If you are interested in making an appointment with one of our experienced acupuncturist’s or would simply like to have a chat, please feel free to contact the clinic on (03) 9337 8572.
At Essendon Natural Health, we have three acupuncturists: Robert Gentile, Alicia Grinter and Sonia Millett.
Robert Gentile, who has been involved with acupuncture and natural medicine for over a decade, has a clinical focus in working with patients with fertility, IVF, pregnancy and women’s health related concerns. Robert is the Clinical Director of Essendon Natural Health. He incorporates an approach that combines acupuncture and Chinese medicine ideas with natural integrative medicine.
Alicia Grinter is a passionate and friendly practitioner who is both a practising nutritionist and an acupuncturist. She has a special interest in working with patients presenting with fertility, IVF and pregnancy concerns. She works very closely with Robert and is very experienced in this field.
Sonia Millett is a very experienced acupuncturist and herbalist. Sonia and Robert studied together at university and have both been working with complex IVF cases ever since.
If you would like to know if acupuncture would be suitable for you, please contact the clinic on 03 9337 8572 to speak to one of our acupuncturists.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin hair like needles into specific areas of the body. These areas of the body can be conventional acupuncture points, muscular trigger and motor points, and into specific superficial nerve zones on the body called dermatomes.
Once the needle enters the skin, it can stimulate the local nerve endings and/or muscle fibres in this region stimulating a healing response. Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood supply, balance stress hormones, moderate local inflammatory pathways, release contracted muscles, and stimulate parts of the brain that influence other areas of the body (Kavoussi & Ross, 2007; Hui, 2009; Pomeranz, 1987; Zhao, 2008).
In Australia, Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine Practitioners are government registered and require a minimum of a four-year bachelor degree to practice, including studies in Chinese medicine, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and general medical differential diagnosis. Acupuncturists are trained to recognise conditions that require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.
At Essendon Natural Health, we use only the very best acupuncture needles on the market in Australia. This ensures the most gentle acupuncture experience possible. Robert also practices a very gentle type of acupuncture such as classical Japanese acupuncture, which is beneficial for needle-phobic peoples, children, and those who are very sensitive to acupuncture.
Some people report a heightened sense of energy directly after treatment, while others can feel an overwhelming urge to sleep. In these cases, it is due to the change in stress hormones and chemicals in the brain that is experienced during an acupuncture treatment. If your baseline energy levels are low you will notice the lack of adrenaline keeping you going. If this happens to you, rest well and you will experience a feeling of calm and well being.
All of our herbs are specifically sourced from GMP approved farms and are tested for heavy metals, pesticides and contaminants to ensure a high level of safety.
We have two types of Chinese herbs that we use at the Essendon clinic, granules and capsules. Granules come from raw herbs that have been cooked, concentrated and dried into a water-soluble form. All you have to do is add hot water and your herbs are ready. Capsules are sometimes used as these are milder and are easier to take for those with sensitive taste buds.
To make an appointment with one of our acupuncturists, please call reception on (03) 9337 8572 or alternatively contact our friendly reception staff by email at admin@essendonnaturalhealth.com.au.
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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Aberfeldie
