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“Good health is your most valuable asset”

 
“Acupuncture is like anything, you won't see the value in it until you really need it, then it's like, how did I function without it before”

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WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is the practice of placing small sterilized single-use needles into acupuncture points in the body to promote healing. Acupuncture needles are fine and flexible and no bigger around than a human hair or piece of thread. These acupuncture points are linked together in pathways called “meridians”. Meridian pathways run throughout your entire body. Energy (Qi) flows within these pathways. Meridians are like rivers bringing Qi to every cell, tissue and organ system within your body. (insert body photo) The Qi flows in a specific way throughout the body from one meridian system to another. A blockage or imbalance of Qi in one meridian system will affect everything else downstream -similar to how a dam affects the flow of water in a river.

The stresses of daily life, physical trauma, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. (insert flowerpot photo). A blockage of Qi energy is like a kink in a hose.
 
Imbalance and blockages in the distribution of Qi can bring on ill health. By stimulating selected acupuncture points on the body, an acupuncturist is able to balance Qi. When Qi is balanced and flowing freely, then the body will be able to heal and function normally. The organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as intended. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own health.

Acupuncture

WHAT IS CHINESE MEDICINE?

Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated and prevented illness for over twenty-five centuries, providing a unique and comprehensive form of healthcare. Chinese Medicine can enhance recuperative power, immunity and the capacity for pleasure, work and creativity.

It is one of the world's oldest continuously-practised forms of wellness care (inset History of Chinese Medicine photo)

East meets west
Chinese Acupuncture and herbal medicine have extensively had clinical trials and is an evidenced-based medicine. Taking people's 21st century busy lifestyles, Chinese Herbal Medicine looks at their symptoms to determine their underlying root problem and work on a treatment plan that addresses this in a holistic way. 

The main objective is to bring about a smooth and harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body. When all the parts of the body are nourished with Qi and blood then the body will be well and functioning normally. After a thorough patient intake has been performed, a diagnosis of disharmony in the body is made. This is called a pattern of disharmony which identifies the organs systems out of balance and where the Qi and blood is not moving freely through the meridians. A treatment principle and plan are then developed with herbs and points and other therapies that might be needed to address the pattern of disharmony and return the patient to health.

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Is a discipline of Chinese Medicine that uses plants and other herbs in the treatment of disease and/or the maintenance of health and wellbeing. These medicines may be ingested or applied topically. The herbal prescriptions can be dispensed in a variety of forms; capsules, granules, pills, liquids or liniments. Currently in Australia, around 450 herbs are used in Chinese Herbal Medicine practice. In addition to Chinese Herbal medicine, various dietary supplements may also be prescribed to enhance, rehabilitate and promote health and harmony. All herbs used are quality tested and suppliers must comply with strict TGA and GMA standards.

AURICULAR (EAR) ACUPUNCTURE

Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture is the stimulation of acupuncture points on the external ear surface. Auricular acupuncture is used for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in other areas of the body. The ear holds a microsystem of the whole body. Tiny sterilized single-use acupuncture needles (or tiny vaccaria seeds on plaster), are placed on the outer ear surface to stimulate a corresponding part or organ. Alcohol and drug addiction points can be stimulated in the ear this way. I have been trained at the Lincoln Recovery Center, by Dr Michael Smith, a medical doctor at the Lincoln Hospital in South Bronx area of New York, who developed the NADA protocol by modifying an existing system of auricular acupuncture for the treatment of many common drug addictions as an alternative to methadone. His selection of ear points proved to be extremely effective in the treatment of addictions and has become what is now referred to as the NADA protocol. An acronym for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association founded by Dr. Smith in 1985, who was interested in promoting the integration of the protocol in the treatment of addiction. Auricular acupuncture has also been used for a wide range of ailments most notably on returning soldiers from active duty in Afghanistan for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and pregnant women for back pain. Auricular therapy has a wide application for care, which could help you understand why points may be selected on your ear during your treatment.

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY

Myofascial trigger points are easily identified as painful areas in a muscle. These microscopic changes occur in muscle fibers causing them to contract and chronically shorten. These points are a major cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain in some sports injuries, trauma, and postural issues. You may have heard the theory "where it is, it ain't". Meaning you might have a pain in an area of your body but it is actually tender and coming from a different place in your body. Often trigger points can be leftover from previous injuries which have not completely healed. When needled they may cause a muscle twitch. These points in Chinese Medicine are traditionally known as ìashiî points. Trigger point therapy is needling these painful areas to improve Qi and Blood circulation to the trigger zone, relaxing the taut muscle band and releasing the surrounding fascia. We incorporate trigger point therapy in an acupuncture treatment to get better results.

DRY NEEDLING

Dry needling is the insertion of needles into myofascial trigger points or knots in the muscles. To a well-trained and registered acupuncturist these points are called ìashiî points and when used during an acupuncture treatment they can produce an effective result in reducing pain, myofascial tension and restoration in musculoskeletal function. Chinese medicine and acupuncture treat the body as a whole. There is no separating the body into injured parts or separate organ malfunctions. The concept of health in Chinese medicine is based on energetic balance resulting from harmony of all systems, all functions and all relationships internal and external. The aim is to restore Qi and blood flow through all parts of the body so the whole person can gain homeostasis and balance. Dry needling should not be painful or cause any lingering discomfort, and when done in combination with a comprehensive acupuncture treatment, the whole body is stimulated to self-heal: mind, body and spirit- making dry needling more effective and long-lasting. Usually, 4 sessions are sufficient to judge whether a response is likely for muscle trauma caused by strain, injury or direct impact, such as sporting injuries.
NOTE: Dry Needling Should only be done by an AHPRA registered acupuncturist (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), who has completed 4 years of full-time extensive training in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, follows strict infection control standards, and is professionally insured. Many practitioners doing dry needling will have only completed a short weekend course in how to insert needles.

