Matthew is an experienced and fully qualified Chinese medicine practitioner. He is registered as an Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au which is administered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency www.ahpra.gov.au
Check your health practitioner is registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au to provide both Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments.
Matthew has been studying and practicing Chinese Medicine for over 25 years and has completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) and has attained a Masters of Applied Science (Chinese Herbal Medicine) with distinction from Melbourne’s RMIT University www.rmit.edu.au/. During his postgraduate studies Matthew received a commendation from the Masters of Applied Science Program Assessment Board for academic achievement.
Matthew brings a wealth of clinical experience in the treatment and prevention of a variety of acute and chronic health concerns.
With a solid foundation in Western Medical Sciences Matthew has an integrated approach to treatments and as such he utilises a diverse referral network of health-care professionals. This ensures his clients receive appropriate and effective care and treatment that addresses their unique health needs.
Matthew’s understanding of Chinese medicine is continually evolving through ongoing practice and education, and through liaising with a network of peers and attending regular professional development events.
Chinese medicine is an integrated system of healthcare and is one of the oldest and continuously practiced healthcare systems in the world. The origins of Chinese Medicine date back several thousand years and as such has developed into a unique and highly sophisticated system of healing that can diagnose, treat and prevent illness. The complete nature of Chinese medicine allows for an integrated understanding of health and disease.
Chinese medicine theory is based upon the principles of Yin and Yang, opposite forces that work together to maintain balance and harmony. When Yin and Yang are in harmony there will be a natural flow of energy (Qi – pronounced chee) moving in a smooth and balanced way strengthening the body. By strengthening and enhancing the body’s natural functions, the immune system can be regulated and a general sense of well being is promoted.
Chinese Medicine is safe, effective and can be used on a regular basis and in conjunction with other therapies and treatments.
Chinese medicine uses herbs, Acupuncture, cupping, gua sha (scraping), tuina (massage) and dietary advice to stimulate and regulate the natural functions of the body to restore health.
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of fine sterile needles into specific points located on pathways that traverse the body. Stimulating these points aids in the restoration of the flow of Qi throughout the body which can help to strengthen and enhance normal body functions and may assist with pain relief. This can also relieve stress and promote your sense of general wellbeing.
Chinese herbal medicine has over 450 substances that are commonly used and most of these are comprised of parts of plants, such as leaves, seeds, stems, twigs, roots, flowers, fruits as well as some minerals.
Chinese herbal medicine has incredible biochemical diversity and modern research has shown that some herbs may have beneficial effects for many disease processes.
The safety and efficacy of herbs depends largely on two things. The first is that herbal sources must be of exceptional quality. They need proper identification and they need to be checked for heavy metals, pesticides, microbes and other contaminants. The second is that they should be prescribed by an appropriately trained herbalist. Matthew uses pharmaceutical grade herbs that have been appropriately tested and he has extensive training in herbal medicine and is registered with the www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au as both a Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist.
Matthew can provide you with individual herbal prescriptions that address any imbalances, blockages or deficiencies in the body that have led to ill health. Modifications of herbal formulas may be made in the course of treatment to adjust to any changes and improvements that occur. Herbal medication used in combination with Acupuncture will often achieve better results faster.