Clinic charges
Medication charges

What Is Acupuncture?

It has been the main form of medicine that has been practiced in China for the last two and a half thousand years. Very fine needles are placed into points on meridians (channels) which releases blockages & regulates body energies thereby healing the organs and restoring body harmony.

Number Of Treatments

A course of acupuncture in China usually consists of 10 treatments. In this clinic we have found that 3-4 treatments combined with Herbs and/or Homeopathic medicines are often enough to bring about marked improvement. However, some conditions such as endometriosis, advanced arthritis and some long standing conditions require more treatments. Many people will feel an improvement after one treatment and others after 2-4 treatments - please give us feedback about how you feel. Advise us if you have a cold/flu, stomach upset or other acute symptoms, and we will treat the acute condition.

If you prefer not to have acupuncture, advise your practitioner.

What Sensations To Expect

Most people are surprised that acupuncture is so painless. For those who choose not to have acupuncture it is possible to have good results with Herbal and Homeopathic Medicines only, a combination with acupuncture will speed the healing. Meher Clinic only uses disposable needles.

Laser

This could be described as a form of needleless acupuncture and is very suitable for children and hypersensitive patients. We use laser a lot for spinal pain, joint pain and clearing sinuses. It increases the blood flow to the area being treated and stimulates the normal cell division to a higher rate which shortens the healing time.

Back And Neck Problems

Acupuncture is excellent for these problems and can give long term relief and is well suited to be given in conjunction or following treatment from your Chiropractor/Osteopath.

Herbal Prescription Medicine

This medicine is individually formulated to help your symptoms and re-balance your body. It is usually a dark coloured mixture and is dispensed in 200ml, 300ml, 400ml or 500ml bottles.

The usual adult dosage is 5ml two times a day, this is a very safe dose. Larger doses are sometimes necessary. If you have trouble taking a medicine twice a day then take a larger dose(say 10ml) once per day.

It is best to take these herbal medicines on an empty stomach, at least 15 minutes before or 30 minutes after meals. If your schedule is busy and you find that this is just not practical you can take the medicine close to your meals - IT WILL STILL WORK! The best way to take the medicine is to dilute with water or fruit juice and follow with a water or juice chaser. Dark grape juice is reported to be one of the best juices to mask any bitter taste (we can add herbal flavouring if you require). These medicines are generally taken for at least two months and can be taken for an extended period.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO STOP YOUR HERBAL FORMULATION (not your Homeopathic) IF YOU CATCH A COLD, FLU, STOMACH FLU OR ACUTE VIRAL/BACTERIAL INFECTION - RESUME WHEN SYMPTOMS ARE GONE. If your herbs are for Ross River Fever, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or given for a specific viral or bacterial infection then DO NOT STOP.

Homeopathic Medicine

This is an energic medicine that is added to small pills(sucrose base) or 20% alcohol or distilled water. There are two main types of prescribing:

• Physical Diseases And Imbalances - These remedies are effective in helping most acute and chronic conditions and may have frequent repetition.
• Mental-Constitutional - Remedies that exactly match your emotional/mental make up. Generally given in high potency for short period with infrequent repetition. We recommend that all children are diagnosed and given a constitutional medicine. This can have a marked affect on health for the rest of their lives.

How To Take Homeopathic Medicines

They are best taken directly under or on the tongue 5 minutes or more away from tooth paste, coffee, food, strong perfumes/aromatherapy. This is not so important if you are taking frequent doses. If you are taking occasional doses then it is best to observe the restrictions and take medication away from anti-doting substances. It is best to rinse your mouth clean with water if there is any doubt. The drops can be diluted and the pills dissolved in water and swallowed. The number of pills or drops does not have to be exact. How often the medicine is taken is more important.

Acute

The best way to achieve a good result for acute problems such as an insect bite, blocked sinuses, allergic reaction or asthma etc. is to repeat the medicine 2-3 times at 5-10 minute intervals.

HH HERBAL/HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES are both HERBAL & HOMEOPATHIC and have properties of both. They are more robust than Homeopathic remedies, therefore you do not have to be as careful with antidoting substances but some care should be taken. All HH medicines can be taken if you have a cold or flu or infection except the HH Energy Formula and FGC Formula.

How To Take - Place 7 drops or prescribed amount into 5-10ml of water and swallow.Up-end(not shake) bottle a few times before use.

If you are taking herbal and homeopathic medicines or HH herbal/homeopathic medicines try to take 5 minutes apart - they will however still work if taken close together.

Practitioners

Ros and Roy Hayes work as a team. Sometimes you will be treated by one or the other. This is necessary to increase the capacity of the clinic, otherwise you may have trouble making an appointment.
RECEPTIONIST/DISPENSER: Helen Jackson and Jayna Higgins.
MASSEUSE: Jayna Higgins or Nicole Verwey-Baker will give a 10 minute therapeutic and stress soothing massage at the beginning of treatment, unless you would prefer not to have it.

You do not need an appointment to obtain more of your prescribed remedies - just come in clinic hours and purchase over counter. It will save you time and help our staff if you can phone, or fax before picking up medicines. You can also phone, fax or write if you want us to post the remedies.

Approximate costs:

• First Diagnosis :Adults total charge including diagnosis, Homeopathics and Herbs - about $130 - $180
• First Diagnosis :Adults total charge including diagnosis, Homeopathics and no Herbs - about $90 - $120

Most Private Health Funds now cover consultation and treatment rebates for Acupuncture, some cover prescribed Homeopathic and Herbal medicines.

Pensioners / Health Care Card Holders/ Seniors Cards:- Discount of 10% on Diagnosis/Treatments and 10% on medicines.

Nine Concession Treatment appointments and Two Concession Full Diagnosis appointments are available in any week to help people who genuinely cannot afford normal clinic charges. The charge for these concession appointments is $32 plus pensioner rates on medications. Ask if you need this assistance.