Canberra Acupuncture Initial Consultation

Canberra Acupuncture
Written By Riccardo Galeotti

What do you expect at your initial consultation with Canberra Acupuncture?

This blog is about your initial consultation with Canberra Acupuncture at The Body Lab

  1. What to expect

  2. Chinese Medicine theory

  3. Safety of Acupuncture

  4. What can Acupuncture treat

  5. Does Acupuncture hurt

  6. Duration of your session

  7. What is included in your initial consultation

  8. Private Health insurance rebate

  9. Registered Health Practitioner

    What do you expect at the initial consultation with Canberra Acupuncture?

    Your initial appointment at Canberra Acupuncture (The Body Lab) is about gaining a deep understanding on your current medical situation and a thorough understanding of your medical history. This is mostly obtained via our online booking system which can be found here or can be completed at your first appointment. If you can complete this form online, it will save time in your initial visit and allow more time for treatment.

    Once your medical information has be analysed and assessed, we will have an in-depth discuss of your medical issues and gain insight into your situation. Having a nice chat and discussion that maps out each patients’ individual needs and concerns is very important to me. This is what is missing in modern health at the moment - listening and understanding how the disease has affected you. The assessment from a Chinese Medicine perspective begins immediately you enter the clinic by the observation of your posture, speech and physical appearance. Chinese Medicine is applied philosophy and is very different to Western Medicine in terms of how it views and treats disease.

    Depending upon each patient’s individual needs and the duration of disease, and in-conjunction with a discussion of your condition, I will assess two vital regions of the body - the pulse and the tongue. The pulse provides an immediate snapshot of the body’s function and process. This is measured in several ways at my finger’s tips - strength, width, length, flow, rhythm and speed. Each quality of the beat of the pulse provides clues and information about how the body is functioning. The tongue on the other hand is providing historical medical information. This is measured via the colour, width, coating, shape, size and overall quality of the tongue.

    The pulse and tongue provide a framework which in-conjunction with the medical information and discussion, enable the formulation of a comprehensive, and holistic treatment.  This provides you with both a prognosis and tailored treatment plan.

    My goal is to help you achieve your health goals.

Canberra Acupuncture Theory and Effects

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Classical Chinese medicine, created over the past 2000 years, by observing nature and human beings. In Classical Chinese medicine there are 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways or meridians that carry Qi; Qi (electrical signals via the nerves) is the vital life energy that flows through our bodies. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine hair-thin needles in certain points or areas of the body. In Australia the needles must be sterilised and disposable.

When our Qi or energy is balanced and flowing smoothly, we are in good health. Problems arise when our Qi gets stuck, blocked, burnout or become deficient in energy that we may start to see specific health issues manifesting, such as pain, or a physical or emotional disharmony. When this imbalance occurs, the acupuncture needles activate specific nerves to allow the energy to flow and affect the nerves at the chosen acupuncture point. The point chosen is based on the points function and combined influence on other points that help to bring the Qi back to health and harmony, allowing the body to heal itself. Most of the acupuncture points are on the primary channels, the image of lines covering the human body, that are depicted on Chinese medicine charts.

The treatment plan will adjust the energy, the structure, or the physiological function. In the design of the treatment plan, I select the acupuncture points and needles that are consistent with the treatment selection. We also use acupuncture manipulation techniques to reduce or eliminate pain and achieve better results. Acupuncture is also excellent when used as preventative medicine. If you already feel great, acupuncture can be used to maintain your body health and to keep you strong.

Is acupuncture safe?

In Australia, the needles must be single use, sterilised and disposable only, so there is little risk of contamination. Acupuncture is a safe procedure when treatments are administered by a licensed professional, who is accredited and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)/Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA).

Does acupuncture hurt? 

I must be honest and say that the needle does hurt sometimes.

It depends on the nature of your disease and what we are trying to achieve with the needles and treatment. I use a needle gauge of 0.18 to 0.50, depending on the length of the needle. The longer the needle the wide the diameter of the needle so it won’t break. But they are all not much thicker than a hair. In comparison, hypodermic needles (needle used for injections or to draw blood) are around gauge 15 and upwards.

The needle choice is difference for each practitioner and the situation. With any needle insertion, you may notice a sensation of heaviness, tingling, redness, itching or the movement of energy along the channel pathway. You must also be aware that as with any needle insertion there is a chance of bruising or blood loss. Duration of your session

Duration of your session

The duration of Your initial session is primarily focused upon discussing your concerns and symptoms with you. This can take between 45-75 minutes; this is not accounting for the form completion. Depending on how the disease has manifested, the needle treatment will require insertion for at least 20 minutes. This is the time period it takes for Qi to move around the entire body in one cycle. There are times when the treatment maybe shorter or longer, depending on the nature of your condition and how it manifests.

