FAQ’s

Acupuncture FAQs Melbourne

Do you have a question?

You will find the most commonly asked questions about the clinic and Acupuncture FAQs Melbourne here.

Appointments - Riccarton Medical

CLINIC FAQs MELBOURNE

Do you consult online?
Absolutely, we offer online consultations. Simply book your Initial Online Appointment for 60minutes. Return Appointments can be booked as 60 or 30 minute intervals.

Can you do Acupuncture online? What does the Online Consultation Involve
Ilana has devised an excellent online consultation experience that her patients adore. It involves a Chinese medicine diagnosis, Chinese herbal prescription (if needed, herbs cost extra), a prescriptive acupressure solution that Ilana will talk and relax you through plus affirmations and guided meditation.

Where do I park?
There is free off street parking available on Rathmines Street, Fairfield.

What are your prices and do you offer health fund rebates?
Please find the list for treatment prices, and related information here.

Which payments are accepted?
Charges are settled on the day of appointment. Cash and card accepted. 

Do I have to go elsewhere for my herbs or supplements?
No. Ilana prescribes nutritional supplements and has a full traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine dispensary. Conveniently, your herbs and supplements are dispensed on the premises. 

How often do I need an appointment?
Ilana will explain to you how often and when you will need your appointments. Of course this is dependent on your condition. Acupuncture treatment requires regular appointments. Usually once weekly but it depends on the condition. Ilana will explain a tailored treatment plan with frequency of recommended treatment. Chinese Herbal Medicine appointments are less frequent. The initial first and then second appointments may be one to two weeks apart. Quick Scripts is a once off appointment. Chinese Herbal Medicine appointments for fertility and Women’s health tend to be every 1 to 2 weeks depending on the person and condition. 

Is it confidential?
Yes, completely. No-one has a right to this information without your consent. 

ACUPUNCTURE FAQs MELBOURNE

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by allowing the Qi (vital force) in your body to move freely again. In Chinese Medicine, we say that stuck Qi causes pain and unwanted physical signs and symptoms. By allowing your Qi to move at its optimum level, you feel better physically and emotionally. Scientifically, Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate pain by releasing endorphins which are pain-blocking biochemicals. It can influence the cellular matrix of connective tissue, stimulate regions of the brain which correlate to specific acupoints. This means enables your body to restore balance.

Are you a registered practitioner?
Yes, Ilana is a fully qualified practitioner of Chinese Medicine. She holds a strict code of ethics and accountability. She is registered with the Australian CMRB and is a member of ATMS. For more about Ilana Sowter, Doctor of Chinese Medicine go here.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes. As long as you are being treated by an experienced Acupuncturist who is a member of a government approved regulating body. You can be assured that they have completed thorough training, experience and understanding in relevant medical and Chinese Medicine theory. She is registered with the Australian CMRB.

Are the needles sterile?
Yes, the needles are taken from a sterile blister pack. They are disposable, sterile and single-use only. 

Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very fine and are rarely felt when inserted. Some people report a strange sensation such as a slight numbness, dull ache or a tingling sensation. Interestingly, these are signs that the needles are connecting with your Qi. 

Will I need to get completely undressed?
No, you will only need to expose the parts of your body where the needles are inserted. It is recommended to wear comfortable and loose-fitted clothing. 

Do I need to be sick to have acupuncture?
No, Acupuncture is a form of preventative medicine. So Acupuncture can be used for wellbeing and relaxation. Many people have Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs to feel young, in balance and healthy. 

Do I need to do anything before treatment?
Be on time so you can relax; it is preferable to make sure you have had some food and water before your Acupuncture session. 

Will I need to do anything after treatment?
Acupuncture affects people in different ways. Some feel a little light-headed or tired after their first treatment, and others feel invigorated. I recommend patients try to relax to gain full benefit from their treatment in the next 24-48 hours. Drinking lots of water and herbal tea will help this.

Will you be able to help me cut down on my medication?
It depends on what you are taking, and the reason you are taking it. This will only be done in conjunction with your GP.

Chinese Herb Acupuncture FAQs Auckland

CHINESE HERBS FAQs

What are the benefits of taking Chinese herbs?
Chinese Herbs may help you get a quicker result than just Acupuncture only. Ilana uses the highest quality and safety Chinese Herbs from Koda in Taiwan. They are easy to use, with the right formula you can return the body to balance sooner. Read more about Chinese Herbs.

What do the herbs taste like?
It depends! Sometimes okay, sometimes not so great! Most patients say that after a few times they become accustomed to the taste. Some of them even like it because they can feel the wellbeing benefits from taking herbs.

FERTILITY FAQ’s

What does Fertility Acupuncture do?
It aims to diagnose, rebalance and improve your health to support a good, healthy pregnancy. Learn more about a Fertility Consultation with Ilana here. Pre-conception care treatment starts 3-6 months before you want to start trying. Pre-conception care can support you to have a healthy, thriving baby.

