Disorders