What included in your initial consultation with Canberra Acupuncture

I believe we must be realistic in terms of the differences in what Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine has to offer in terms of assessment and treatment approaches. Accordingly, I will be assessing your body differently, depending on the nature of your condition. In the physical examination I would include a postural, muscular and visual analysis, movement examination, including gait analysis, specific joint by joint biomechanical analysis, pulse and tongue assessment and Chinese medicine channel palpation.

If you have internal disharmony, hormonal, metabolic or neurological, then the Chinese medicine assessment and treatment would be more practical and applicable with the emphasis of pulse, tongue, and questioning. If you have more external disharmony, pain or muscle related issue, I would perform neurological or muscle-based testing in-conjunction with Chinese medicine assessment.

This approach creates a consistent, methodical and repeatable examination process, which combines an anatomically based clinical auditing process. It allows a standard operating system to provide objective assessment from both a western and Chinese perspectives. This provides the client with the power of assessment to avoid confusion and provides a framework to identify the most effective treatments.

Private Health insurance rebate

Acupuncture at The Body Lab is covered under all private health insurers, however, the extent of the rebate you will receive is determined by the type of comer you have selected.

Registered Health Practitioner

Acupuncturist is a registered title in Australia and it is illegal to practice acupuncture or any health modality unless a practitioner is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) (https://www.ahpra.gov.au/). You can search the AHPRA databased here. I am fully qualified and registered with AHPRA without any restrictions to practice acupuncture in Australia.

 More information on making an appointment can be found here

Previous Post

Featured
Core Training vs Core Strengthening: Training Comes Before Strengthening—Here’s Why
Riccardo The Body Lab
Core Training vs Core Strengthening: Training Comes Before Strengthening—Here’s Why
Riccardo The Body Lab

Core Training vs Core Strengthening: Why Training Comes Before Strengthening

Most people think core exercises are all about crunches and planks. But here’s the kicker: if you skip core training and dive straight into core strengthening, you might be doing more harm than good. Core training focuses on retraining your deep stabilisers—like the transversus abdominis and pelvic floor—to work in harmony. It’s the foundation you need before building strength.

Research shows that poor core activation can lead to pain and injury far beyond your back, from dodgy knees to plantar fasciitis. At The Body Lab, we combine science-backed techniques and personalised assessments to ensure your core works with you, not against you.

Coming soon: Our Core Training and Strengthening Program—perfect for clients wanting pain relief and therapists looking to upskill.Let’s fix your foundation, one step at a time.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Acupuncture for Pain Relief in Canberra
Riccardo The Body Lab
Acupuncture for Pain Relief in Canberra
Riccardo The Body Lab

Discover effective, drug-free pain relief with acupuncture at The Body Lab in Canberra. Our experienced practitioner, Riccardo, combines Classical Chinese Acupuncture with advanced biomechanics and movement therapy to treat conditions like migraines, neck pain, back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Signs of a Foot Problem and How to Address Them
Riccardo The Body Lab
Signs of a Foot Problem and How to Address Them
Riccardo The Body Lab

Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent foot problems in this comprehensive guide. From common conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma to the best exercises for foot pain relief, this article offers expert advice on maintaining foot health. With tips on self-diagnosis, when to seek medical help, and the best treatments based on scientific research.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Relieve and Prevent Back Pain
Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Relieve and Prevent Back Pain
Riccardo The Body Lab

Strengthen and stretch your back to prevent and relieve back pain with targeted exercises like Cat-Cow, Piriformis Stretch, and Nerve Flossing. These research-backed stretches improve spinal flexibility and relieve tension. Whether you’re managing sciatica or general discomfort, these exercises are effective for building a healthy, pain-free spine.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Get Your Hips Pain-Free
Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Get Your Hips Pain-Free
Riccardo The Body Lab

Improve your hip flexibility, strength, and mobility with targeted exercises to reduce pain and prevent injury. Strengthening the muscles around your hips, such as the glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors, helps support healthy movement and relieves discomfort.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Improve Your Posture
Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Improve Your Posture
Riccardo The Body Lab

Improve your posture and reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain with expert-recommended exercises. Discover effective posture-correcting movements such as planks, wall angels, and thoracic extensions to strengthen core muscles and improve spinal alignment. These exercises, backed by scientific research, help balance your centre of mass, enhance mobility, and prevent future posture-related issues.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Get Your Feet (and Stay) Pain Free
Riccardo The Body Lab
Exercises to Get Your Feet (and Stay) Pain Free
Riccardo The Body Lab

Discover effective foot pain relief exercises to strengthen weak arches, prevent plantar fasciitis, and improve overall foot health. Learn expert-recommended stretches and movements that boost flexibility and mobility, backed by scientific research.

