First Visit FAQs

  • The distinctive nature of Chinese medicine is rooted in a holistic and individualised approach to healthcare.

    Please complete your new patient and consent forms before arriving at your initial appointment. These will give you some idea of what we will discuss. We will chat about what brought you in, what your treatment goals are, and make a specific treatment plan.

    Treatment is also included in an initial appointment involving relevant acupuncture, guasha, cupping, moxibustion and/or herbal medicine.

  • After booking your initial appointment online, you will be prompted to complete the new patient intake forms.

    These forms are comprehensive and need to be completed at least 48 hours before your appointment.

    By gathering as much information before your initial appointment we can maximise our time together.

  • Please send through any relevant test results before your appointment.

  • Please wear light loose clothing so you are comfortable and can relax during your treatment.

  • Please eat around 2 hours before your treatment so you are not hungry nor full.

    Make sure you do not come on an empty stomach.

  • Yes there is, down the driveway behind East West Clinic there is a patient car park including disabled parking. There is a wheelchair ramp on the side of clinic.

Acupuncture FAQs

  • Acupuncture is rooted in the traditional Chinese medical theory that a healthy body is governed by the smooth flow of vital energy called “qi” (pronounced “chi”) through channels called meridians. Illness and health issues manifest when the flow of qi is disrupted.

    Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into potent points along the meridians to restore flow of qi and improve overall health.

  • Most of us associate needles with pain. Acupuncture needles are 10x thinner than an average needle used for a blood test (hypodermic needle).

    Each person experiences needling differently. Some people don’t feel anything, others feel a slight prick or pinching sensation as the needle penetrates the skin. This sensation should fade within a few seconds.

    Once the needles are in, there can be a dull, warm, tingly or heavy sensation around the needle, however this isn’t painful. Almost all patients feel a great sense of relaxation during treatment and it is common for patients to even fall asleep.

    Emma takes great care and is highly trained to minimise pain so if you are uncomfortable at any time let her know so she can make adjustments so you can relax.

  • If you are needle phobic, don’t worry we’ve got you!

    If you’re hesitant to try acupuncture but are considering dipping your toes in the water, then we can explore a needle or two so you can see what they feel like. Once demystified, most people find acupuncture a pleasant and relaxing experience (see “Does acupuncture hurt?”).

    If needles are absolutely not your thing and you don’t want to try then Emma can still help you! There are less or non-invasive treatments that do not involve needles: moxibustion, cupping, guasha, acupressure and herbal medicine.

    Your safety and comfort is of utmost importance, and Emma will take care of you!

  • Many studies have been published concluding that acupuncture is a safe medical practice provided it is administered by a properly trained practitioner.

    Emma is registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA)/Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an acupuncturist, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner and Chinese medicine dispenser. She is also a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).

  • Side effects are uncommon, but can include bruising and soreness around the needle insertion site, dizziness and fatigue. These side effects are mild and tend to pass quickly.

    One of the reasons why Emma does a comprehensive and detailed consult is to minimise the risk of any side effects.

    Please ensure you tell your acupuncturist if you are on anticoagulants, pregnant, hungry or thirsty, or feel unwell.

  • The number and frequency of treatments varies depending on the details of your condition.

    Treatments will often be more frequent in the beginning and taper off to a ‘maintenance phase’.

    During your first consultation, Emma will discuss a treatment plan with you including treatment frequency and duration.

  • Yes, acupuncture is covered by private health insurance however the level of coverage depends on your private health fund.

    Please contact your provider to ask details about your personal coverage.

  • Emma supports symptoms associated with fatigue, stress, sleep issues, women’s health, fertility, digestive conditions, chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, mental health, and more.

  • Acupuncture is very low risk during pregnancy. There are select acupuncture points that are contraindicated and will never be used during pregnancy.

    Emma is highly trained to keep you safe and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Chinese Medicine FAQs

  • Chinese herbal medicine has been around for over 5000 years. It primarily includes plant material and some preparations include mineral and animal materials.

    Chinese herbal medicines contain powerful bioactive compounds that can act on the body like pharmaceutical drugs do.

    In Australia, all ‘practitioner-only’ Chinese herbal medicines are listed in the Australian Therapeutic Goods Register and undergo strict testing to check for heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, or other impurities.

  • Yes, absolutely. Provided you inform Emma of your dietary requirements in your new patient forms or during the consultation, she can ensure that your herbal prescription aligns with your dietary needs or preferences.

  • Provided you inform Emma of the western medications you are taking, or due to take, she can ensure the lowest possible risk for any interactions between these two medicines.

  • The time it takes for herbal medicine to work varies depending on the specifics of the patient's condition.

    During your first consultation, Emma will discuss a treatment plan with you including a possible timeline for results.

  • Herbal medicines come in different forms. At Cove, Emma stocks granules, powders, pills, and capsules.

    Raw herbs are not kept on site, however can be specially ordered for you.

  • Unlike acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine is rarely covered by private health insurance however some do.

    Please contact your provider to ask details about your personal coverage.

Cosmetic Acupuncture FAQs

  • Cosmetic acupuncture focuses specifically on your skin goals. It is a safe and natural approach to slow the signs of aging and treat other facial conditions.

    The insertion of very fine acupuncture needles causes ‘microtrauma’ to the local tissue, signalling to the body to increase blood flow to the area. This kickstarts the increase of all the elements our skin needs such as collagen, elastin, and lymph.

    A cosmetic acupuncture session includes a full Chinese medicine assessment.

  • You should be able to notice results immediately after each appointment.

    Generally, Emma recommends at least 10 sessions to achieve best results. Results are cumulative, and each treatment builds momentum so twice weekly sessions are advised.

    After that, less frequency ‘maintenance’ treatments ensure your results last.

    Cosmetic acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese medical theory therefore is highly individualised. During your initial consultation Emma will create a unique treatment plan for you to achieve your skin goals.

  • Unlike other cosmetic treatments, cosmetic acupuncture is very low risk during pregnancy. Select body acupuncture points are contraindicated to use during pregnancy and will never be used.

    Along with treating your skin, other symptoms of pregnancy can be addressed such as heartburn, anxiety, bloating, sleep disturbances, etc.

    Emma is highly trained how to keep you safe and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

  • Yes, cosmetic acupuncture is covered by private health insurance, however the level of coverage depends on your private health fund.

    Please contact your provider to ask details about your personal coverage.

  • Yes, absolutely.

    Emma’s work compliments injectables such as botox and filler by addressing and maintaining the secondary facial muscles, reducing the metabolism of botox and/or filler, which extends the time between injectable treatments.

  • No, Emma selects points on the body to address your concerns holistically. This means that alongside your facial results, you may notice improvements in digestion, sleep, anxiety, and more!

  • After your initial cosmetic treatment protocol of approximately 10 sessions, the frequency will taper off into a ‘maintenance’ phase of once or twice monthly treatments to elongate your results.