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Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine telehealth consultations are available now.

Sarah J. George

Chinese Medicine Telehealth consultation 2

Well I’m so glad to say that the Chinese Medicine telehealth consultations are available for you to continue, or even start, your treatment with me if you are unable to physically attend the clinic.

We’ll be able to use the many tools we have available in Chinese Medicine to address your immediate health concerns or any of the conditions you usually consult with me on.

Everything you need to know about Chinese Medicine Telehealth consultations can be found in the video below. But if you have any questions at all please do contact me.

To book in for your Chinese Medicine telehealth consultation click here.

And do stay in touch on Facebook and Instagram as my Chinese Medicine at Home webinars are coming your way soon.

To book an appointment online at the Launceston acupuncture clinic or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), Chinese Medicine and natural health.

acupuncture, health, Traditional Chinese Medicine

COVID-19 Important Update: the clinic is moving online

Sarah J. George

ABC How every single Australian's actions affect the spread of coronavirusWith the latest federal and state government announcements and requests from frontline medical staff to #stayhome in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, I can no longer see that offering face-to-face consultations in my clinic is responsible practice. Despite always maintaining a high level of infection control, beyond what is prescribed in the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Infection Control Training for health professionals, it seems higher level precautions to keep everyone safe are required now with the use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE), temperature monitoring and most importantly social distancing. As a stand alone clinician, I don’t have the capacity to provide all of this myself in a situation with close contact.

I know that for many of you, your acupuncture consultation with me as an allied health professional is essential to your ability to function or manage your health. I take this responsibility extremely seriously. This decision is not taken as complying with the minimum level of responsibility I can, but rather doing what I believe is right for you and our community. As I close my doors to the physical clinic at House of Prana (for now), I want to assure you that there is a plan in place to continue your care with the myriad of treatment styles that Chinese Medicine has to offer. You are not alone. I am still here for you. And I have a bigger bag of strategies than you could imagine. 

If you have an appointment booked with me I will be in touch with you this week.

The thing is, acupuncture is only one part of Chinese Medicine. Those of you who already attend appointments with me know that a large part of my consultations involve diet, lifestyle and herbal strategies. Some of you have had moxibustion (that herbal stick) and acupressure homework. There is still so much more I can teach you to do in your home accompanied by appropriate prescriptions.  In fact, you are likely to learn more about Chinese Medicine for your health condition and be empowered with self-care strategies that are individualised to you. Better still, you can attend the appointment in the comfort of your own home, while self-isolating for the good of the community. The small number of you who haven’t managed to learn to love needles can avoid them, for now.

I plan to bring you two styles of health support:

  1. Telehealth consultations (with a delivery service for herbs, teas and other prescribed items)
  2. A webinar series

Most of you know I have been lecturing and writing courses in Chinese Medicine for years and the chance to be able to share my knowledge with you through online consultations and webinars gives you access to more information that you can use in your home to benefit your own health.

Currently, I am putting everything into place to ensure that both of these services are both professional and run smoothly so that your care is continued seamlessly. Please indulge me with a few more days to organise these services for you. But do contact me if you need assistance before you hear from me.

For now, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, this website and your emails if you are subscribed to my mailing list for updates, tips and some lighthearted distractions too.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge that a lot of you and the people you know are hurting right now. Please reach out if I can help. If you need support for your mental health please contact these Lifeline: 13 11 14, BeyondBlue: 1300 224 636 or Headspace: 1800 650 890.

I’m wishing each and everyone of you all the best right now. Stay home, wash your hands, stay in contact with friends and loved ones, be well and keep an eye out for further updates.

To book an appointment online at the Launceston acupuncture clinic or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), Chinese Medicine and natural health.

acupuncture, health, Traditional Chinese Medicine

COVID-19: important information about acupuncture and Chinese medicine services

Sarah J. George

wall mounted open signage
Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com

As you’d all be well aware by now we are in interesting times with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is my role as your health practitioner to ensure that I deliver my Chinese Medicine services in a way that both benefits your health and is performed in an environment that minimises the risk of infection.

