Welcome to Phoenix Wellness Centre and the world of Chinese Medicine

Using ancient Chinese wisdom to harmonise mind, body & spirit

Chinese Medicine has a long history, having been used in China for over 4,000 years. Chinese Medicine can be broken down into a number of branches including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, diet therapy and body movement, however all have the same goal; to harmonize the body for optimal health and well-being.

How can we help you?

Our patients contact us for a range of ailments, these include but not limited to:

How does acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine work?

In Chinese Medicine illnesses occur when there is a disharmony within the body, and treatment is to harmonize it using a variety of modalities.

How it works can be explained using the traditional theory of Chinese Medicine; Yin & Yang, Zang-Fu organs, Qi (“chee”) & Xue (Blood) and the Elements. With past, current and future research, it can also be explained scientifically in regards to the nervous system, brain-pituitary-hypothalamus system and hormones.

The Eastern explanation – When the needles are inserted into the points and stimulated, they affect the Qi or “Life Energy” that flows throughout the body. The Qi flows along pathways that run along the body known as “meridians,” like water running in a creek. However with emotional stress, poor nutrition and trauma, this Qi can become stuck, the way dams block the flow of water. This creates an imbalance within the body, which leads to illness. Acupuncture is used to regain that balance of Qi within the body.

The Western Explanation – Research has shown acupoints have a higher electrical sensitivity. When needles are inserted into these points a chain reaction begins, with messages being sent from the nerves, to the hypothalamic-pituitary system and the brain. This results in hormones such as endorphins, the body’s own pain-killing hormones, or serotonin which can help relieve depression, being released and for the body to relax. Other points have been shown to increase white blood cell count, which are an important part of the immune system

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is simply the combination of certain herbs, all of which have been prepared in their own way for maximum efficacy. A majority of herbs used are plant products; leaves, twigs, bark and flower, however there are some animal products that are used, such as animal gelatin, oyster shell and horn. In Australia there are very strict laws banning the use of herbal products containing endangered species,  and the animal products which are used have been farmed specifically to be used for herbal medicine. And if you are a vegetarian or vegan, it is very easy to prescribe a formula with no animal product. Some common herbs are ginger, cinnamon bark and twigs, chrysanthemum flowers and peppermint.

All herbs have active constituents or active ingredients. It's these active ingredients that give each herb its own individual usage, and why they must be prepared in certain way, to maintain a high concentration of these constituents. Some herbs such as pepermint have certain volatile oils, which can be destroyed with long term exposure to heat, so it's imperative that peppermint is not cooked for more than 10 minutes. Other herbs such as the White Mulberry Leaf, contains vitamins, proteins, copper and zinc.

Traditionally Bo He (peppermint) was described to clear wind-heat, soothe the throat, vent rashes and disperse Liver Qi stagnation. Now with research it is described to regulate the vascular function of the skin, inhibit local inflammation and alleviate pain, even inhibit certain types of bacteria. Sang Ye (White Mulberry Leaf) is used to clear wind, clear Lung heat, clear the liver and brighten the eyesight, but in today's terminology it is described as inhibiting certain types of bacteria, and lower blood sugar levels.