Accupuncture!

[Heaven]

How much does an acupunture session usually cost?
Thinking of giving it a try, from what you girls have written it sounds really good. Does it hurt at all?

[Dominque]

Hi Sarah Jane,

My acupuncturist charges $35 a session.

No it doesn't hurt, you barely feel the needles going in at all. They put them in very quickly - its just bang, bang, bang and they are all in within 10 seconds.
Occasionally one of the needles might give you a quick little minor sting but it's nothing bad I promise!

Cheers,

Lisa M

[naturalwoman]

Hi everyone,

I've just stumbled upon this thread and am very interested in the experiences and questions presented.

I'm a Melbourne based Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal practitioner who specialises in women's health and am very interested in the experiences and perspective of women who access TCM services. It sounds like raved reviews from most of you.

To respond to some of your questions...

Average cost of AP consultations is between $50-$75. Some practitioners take longer, have more experience so charge more.

The best way to access a practitioner within your area is always by word of mouth, ask a friend.

You can also do a search on naturaltherapypages.com.au
I this event it is advisable to ask if they have experience in treating women health issues, pg, fertility (some specialise in musculoskeltal etc.treatments so are not so appropriate).

While not common to experience adverse reactions from AP it unfortunately does happen, the overwhelming treatment response is one of feeling calm and relaxed after the treatment . In the event of having a strong reaction it is best to contact your practitioner to discuss what might be done to assist you, you might need to be 'rebalanced'. I hoe that you don't get put off byit.

Hope that's helpful.

[Bathsheba]

Well I'm so inspired by this thread! I have an AP appointment booked for the 29th of March. My session will cost $50. It's at a new place in Melbourne Central, all the practitioners are approved. The therapist is going to try to help me with my thyroid issue I won't be buying any herbs, i've already decided. I just want to see the effect of the AP and the thyroid medication i have just started. I'll let you know how it goes!

[hugothehound]

I would just like to back up Lisa M's post about Bill Wong. He changed my life and is an absolute marvel. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is honest and if he can't help you, he will tell you. He is inexpensive, considering the results he gives on all manner of things ($35.00 per visit). I recently moved to Brissy and miss him terribly. I have never been so well in seeing him!

[iibb]

hi ladies, i have seen a few AP now and so far have no success. Bill Wong has been mentioned here a few times, i would like to give him a try. Can someone tell me if he prescribe herbal medicine or he only does needles? How long does each session last?

[hugothehound]

Hi iibb

Bill only practices Acupuncture and I found, having previously been on herbs with another practioner, that the acupuncture alone was enough. He will talk to you about it first and how long you would need to see him. If he can't help you he will say - he certainly doesn't string you along. Tell him about your past experiences. The thing with Bill and any acupuncture, it isn't a quick, instantaneous fix, so ask him how long it would be until you would expect results. He does alot with eating and not to eat certain foods that are too cold for the body etc. His sessions are about 45 mins to 1 hour and it is about $35.00 from memory. I can't recommend him highly enough. Good luck!

[iibb]

Thanks Hugothehound. I am concern having to take herbal medicine would cost a lot. I have seen AP which cost me 160 every week, 80 consultation 80 herbal powder. I persisted for three months with no result. It seems like Bill has a lot of experience. I am excited about giving him a go. Thanks again for your info.

[hugothehound]

Wow, that's alot of $'s - it wasn't Dr Lee in Kew you were seeing? I saw him before I was put on to Bill and yes, the herbs are expensive because they are all powdered. I have started seeing a lady up here in Brissy now who does acupuncture and herbs, but herbs that you have to boil yourself. Even then, I pay $45 for consultation and $50 if I get herbs! Plus it is claimable on health insurance (so is Bill by the way!) Can I ask what type of result you are hoping for? If it is pregnancy - I have sent three friends to Bill who were nearing 40yo and desperately trying to get pregnant. All conceived within 6 months. One of them Bill also gave some tablets (don't think it cost her) and these assisted - but he didn't do this for the other two. I truely believe that because I had seen Bill for about 2 years prior to conceiving (for other well-being stuff), I fell pregnant quite quickly and had a very easy, fuss free pregnancy, birth and recovery. I was 38 at the time. I put it all down to him and I haven't been back to a western doctor since - even for a cold I go and get acupuncture and some traditional herbs and it is gone within days! I know it sounds crazy, but truely somehow and for some reason it works for me! But you have to stick with it because I figure it is working from the inside out, rather than western medicine which fixes the symptoms of a problem. Let me know how you go - it can take a while to get into Bill and they will book three sessions in advance for you.

[hugothehound]

ps: the lady I see up here isnt a patch on Bill! I keep ringing him to ask if he knows of anyone up here! But, it is the best I can do for the moment!

[iibb]

The AP i saw is someone on St kIlda Road, i won't mention name here. Guess what! I made appointment with Bill. Won't get to see him until early Jan as expected.
We are TTC. I have irregular period. Was diagnosed with PCOS. I also have very bad PMS due to imbalanced hormone i think. Few weeks before AF i would feel nauseous, dizziness and fatigue. I have tried to seek help two years ago when i was working in Canberra. I saw a good AP as she managed to get my period to a normal monthly cycle but unfortunately we left Canberra before we were ready to ttc. She only did needles and moxabustion. I have not had any luck with any AP in Melbourne so far. Its interesting that not every AP have the right answer to one's problem and they do have a wide range of charge rate!