Happy Chinese New Year everybody. I hope the Year of the Water Dragon brings much health, happiness and prosperity to you all.
I am phasing out this website and have migrated across to my new one, www.chinesemedicinesydney.com. The site has a new look and fully functioning blog and shops. Feel free to get in touch with me there through the contact form.
All the best,
Tom
Everybody knows that juggling a busy work, family and social life often brings an unwanted guest – stress! While stress is not an illness, it can be a cause of many significant diseases.
When you find yourself under pressure, a natural stress reaction occurs. This ‘fight or flight’ response signifies that you have recognised external factors are impacting you and that you are preparing to deal with them. Changes occur in the secretion of hormones that raise your heart rate and blood pressure, dilate the airways of your lungs and blood vessels of your heart and decrease the activity of your digestive and immune systems. These changes also increase your mental alertness as well as the availability of blood glucose which can be rapidly converted to energy. This is all very useful if you have a single stressful situation to deal with. The dilemma though, is that with excessive or long-term stress your exposure to these chemicals can allow serious health issues to arise. Psychological and cognitive problems such as anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, insomnia, forgetfulness and depression can occur. Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, digestive problems, fatigue, weight changes and menstrual problems can develop. Stress is seen as a causative factor in serious health conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
The good news is that Chinese medicine can help!
An individual diagnosis will assess imbalances according to Chinese understandings of qi (energy) and blood, of yin and yang as well as of the functioning of your organs. For instance, Chinese medicine would commonly see some Liver involvement, and perhaps a diagnosis of ‘Liver Qi Stagnation’ in someone suffering from stress. Treatment using acupuncture and herbal medicine and perhaps shiatsu is used to restore healthy flow of Liver qi and blood, thereby reducing your particular symptoms – warding off the development of serious disease. Dietary and lifestyle coaching is also offered. Further to this, the act of giving yourself an hour out of your week to care for yourself and your health carries with it many intangible benefits!
Once your stress is under control, regular acupuncture treatment and/or herbs are wonderful ways of maintaining a healthy balance and keeping stress at bay.
Throughout August and September I am offering an introductory special at Radiance – 20% off your initial acupuncture consultation. Call the clinic on 9247 4633 or email tom@thomascrooks.com.au to book your appointment.
Hi all,
On Wednesday 31st August we are having an Open Day at the Radiance Healthcare Centre! From 10-11am there is a healthy high tea, where you can meet and chat with the practitioners and enjoy healthy morning tea snacks and organic herbal teas. There will be a happy hour on product prices and even some prizes! Our naturopaths will be conducting complimentary cellular health tests and our skincare specialist will be offering free skincare analysis. I will be offering complimentary Chinese medicine diagnosis and short shiatsu treatments. Bookings for these are filling up quickly, so if you are interested contact the clinic on 9247 4633 to book yourself in.
The clinic is located at Level 4, 261 George St, just opposite Australia Square and a moment's walk from Wynyard.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Tom
Hi all,
I have officially started working at Radiance Healthcare Centre in the Sydney CBD. The clinic location is:
Level 4, 261 George St
It is directly across from Australia Square and right next to Suncorp Place - perfectly located for you to get to easily! If you haven't come in for a treatment for a while, this is the perfect time. I have two special offers through August and September to mark the occasion!
1. Book 4 sessions (acupuncture and/or shiatsu) and get the 5th one free. This is a great idea if you are interested in a course of treatment to resolve a particular condition or complaint you might have.
2. For each client you refer who books a session, you receive 10% off your next session.
Take advantage of one or both of these deals to help resolve issues such as neck & back pain, stress management, menstrual irregularities, fatigue...the list goes on!
All the best,
Tom
After spending over 3 years practising acupuncture at The Living Room in Coogee and more recently in the multi-bed community acupuncture style, I have decided to move on. This type of practice has a great deal to offer the community and I look forward to revisiting it at some point in the future. Many thanks to Nat and Rod and all at The Living Room for their support over the years.
I am really excited to join the Radiance Healthcare Centre which is on Level 4, 261 George St, right opposite Australia Square. The Radiance Centre also offers Scientific Naturopathy with two very experienced naturopaths - Catherine Pritchard and Rebecca Warren, who I feel very privileged to be working alongside.
My main areas of focus at the centre will be resolving musculoskeletal disorders, pain management and stress reduction. And not to mention the whole swag of other conditions Chinese medicine can successfully treat!
I will be in clinic Wednesdays and Fridays and I have a few introductory specials to offer! I'll post these up to the blog in my next post.
I look forward to seeing you there.