Below you’ll find the steps I’m taking to provide health services with suitable precautions to ensure that when it comes to your treatment you feel calm and supported in your health goals:

  1. Firstly, YES! The clinic is still open. Appointment-wise it is business as usual and you can still book in by calling or texting 0448 128 858, emailing sarah@sarahgeorgeacupuncture.com.au or visiting the online booking system.
  2. Clinic continues in strict accordance with government health advice. I am keeping a close eye on Australian Government, Tasmanian  Department of Health, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHRPA) and Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) directives and will comply completely. The situation is changing rapidly and I will remain flexible and responsive to those changes, notifying you of any changes that may affect you or your appointment. It is important to note that as registered acupuncturists we are already held to a high level of infection control and these infection control procedures continue with additional measures taking place in the building.
  3. Notify me ASAP by phone or email if you are unwell and/or are required to be isolated/quarantined. Your appointment will be cancelled/rescheduled with the usual cancellation fees waived. In this case, please DO NOT attend your appointment in person.  We will either cancel your appointment or reschedule it to when it may be safe for you to return. To reduce the spread of infection it is important that you advise me as soon as possible if you are affected by the following:
    • Experiencing fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue, and shortness of breath. We will cancel/reschedule your appointment and should you require symptom relief this may be arranged remotely for you. (See below.)
    • If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
    • If you have had recent overseas travel and are required to self isolate. (Have returned from overseas on or after 16 March, have been in or transited through China or Iran in the past 14 days, have returned from South Korea on or after 5 March, have returned from Italy on or after 11 March.)
    • Have been in ‘close contact’ with a confirmed case.
  4. Do you suspect you have COVID-19? If you think you might have COVID-19 because of recent travel or contact with a confirmed case, phone the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline (1800 671 738) for advice. If you haven’t travelled or had contact with confirmed case, phone your doctor or healthdirect Australia (1800 022 222).
  5. Skype & Phone Consults. This is the answer for when you can’t attend clinic due to sickness, isolation/quarantine or due to being extremely immuno-compromised but still need your Chinese Medicine treatment. The good news is that Chinese Medicine Skype and phone appointments are available for you! You may be surprised to know that Chinese Medicine is a lot more than just acupuncture. We have a full toolkit available to us including Chinese dietetics, lifestyle measures, exercises, herbal medicine, moxibustion (the herb I burn in clinic) and acupressure. Your treatment can continue should you be isolated at home with an individualised prescription of these methods tailored to your signs and symptoms and health goal. This applies to what you usually see me for or if you are seeking relief from other symptoms. These consultations will be conducted via Skype or phone. The fee is $50 and health fund rebates do not apply. Any products that are prescribed can be picked up by someone else or a courier service. If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
  6. Preventative medicine. Please feel free to discuss your health situation with me at your next consult and we can discuss preventative measures. Of course these hygiene measures are your first line of defence. I have also been researching Chinese Medicine strategies that have been used in China some of which may be suitable to use here also.
  7. My health. I take my health very, very seriously not just now but always. My job requires me to be in tip top shape and if I’m even slightly unwell, I take time off. Currently I’m employing high level hygiene measures, hydrating, eating well and maximising sleep in a way that supports my immune system, and employing herbs, supplements and other Chinese Medicine methods individualised to me to maintain my health. We are dealing with a new pathogen here and research is limited as to what is effective. That said, each and every one of us can employ our winter cold and flu prevention practices.

BE INFORMED. I have included a page here of a wide range of links to useful and reputable websites if you want to be more informed about COVID-19.

STAY CALM AND SMILE. Employ your usual stress reduction techniques. My favourites are the meditation apps Headspace, Calm and the breathing/qigong app 7 Min Chi. Get creative. Read your favourite books. Enjoy time in your garden. Get some sunshine and keep exercising in a low contact way.

If you have any questions about any of the content in this newsletter please feel free to contact me.

