The Living Room
Coogee's Health & Healing Centre
Acupuncture, Shiatsu & Chinese Herbs with Tom Crooks
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
One of the main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, single-use, sterile needles into specific locations in the body. These locations, called acupoints, lie on the meridians, which are a network of energetic pathways that connect the functions of the internal organs to the broader functions of the body.
It is believed that by inserting acupuncture needles into prescribed locations on these pathways, the body’s homeostatic functions are activated. As the body returns to its natural state of equilibrium, there is no longer a place for illness or disease.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture is generally a pain-free experience, with the desired response to needling being a numbness, heaviness or tingling around the insertion point. That said, there are varying methods and techniques that relate to differing styles of acupuncture, some of which involve deeper insertion and stronger needle manipulation, with others being shallow and extremely gentle. Thomas’s primary concern is the comfort and wellbeing of each of his patients and as such, he is committed to ensuring that each patient receives the treatment that they need.
How long does a session last?
How many sessions will I need?
This is completely dependent on your condition, whether it is acute or chronic, as well as factors such as your age and constitution. During your first session, Thomas will discuss what he feels is an appropriate course of treatment with you. A common course would last 6 sessions.
What else is involved?
Thomas may use a combination of any of the following, as required: Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, electro-acupuncture, gua sha and shiatsu. Please ask Thomas about these adjunct therapies when you book your treatment. Chinese Herbs Why Chinese herbs? Chinese herbal medicine is a highly developed branch of TCM, in which natural ingredients are combined in specific ways to address the multitude of complaints and symptoms that patients present in clinic with. While there are many traditional formulae in use in modern practice, the beauty of this modality is that formulae can be modified to each individual’s specific requirements. This kind of personalised treatment is one of the main strengths of Chinese herbal medicine and TCM in general. Say for example, that you came to the clinic to address your insomnia, but that you also suffered from anxiety, lower back pain and poor concentration. The formula you may be prescribed would address all of these symptoms, not just your main complaint. Thomas’ priority in practice is the treatment of the individual and not just the disease. Chinese herbal medicine is a wonderful way of doing this. How do I take them? There are a number of ways of taking herbal medicine. Thomas works with two in particular as he has found them to be most effective in the modern Australian environment. Granules. This is the most superior method of consumption. In this method, the herbal formula is decocted in a traditional method from raw herbs, then dried and added to cornstarch to make a powder. The powder is consumed once mixed with a small amount of water. Thomas has found this to be the most successful and manageable method of consumption. The potency of the pharmacological agents is high and the formula is rapidly absorbed by the body. Capsules This method is also effective, but is less potent than the granules. Herbal formulas are powdered and made up into capsules. Absorption is relatively fast. The strength of this method is in the fact that the capsules are tasteless! You can benefit from thousands of years of clinical practice by taking herbal medicine that still has astonishing relevance in today’s health care community. Acupuncture Shiatsu Chinese Herbal Medicine GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Member AACMA Member No 2346 M: 0401322061 Please click here to view Tom's consultation times.
Herbal medicine is generally taken 2 or 3 times daily, with modifications made by Thomas as required.
Fee Schedule
Initial consultation (60 min) $100
Follow-up consultation (60 min) $80
90 min $110
60 min $90
Consultation (15-30 min) $50
Chinese Herbs Between $10-$30/week
Health Fund Rebates available
WorkCover treatment available
E: tom@thomascrooks.com.au
W: www.thomascrooks.com.au
Level 1, 62 Carr St, Coogee NSW 2034
info@thelivingroomcoogee.com.au
Content copyright . The Living Room. All rights reserved. Contact Us.