All the best,
Tom
Patients sometimes ask about the ingredients used in the Chinese herbal medicines that they are prescribed in their consultations. The questions point to a perception within the broader community that certain plant and animal derivatives are used in Chinese herbal medicine that are sourced using unethical and illegal practices. Ingredients such as bear bile are used illegally by some Chinese herbalists. This type of practice is not supported by the majority of Chinese medicine practitioners and the Endangered Species Certification Scheme (ESCS) is a testament to this fact.
The ESCS is adminstered by The Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA), which is the industry's peak representative body. It is funded by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC). Practitioners, traders, researchers and educators are taking part in this scheme in increasing numbers, making it very clear where their loyalties lie on this matter. The Chinese herbal materia medica is so vast, that substances obtained by unethical and illegal means are simply not needed.
If you are interested in knowing more, go to http://www.acupuncture.org.au/escs.cfm.
All the best,
Tom
Recent research conducted at The University of NSW has shown that acupuncture has an effect on the area of the brain responsible for "mood regulation". This validates long-held Chinese medical beliefs, that acupuncture is a potentially effective treatment for mood disorders, including depression. This is an exciting finding, as it reveals another biomedical understanding of the effects of acupuncture which must lead to its greater acceptance as a viable method of health-care.
To read more, follow the link below for the article published recently in the Sydney Morning Herald:
The article also talks of the continuing need for 'gold-standard' trials to be conducted, in order to build up a credible research base.
With nearly 4 million Australians suffering from some form of arthritis, attention is being given to current research being conducted in Melbourne. The research examines the effect of Chinese herbal medicine in not only reducing pain, but resolving the condition altogether.
To watch the recent story broadcast on Channel 9, go to:
http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/researchers-may-have-found-arthritis-treatment/xhexm74?fg=AU_ninemsn_News_State%20Briz
ABC Radio National - Australia Talks
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/australiatalks/stories/2010/2962226.htm
Australians spent a record $3.5 billion on complementary medical treatments last financial year.
Broadcast on 27th July 2010, this podcast includes interviews with Prof Alan Bensoussan (National Institute of Complementary Medicine, UWS) and Emeritus Professor John Dwyer, (Faculty of Medicine, UNSW and the Australia Healthcare Reform Alliance).
Topics covered in the podcast include the rapid growth in use of complementary and alternative medicines, the issue of evidence-based medicine and national regulation of the complementary medicine industry.
This is a very interesting segment that highlights the challenges faced by acupuncturists, herbalists, naturopaths etc as we seek greater integration into the western medical framework.
So why practice acupuncture in a multi-bed, community-based setting?
There are a few reasons.
People who have had acupuncture know that once the needles are in place, it is common for the patient to be given time on their own for the needles to work their magic and the treatment to take effect. This allows the practitioner time to see other patients at the same or similar times, allowing for a reduction in charges to the patient!
The flow on effects of this are that:
These things go to the heart of true Chinese medicine, which is preventative medicine that is accessible to all of the community!
So who can benefit from Community Acupuncture?
Feel free to phone or email me with any questions or to book your appointment.
Tom
There has been recent media attention given to the rising incidence of obesity in Australia and indeed in countries across the world.
Some of this attention includes investigation into the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as effective treatment modalities for this epidemic.
Have a look at:
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/-/watch/18252682/
and
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/04/09/2868525.htm
If you or a friend or family member needs to address this serious health concern and would like to use Chinese medicine, feel free to contact either myself or an accredited practitioner in your area.
All the best in health,
Tom
The Year of the Metal Tiger begins on February 14, 2010.
According to Chinese astrology the year a person is born in influences his or her personality. People born in the year of the Tiger are said to be courageous, intelligent and impulsive.
The Chinese New Year Festival hosted by the City of Sydney looks to be fantastic this year, with plenty of events, performances, a parade and markets that give us the chance to connect with and learn more about the richness of Chinese culture. Check out http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cny/Default.aspx and head down to Chinatown from 12-28 February to experience some of the celebrations.
Happy New Year to all - clients, friends and online Chinese medicine aficionados!
I hope you managed to get through the Christmas celebrations relatively unscathed and that you are ready to move into a healthy and happy 2010.
I plan to make more regular posts on the blog this year, so please drop by often if you are interested in the classical Chinese worldview and medicine and how this can benefit your life.
Don't forget to sign up for my free newsletter in the box to the right for more in depth articles delivered to your inbox.
All the best and hope to see you soon,
Tom
I'll be taking off for a week's holiday from the 13th - 20th of January. I'm heading up to Bellingen for my sister's wedding. It should be fantastic!
My first day back in clinic is Friday 22nd at The Living Room, Coogee. I'll be on the email while I'm away, so please feel free to contact me if you'd like to book an appointment.