To book an appointment at the Launceston acupuncture clinic or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), Chinese Medicine and natural health.

health, Traditional Chinese Medicine

COVID-19: stay calm and be informed with these useful links

Sarah J. George

3913708645_8db9db532c_zCoronavirus is here in Tasmania and at my Launceston acupuncture clinic I have been collating resources to benefit us all.

First of all, pay close attention to our two relevant government websites. Information is changing quickly and these are the best sources to get information from. These are also the best sites for hygiene and preventative measures:

For information about the virus itself and frequently asked questions for myth busting so you don’t end up sharing misinformation:

General and interesting information:

I’ll respond further as the situation here in Tasmania changes. Remember to keep checking the government websites for the best and up-to-date information.

But for now stay informed, keep calm and be kind. Follow the preventive guidelines. Stay well. Reach out to those who might need assistance.

To book an appointment at the Launceston acupuncture clinic or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), Chinese Medicine and natural health.

acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine

More Launceston acupuncture appointments available!

Sarah J. George

House of Prana room 2 acupuncture LauncestonDue to an increase in demand, it is my great pleasure to announce that from the week of 9th March I’m opening up more days at my Launceston acupuncture clinic!

The new clinic hours are:

  • Monday 8.30am – 4.30pm
  • Wednesday 9am – 4.30pm
  • Thursday 11am – 6.30pm
  • Friday 8am – 2pm

EXISTING PATIENTS:

If you’ve seen me for a Launceston acupuncture clinic appointment before you can book online here.

NEW PATIENTS:

If you would like to book an initial acupuncture appointment with me please contact me to arrange your first appointment.

ACUTE OR URGENT APPOINTMENTS:

I know that the need for an appointment can not always be known in advance. For my patients who are undergoing IVF or fertility treatment, are pregnant or experiencing acute pain please contact me directly so even if I have no appointments available online I can do my best to find a priority appointment for you.

I can’t wait to assist you and the Launceston community with holistic acupuncture consultations that include detailed assessment, education on your condition, lifestyle and Chinese dietary advice based on Chinese medicine and the best of traditional acupuncture treatment from an experienced and highly qualified Launceston acupuncturist. Should you know someone who might benefit from an appointment please feel free to share this with them.

You can also find the clinic on Facebook and Instagram.

To book an appointment at the Launceston acupuncture clinic or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), Chinese Medicine and natural health.

Diet, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Coming up: The Delight of Tea workshop

Sarah J. George

This Sunday I’m presenting a fun workshop on tea.

In this workshop, you will learn exactly what you need to create a great cuppa from loose leaf tea to accompany a nice sit down and a mindful moment.

The delight of tea instagram

We’ll be discussing mostly green and herbal teas.

  • There are many different types of green teas – so you’ll get to taste my favourite selection of them and learn the secrets of brewing green tea.
  • Taste a selection of organic herbal teas (formulated by herbalists), learn how to brew them and what health benefits they may have.

You’ll leave with the knowledge you need to select good quality tea, brew it to perfection and enjoy each cuppa for it’s unique style and health benefits.

Here’s a little more information:

The Delight of Tea workshop will be held on Sunday 1st December, 10.30am-12.30pm at The House of Prana in Launceston. See event on Facebook.

Tickets available through Eventbrite.

To book an appointment at the clinic or further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), massage therapy and natural health.

health, nature, Traditional Chinese Medicine

How to live well this winter

Sarah J. George

Well! Winter is certainly packing a punch this year. My weather app says we’re due for -4 degrees Celsius tonight. Brrrrrrrrrrr.  Note to self: I need to refresh my winter wardrobe.Winter leunig

But what about winter and your health? Winter has a bad reputation for ‘catching a cold’ and cops the flack for setting the scene for ‘flu season’.

Here in Launceston, we certainly notice the seasons in a big way particularly as the days are much shorter and the temperature is much cooler. And those frosts!

In keeping with my other seasonal living guides (summer and autumn), here is your guide to living well in winter.