Riccardo The Body Lab
How Gait Analysis with Riccardo Helped Me Overcome Chronic Pain
Riccardo The Body Lab
How Gait Analysis with Riccardo Helped Me Overcome Chronic Pain
Riccardo The Body Lab

How Gait Analysis with Riccardo in Canberra Helped Me Overcome Chronic Pain Discover how Riccardo’s gait analysis and movement assessment in Canberra provided long-term relief for foot, knee, and back pain. Learn more about this personalised approach to chronic pain management

Riccardo The Body Lab
Time for a Rebrand – Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Pain?
Riccardo The Body Lab
Time for a Rebrand – Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Pain?
Riccardo The Body Lab

Struggling with heel pain? Discover why ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ might be a misdiagnosis and learn effective treatments for Plantar Heel Pain. Find out how movement therapy, Canberra acupuncture, and biomechanics can help you get back on your feet at The Body Lab.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: Which Treatment is Right for Your Pain Relief?
Riccardo The Body Lab
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: Which Treatment is Right for Your Pain Relief?
Riccardo The Body Lab

Let’s settle this once and for all: dry needling and acupuncture may look similar (they both involve thin needles and occasionally some wincing), but they’re as different as yoga and weightlifting. Riccardo from The Body Lab does both.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Your Teeth and Hormones: The Unexpected Connection That Affects Your Smile
Riccardo The Body Lab
Your Teeth and Hormones: The Unexpected Connection That Affects Your Smile
Riccardo The Body Lab

When you think of your teeth, hormones probably don’t pop into your head. But if we look closely, there’s a fascinating relationship between your hormonal health and those pearly whites.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Hammer Toes: Why Your Toes Are Acting Out (and How to Fix Them!)
Riccardo The Body Lab
Hammer Toes: Why Your Toes Are Acting Out (and How to Fix Them!)
Riccardo The Body Lab

Let’s talk about hammer toes – no, not the kind you use for DIY projects, but those pesky bent toes that feel like they’re on strike

Riccardo The Body Lab
Not Just Needles: A Whole-Body Approach to Healing at The Body Lab
Riccardo The Body Lab
Not Just Needles: A Whole-Body Approach to Healing at The Body Lab
Riccardo The Body Lab

Not just needles: When most people think of acupuncture, they imagine needles—lots of them. And sure, acupuncture is a big part of what I do, but it’s far from the whole picture.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Excessive Drooling? Let’s Talk About It: The Chinese Medicine Perspective in Canberra
Riccardo The Body Lab
Excessive Drooling? Let’s Talk About It: The Chinese Medicine Perspective in Canberra
Riccardo The Body Lab

Excessive Drooling? Let’s Talk About It: The Chinese Medicine Perspective in Canberra

Riccardo The Body Lab
Understanding the Spine and Spinal Load: How Misalignment Affects Stress and How You Can Fix It
Riccardo The Body Lab
Understanding the Spine and Spinal Load: How Misalignment Affects Stress and How You Can Fix It
Riccardo The Body Lab

The spine is not only essential for movement but also for distributing the load throughout the body.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Discover the Healing Power of Canberra Acupuncture at The Body Lab
Riccardo The Body Lab
Discover the Healing Power of Canberra Acupuncture at The Body Lab
Riccardo The Body Lab

Welcome to The Body Lab, where we invite you to embark on a transformative journey of healing and rejuvenation. We offer a holistic approach to wellness, helping you restore balance and harmony to your mind, body, and spirit through the ancient practices of Chinese Medicine @ Canberra acupuncture.

Riccardo The Body Lab
Seeking Relief from Headaches? Acupuncture and Cranial Sacral Therapy May Be Your Answer
Riccardo Galeotti
Seeking Relief from Headaches? Acupuncture and Cranial Sacral Therapy May Be Your Answer
Riccardo Galeotti

In my clinic, I often combine cranial sacral therapy with acupuncture to provide holistic headache relief, addressing both the root cause and the symptoms.

Riccardo Galeotti
Riccardo Galeotti https://www.thebodylab.au
Previous

Pre-Birth Acupuncture
Next

Back Pain vs Sciatica - Canberra Acupuncture Approach