Cheers,
Tom
An exciting new way of practising acupuncture is emerging in Western settings - something called 'Community Acupuncture'. It is a style of treatment that has always been practised in China, but has not often been seen in Australia in many clinics. The same high quality treatment is given to clients, but a slightly shortened treatment time and shared treatment space allows for more people to receive treatment at once. This results in a significant reduction in cost, making regular treatment far more accessible for many people.
Acupuncture treatment is offered on a sliding scale of between $30-$50, with a $10 administrative fee for the first session. You pay what you are able and comfortable paying, each session. Treatments last around 45 minutes.
I am running a Community Acupuncture now(!) on Wednesdays and Fridays at The Living Room Yoga Studio on Coogee Beach. If you have any questions, or would like to book in, please contact me by email or phone (listed at the bottom of the page.) I look forward to seeing you there!
At the end of October I will be moving on from Therapeutic Axis in Glebe. I am very grateful to the clinic and everyone I have worked alongside, for creating a communicative and friendly environment. I'll miss the place!
I have taken an exciting opportunity to work in a way that is more in line with my longer-term aspirations for my practice of Chinese medicine, in a style of practice known as 'Community Acupuncture'. It is happening now, at The Living Room in Coogee and it is a style of practice that makes regular acupuncture treatment accessible to many more people. Please see a separate blog post for details of what this means.
The schedule of days at The Living Room is as follows:
Wednesday: Community Acupuncture Clinic
Friday: Community Acupuncture Clinic
Saturday: Regular Clinic
I look forward to helping you with your health there!
What better way to detox and clean out the excesses of Winter than a course of acupuncture or shiatsu? Read on for my special offer.
In the traditional Chinese world view, inner and outer worlds are interrelated. The change in season affects the functioning of our organs, which can impact on our health and wellbeing. A change in season also offers the chance to find an increased level of harmony with our external environment. Acupuncture and shiatsu (and herbs!) during Spring is a great way of doing this.
With this in mind, I am offering a 10% discount on acupuncture and shiatsu during the month of October - to encourage you to find a greater level of health and internal/external harmony. Just mention the blog at your appointment.
Please contact me at tom@thomascrooks.com.au or 0401 322 061 to book in or if you have any queries.
Tom
With the change in season and a rapid drop in temperature, people are already starting to catch colds and the flu. One of the underlying reasons for this is that we often have under-functioning immune systems.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a well developed understanding of the immune system. Over thousands of years of astute observation of human functioning, the Chinese recognized that there was a complex interaction between the varying aspects of our basic energy, (known as Qi). One specific componentof Qi was called Zheng Qi, or Upright Qi. In modern times Upright Qi has direct correlations with the immune system. This aspect of Qi is that which prevents external pathogenic invasions, or bacteria and viruses, from entering the body and taking hold. These pathogens are responsible for causing the myriad common colds that are passed around each Winter. Bymaintaining a healthy Upright Qi there is no opening or weakness that can be exploited for such pathogens to enter our bodies and cause illness.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can be specifically targeted at rectifying deficient Upright Qi in order to prevent these attacks from occurring. Along with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, our immunity and general wellbeing can be enhanced so that we don’t get sick in the first place – and never have to play catch up. Truly preventative medicine!
The time to start this type of treatment is right now! If you find that you come down with colds or the flu every Winter, consider acting pre-emptively this year, to ensure it does not happen! See below for my Autumn immunity enhancing treatment offer.
Often we are not able to take the preventative approach and an external pernicious invasion (bacteria or flu virus), breaks through our defences and we become sick. We are all well aware of the symptoms and how much they impede our day to day lives.
There is much that Chinese Medicine can do to help deal with these types of complaints, once the pathogens have taken hold. Treatment can take various forms, adjusted to the needs of the individual; however the following interventions are commonly used:
Cupping – draws out external pathogens through the skin at the upper back, shoulders and nape of the neck, as well as taking pressure off the lungs in order to re-establish proper lung function.
Herbal Medicine – utilises specific ingredients aimed at addressing particular sets of signs and symptoms, to resolve them internally. In these cases, herbs act to stop cough, ease sore throat, reduce head and body aches and resolve phlegm production.
Acupuncture – rectifies the affected meridian channels and their related organs. These are commonly the Lung meridian; however the Spleen,Bladder & Gall Bladder channels are also often affected.
Dietary & Lifestyle recommendations – provide the conditions that enable the most rapid healing and resolution of the illness.
The key factors to be aware of are:
Chinese Medicine is particularly effective in treating colds and flu when it is received as quickly as possible after you become aware that you are not well. Treatment delivered in this way will generally ensure rapid resolution of the ailment so that you can get on with your life! If a pathogen has become entrenched, more sessions may be required.