ELECTRO ACUPUNCTURE
(SPORTS MEDICINE)

Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles. It can restore health and wellbeing and is particularly good for treating pain. It is considered to be especially useful for conditions in which there is an accumulation of Qi, such as chronic pain syndromes or in cases where the Qi is difficult to stimulate. 

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion - (Moxa) is the burning of a Chinese herb called Mugwort. Mugwort has a very warming property and when it is safely burned by a registered acupuncturist, and held close to the body it becomes very effective for moving blocked Qi and blood, and restoring balance and flow. According to the principles of Chinese Medicine, illness and pain are caused when Qi and blood are not moving freely. Moxa and acupuncture needles move the Qi and blood and effectively reduce pain in the body. Moxa can be used on its own or in combination with acupuncture needles in order to regain a patient’s ability to maintain dynamic homeostasis and wellness. (picture)

CUPPING

Cupping is the placement of suction glass or plastic cups on the surface of the body in order to move blocked Qi and Blood and assist with reducing pain in the body.

ACUPUNCTURE POINT INJECTION THERAPY

Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy involves the injection of small amounts of saline solution BP, or sterile water BP, into acupuncture points or trigger points just under the skin. Saline is an isotonic solution containing the same salt concentrations as our cells, blood and interstitial fluid. In cases of chronic illness or acute injury the interstitial fluid may become congested with the waste products of inflammations from injured tissue, preventing the efficient nutrient and waste product transfer between the cells and the bloodstream. The injection of saline may improve the quality of the interstitial fluid allowing nutrient and waste product transfer between the cells and bloodstream to occur efficiently again. Saline, being pH neutral, may have its own particular effects on alkalizing local connective tissues, optimising conditions for the body’s own self-healing mechanisms. Acupuncture point injection therapy does not simply suppress or mask pain, but rather prompts the body to treat the cause of the pain via self-healing mechanisms. The solutions used for AIT in Australia, are Saline BP and sterile water BP. The letters BP following the name signify that it complies with the British Pharmacopoeia, the reference standard for medicines in Australia. The latest research shows that the injection of saline into trigger points may be just as effective as injection substances such as anaesthetic, steroids and other strong drugs. The research also concludes that saline is a safe treatment. Because isotonic saline is pharmacologically inactive it carries none of the risks inherent with other pharmaceutical or herbal medications. Ït relieved symptoms when used as a sole treatment for patients with chronic head, neck, shoulder and back pain or whiplash syndrome…..( Scott, et al 2009)

INFRARED HEAT

The clinic may administer the use of an infrared heat lamp during an acupuncture treatment. The heat moves the Qi and blood in the deeper muscle layers and softens, or loosens, the fascia that surrounds muscles and organs that may be tight and in spasm. By relaxing the muscles and fascia, the Qi and blood are able to flow freely. This reduces pain and improves a wide range of symptoms. The majority of our patients typically feel more comfortable during their acupuncture treatment when the heat lamp is administered.

ABOUT US

On Point Acupuncture Brisbane provides acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and other complementary treatments to the greater Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions.


 

 

Katie Haynes

Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist

M.Sc.Oriental Medicine (Acup), B.Sc. (Acup), B.Ed

​

“My purpose is to help as many people as possible to become healthy without unnecessary medications or surgeries that have side effects”.

 

I am an AHPRA registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner with full registration in

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. I was trained at the Florida College of Integrative Medicine, Orlando, Florida, in 2006 and practised as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine in the state of Florida, USA for 8 years. I have over 16 years experience in the acupuncture field including auriculotherapy and Chinese Herbal medicine.

 

Having travelled to various countries and worked as an International Elementary teacher, I experienced the benefits of natural therapies firsthand and found my passion for Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

 

Good health is your most valuable asset

 

Specific Experience 

  • Actively practiced Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 16 years.

  • Co-owned and co-practised with a western medical doctor, in a clinic in Florida for over 6 years. Our clinic, "The Medical Holistic Center", treated patients with both a western and eastern medical approach.

  • Trained and worked at the Lincoln Recovery Center Hospital, The Bronx, NY, with Dr. Michael Smith, MD, using the acupuncture NADA protocol. This acupuncture protocal is used for drug and alcohol addictions, successfully replacing the normal use of methodone for recovering crack cocaine and heroine addicted patients.

  • Auricular Therapy training with internationally recognised Dr William Huang, Havana, Cuba

  • Extensive training with Dr Richard Tan in the Balance Method, Orlando, Florida

  • Worked 3 years with a highly regarded Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Herbalist, Dr HaiLing Fu, Florida

  • Acupuncturist, focusing on infertility and IVF support at FertilityCare IVF Clinic, with Dr Trolice, specialist reproductive endocrinologist, Orlando, Florida

  • Acupuncturist, focusing on Cancer Support, Bloomhill Cancer Center, Budrim, QLD Australia

  • Specialised Acupuncture Oncology training for cancer support, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Hospital, Houston Texas

  • Reiki masters training, Dharamsala, (Himalayan mountains), India

  • Qigong teacher training certification, Orlando, Florida

  • Sivananda Yoga teacher training at the  Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas

About Us

HARNESS YOUR BODY'S NATURAL HEALING!

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