Benefits of Chinese Medicine:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of primary health care that uses natural therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, remedial massage (tuina), diet and lifestyle advice and preventative health care.

Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as it does on the treatment. It effectively treats a wide range of chronic and acute health problems.

• Period Pain
• Infertility
• Menopause
• Headaches/Migraines
• Fatigue
• Stress and Anxiety
• Sports Injuries
• Shoulder, Neck and Back Pain
• Respiratory Disorders e.g. Common Cold
• Digestive Problems
• Health & Wellbeing
• …….And many more

The TCM Theory

According to TCM theory, when a person is healthy, an abundant supply of qi (pronounced chee) or "life energy" flows through the body's meridians (a network of invisible channels through the body). If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there is an inadequate supply of qi, then the body fails to maintain harmony, balance and order, and disease or illness follows. This can result from various factors in our lifestyle such as stress, overwork, poor diet, disease pathogens, weather and environmental conditions. Through enquiry and observation, TCM practitioners look carefully for these signs of health and dysfunction, paying particular attention to not only the presenting condition, but also the medical history, general constitution, and the pulse and tongue.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body's meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the individual. The acu-points that are selected for treatment are based on the diagnosis of the practitioner following a TCM consultation. It strengthens the function of the internal organs and restores the body’s natural healing and immune abilities. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including moxibustion, cupping, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of qi.

Herbal Medicine

In addition to providing effective treatment for a wide range of health disorders, Chinese herbal medicine may also be used to assist with general health maintenance and disease prevention. By strengthening & enhancing normal body functions, the immune system is boosted & a general sense of well-being promoted.

Cupping

Cupping increases blood supply to the muscles, thereby relieving pain & stiffness. It internally moves blockages, and corrects internal imbalances.

Oriental Massage

Oriental massage is both relaxing and therapeutic & is useful for muscular tension & general wellbeing. It focuses on specific points to enhance blood flow and energy to the muscles to stimulate the body to naturally heal itself. Various massage techniques are employed to provide a relaxing & therapeutic experience.

Dietary Advice

TCM believes the diet should consist of a wide variety of foods and in moderation rather than strict diets or fads. It is believed that all foods possess a particular nature (ie. Cold, Hot, Sweet, Sour, etc) that can impact on our body. A TCM practitioner may advise the patient to avoid certain foods (that may aggravate their condition) and eat particular foods (that will improve the condition).

Moxibustion

It is often used with acupuncture and is a form of heat therapy. It involves the use of a particular dried herb that is lit and applied over the acupuncture point. This has a pleasant and deeply penetrating therapeutic effect. It speeds injury recovery by supplying strength and nourishment to the body, dispersing coldness, pain and dampness. It also moves the flow of Qi and blood to remove obstruction and blockages.

Specific Chiropractic’s TCM Doctors:

CATHERINE RUSSO – Lower Templestowe

Catherine Russo has completed a double degree in Bachelor of Applied Science Human Biology and Chinese Medicine at RMIT, and completed her clinical internship at the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital in China.

As a qualified doctor of Chinese Medicine, Catherine provides her patients’ with the following treatment methods; Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui na (TCM remedial massage), Cupping, Moxibustion, electro acupuncture, Diet Therapy and lifestyle advice.

Catherine is dedicated to providing primary healthcare to her patients that is both natural and effective. She offers professional advice and effective treatments, whilst providing her patients with a warm and welcoming environment. Following the principles of TCM, Catherine provides a safe and holistic approach to healthcare by restoring balance in the body and to help facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

She has a special interest in the treatment of Women’s Health, Musculoskeletal Pain and Digestive Problems.

Catherine Russo is a professional Doctor of Chinese Medicine. She is registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria and is an accredited member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association.

QUALIFICATION DETAILS

BAppSc (Human Biology) n Biology)
BAppSc (Chinese Medicine)
Clinical Internship (Nanjing China)

ReRegistration with CMRB and AACMA

RENEE HIBBS – Pascoe Vale (Acupuncture only)

Renee Hibbs studied at a tertiary level for 8 years at both RMIT University and Victoria University where she received her Bachelor of Health Science in Chinese Medicine, majoring in Acupuncture. During this time she volunteered with various professional football teams within the AFL, professional basketball teams within the NBL and amateur rugby league, Australian rules football, netball, lacrosse, and rowing teams. Renee has been fortunate to be able to practice overseas giving her much exposure to various health complaints that responded very favourably to acupuncture. Since relocating back to Australia, Renee has a special interest in working with patients needing treatment for stress, insomnia, sporting injuries, cosmetic acupuncture and women’s conditions.