How often do I require treatment for Fertility?
Usually once weekly to fortnightly. Dr. Ilana often sees patients fortnightly for Acupuncture with a two-week herb prescription. Treatment is timed around the period and ovulation. She can also refer and recommend Fertility Specialists as appropriate should you need a good referral.

What do I bring to my first treatment?
Please bring any medical reports or blood tests that will aid an accurate diagnosis such as ultrasounds, blood tests and x-rays.

Do you only treat fertility? What about other conditions?
Ilana is experienced in supporting many other conditions beyond fertility. Such as pregnancy support, musculoskeletal, immunity, pain, digestion, both mens’ and womens’ health. Please contact Ilana if you would like to find out more.

IVF FAQ’s

I have already started my IVF Cycle, is it too late to start?
No, you can start Acupuncture support at any time. The best time to start is 3-6 months before you start your IVF cycle.

Does my husband need Acupuncture too?
Ideally both man and woman have treatment. As an egg and sperm make a baby, it is important for both parents to be in good health. 

How many treatments will I need?
There are many variables so it depends. Ilana considers your previous history and health condition. If you have a history of infertility, I suggest weekly for 3-6 months prior to your IVF Cycle. Each individual varies, please ask if you are unsure.

Do I need to eat well?
Yes, think of your baby as a seed. You need to plant it in nutritious soil. The seed requires the right conditions to grow. If its parents were healthy then it’s likely it will be healthy. Thus it will grow well and you give it the best start to life.

I need to lose some weight, what is your opinion on this for fertility?
I prefer my patients who need to lose weight to focus on being healthy. For example, by drinking water and herbal tea to enjoying a nutritious and varied wholesome diet. Exercise regularly and being good to yourself helps too. Then continue to stay healthy throughout pregnancy and not gain too much weight. Pre-conception care begins three months before you want to start trying for a baby.

Can you help reduce high FSH levels?
Acupuncture can balance symptoms such as hot flushing, night sweats and dryness that are associated with high FSH levels. Chinese Herbs can also be immensely supportive. 

PREGNANCY FAQ’s

Can I have Acupuncture if I’m pregnant?
Yes. It is completely safe to have Acupuncture when you are pregnant. Ilana has years of experience in private practice with fertility and pregnancy patients. Please make sure that Ilana is aware that you are pregnant or are trying to conceive. For birth preparation and labour induction Acupuncture, the best time to start is usually at 36 weeks. Please ask Ilana if you are unsure when to start. For many women, pregnancy is a wonderful and cherished time. However, for some it can be draining, physically challenging and very uncomfortable. Pregnancy-related symptoms can dramatically affect the quality of life of a pregnant woman.

I am pregnant! How often should I have acupuncture?
Congratulations, that is wonderful news! The frequency of Acupuncture depends on your history and presentation. For women who have a history of miscarriage, weekly Acupuncture is recommended with Chinese Herbal support. Women who have had previously healthy pregnancies may only need Acupuncture fortnightly for wellbeing, sickness prevention and relaxation. Did you know Acupuncture may help with general health complaints in pregnancy? Such as back & pelvis pain, fatigue, swelling to stress. Even in the last trimester, Acupuncture can support the body to prepare for a natural labour. It can help turn breech babies and can even get labour going if you are overdue.

Are you experienced in treating pregnant women?
Yes, Ilana has been treating pregnant women with Acupuncture and Chinese herbs for over 9 years. She is passionate about inspiring and supporting couples who are trying to conceive or who have conceived, and to ensure you have the best possible health during pregnancy.

How does Acupuncture help?
Acupuncture helps to reduce stress, regulate hormones, block pain receptors, improve blood flow and maintain homeostasis.

When do I start Acupuncture birth preparation and labour induction?
In preparation for birth, Acupuncture is recommended from 36 weeks gestation, weekly for 3-4 weeks. Treatment focuses on  softening the cervix, relaxing and softening the ligaments, regulating the hormones and reducing stress. Did you know Acupuncture may help start labour? It can encourage and progress labour, once the due date is reached. Once overdue, Ilana will work out a frequency of treatment to support spontaneous labour.

What does the Acupuncture plan consist of?
Everyone is different, but most women feel an improvement in their symptoms after the first session. Up to six sessions may be required, depending on the particular problem presented. Treatments are usually scheduled weekly depending on your presentation.

You’re in good hands

Ilana is a fully qualified and registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner, who practices Acupuncture in Fairfield, Melbourne.

What next?

Contact Ilana on 03 9005 6730 or info@femmevitalacupuncture.com to book.

Online consultations available for international clients.

Copyright © 2021 Ilana Sowter · All Rights Reserved

Appointments - Riccarton Medical