FAQ

To ensure a comprehensive and tailored consultation, please ensure you complete your New Client Intake Form prior to your Initial Consultation, and forward us copies of your latest pathology tests, medical scans, and other relevant medical documents.

Yes absolutely. In Papaya we often have patients seeing our TCM practitioner for acupuncture, then supported with tailored Western Herbal Supplements given by our Naturopaths to use in conjunction. This combination benefit the patient population we see often in clinic.

As AHPRA registered healthcare modality, you can claim private health fund rebates for your TCM and Acupuncture services at Papaya.

However TCM is not covered under Medicare.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the sensory receptors on the skin. Signals are sent from these activated sensory receptors along nerves up to the brain. This has an overall effect on the signals that are then sent from the brain to manage the body systems and respond to pain. 

Research has shown that acupuncture directly affects the hormonal and nervous systems, increasing endorphins, decreasing stress hormones and regulating the nervous system. Acupuncture may help to treat pain by increasing the pain inhibitory pathway that suppresses pain signals sent from the body to the brain. By stimulating the local area, acupuncture also regulates the inflammatory response. This may explain its effect on tissue healing and the down regulation of immune mediated responses involved in conditions such as in arthritis, asthma, hayfever and autoimmune conditions. 

Research has also found that moxibustion, a technique often used in combination with acupuncture, increases the production of red and white blood cells. This may help to explain its positive effect on regulating the immune system and improving fatigue related conditions.

Acupuncture is commonly used to improve overall health and vitality, leading to an improvement in a variety of symptoms. Some of the reasons people come to our clinic for acupuncture includes musculoskeletal pain, menstrual disorders, pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding support, fertility support, digestive disorders, stress and mental health and respiratory illness.

Yes, acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and registered acupuncturist. The needles used are very thin, sterile and single-use. Side effects are uncommon but may include mild bruising in the area, mild bleeding, dizziness and fainting. Your practitioner will make every effort to prevent the occurrence of side effects, including making sure you have eaten prior to your session to prevent fainting.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during acupuncture. The needles are extremely thin—much thinner than needles used in other medical settings—and are gently inserted. Some people feel a slight tingling, warmth, or pressure at the insertion point.

The number of sessions depends on your condition and overall health goals. Acute issues may improve in 3–5 sessions, while chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment. Your acupuncturist will create a personalized treatment plan during your initial consultation which includes the expected frequency duration of treatments. This will take into account the number  of sessions required for symptom reduction and prevention of symptom recurrence.

During your first acupuncture session, you practitioner will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and assess your overall health. You will then receive a customized treatment using fine needles or non-inserted tools placed at acupuncture points to restore balance in your body and relieve symptoms. Most people find the process relaxing and therapeutic and very calm and centered afterwards.

Yes, acupuncture is generally considered safe to receive during pregnancy if administered by a registered acupuncturist. Our practitioners are highly experienced in treating women during pregnancy, in fact, it is something we are known for! Some herbal medicines and acupuncture points are not generally used during pregnancy, so it is important to tell your acupuncturist that you are pregnant prior to receiving acupuncture. This way they can make the appropriate changes to your treatment plan. At Papaya we have a unique integrative approach to perinatal and postnatal care (Link to perinatal and postnatal program). Acupuncture is often used in this program to assist with symptoms in pregnancy including morning sickness, fatigue, brain fog, emotional wellbeing, musculoskeletal pain, breech presentations and labour induction.

Yes, it is safe to receive acupuncture treatment during your period. In fact, acupuncture is often used by women to manage period related symptoms such as pain, PMS or PMDD. Your practitioner will always check with you prior to providing treatment whether you are menstruating or not. This allows them to tailor the treatment to suit the stage of your menstrual cycle that you are in and make modifications for comfort during menstruation. 

Acupuncture is often used to assist in the management of chronic pain. Research has shown that acupuncture can regulate the nervous system and may increase the activity of the pain inhibitory pathway in the nervous system. This may be the mechanism via which acupuncture leads to reduced sensation of pain and increased functioning in individuals managing chronic pain symptoms.

Acupuncture can be helpful in injury recovery by increasing the flow of Qi and blood to the injured area. This promotes tissue healing and may lead to a fuller recovery. By regulating the nervous system, acupuncture may reduce pain and inflammation in the local area to prevent further damage occurring due to sustained inflammation or injury compensation.

Many people seek out acupuncture when dealing with insomnia. Acupuncture calms the nervous system, reducing feelings of stress and assists with emotional regulation. This may help with stress-related insomnia. As acupuncture also regulates the endocrine system it may have an effect on the sleep-wake cycle and assist in improving insomnia due to other causes. Therefore if you are struggling with insomnia, acupuncture may be able to assist you in achieving longer and higher quality sleep.

Many people report feeling increased energy and vitality after receiving acupuncture treatments. This may be due to its effects on the endocrine or nervous systems, increasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones. With chronic fatigue syndrome,  TCM practitioners will focus on understanding the cause of your fatigue, and strengthening your body to increase your energy stores. For example, many people experience chronic fatigue when their digestive system is not able to metabolise and make best use of the food they are putting into their systems. By improving the ability of your body to make energy, your energy stores increase and you may experience a reduction in chronic fatigue symptoms. Your practitioner may also recommend herbal medicine that is used to tonify Qi and increase your energy.