Winter is all about the Water element (in which we find the Kidneys and Bladder). It is when the Yang (hot, energetic Qi) is hidden by the Yin (cool, peaceful Qi) accumulation. And so we crave:

    • Comfort and being cosy
    • Embracing the indoors, or well warmed outdoor spaces
    • Introversion
    • Getting more sleep (earlier to bed, later to rise – just like the sun)
    • Using the warm quilt and/or flannelette sheets
    • Getting crafty (crocheting or knitting? I heard they are the new yoga!)
    • Comforting foods – soups, stews, curries, apple cinnamon crumble

Continue reading “How to live well this winter” →

acupuncture

What a combination: yin yoga, acupuncture and shakuhachi

Sarah J. George

Well just last month, around the time of the full moon, I teamed up with my House of Prana Launceston yoga colleagues to create a blissful, restorative experience.

Our event started with a peaceful yin yoga session (with the lovely Laura McCaughey) and was followed by live shakuhachi flute played by the incredible musician, Yyan Ng, as I gave each person an individualised, mini acupuncture session focused on balance and ‘calming the shen/mind’.

HoP YinYoga SLY

I had done a little consult with the participants in advance of the session and each treatment included the traditional Chinese Medicine techniques of tongue and pulse diagnosis too to assess over all health balance.

HoP YinYoga SPulse

The yoga combined with the shakuhachi and acupuncture turned out to be very relaxing and I have never seen some of the participants so calm.

HoP YinYoga YShakuhachi

I’ll be involved in a range of events, seminars and workshops this year so if you’re keen to stay informed be sure to follow this blog, like my Facebook page and/or follow me on Instagram.

To book in for acupuncture at my Launceston clinics (House of Prana or In-Balance) or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is an AHPRA registered acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner and massage therapist.

fertility, pregnancy, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Speaking about fertility and post-partum care at The Woodford Folk Festival

Sarah J. George

woodford 2018-19 programHello! Happy new year! (Gosh, we’re almost a month in and next week I’ll be wishing you a happy Chinese new year!)

As some of you would know, this Christmas/New Year period I headed up to Queensland’s Woodford Folk Festival (an incredible festival which includes more than 2,000 local, national and international, artists, musicians and presenters and has an audience of an estimated 132,000 people.) If you’ve never been, put it (or it’s little cousin, The Planting) on your must do list.

Kathleen Murphy, (a great friend and colleague), and I were presenting at Woodford’s Blue Lotus stage. This is the place to be for health and wellness speakers from all over the world, as well as live music, yoga, workshops and cooking demonstrations.

View this post on Instagram

It has been an absolute pleasure to present at the @woodfordfolkfestival with @kath_murphy on The Fourth Trimester (postpartum care) and Your Fertility. We had such lovely people attend our talks. Thanks so much for coming up to say hi and asking questions too. It’s always lovely to be part of the @bluelotus_woodfordia. Thanks for having me! #woodfordfolkfestival #bluelotus #yourfertility #takingchargeofyourfertility #pcos #endometriosis #ivfjourney #fertilitysupport #chinesemedicine #acupuncturelaunceston #chinesemedicinelaunceston #acupuncturetasmania #chinesemedicinetasmania #sarahgeorgeacupuncture #aacma #endeavourcollegeofnaturalhealth #chinesedietarytherapy #chinesedietetics #launcestonladies #launcestonmothers #launcestonmums

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Our first presentation was a beautiful discussion about postpartum care (or the fourth trimester) led by Kathleen, who runs the fantastic house call service, MamaCare, in Sydney. We discussed topics including the physical and psychological needs of new mothers, some of Kathleen’s own findings regarding what mothers’ want in their fourth trimester, and how different cultures have some very similar themes on taking care of new mothers to benefit the mother, baby and whole family. As you may know, Chinese Medicine has a practice called zuo yue zi, which refers to a period of recovery for a new mother and includes support in the way of blood nourishing meals, warming therapies and rest. Ultimately, new mothers armed with modern and traditional knowledge can design their own fourth trimester (or Golden Month) to get the support they need to recover from, and thrive after, giving birth.

View this post on Instagram

It has been an absolute pleasure to present at the @woodfordfolkfestival with @kath_murphy on The Fourth Trimester (postpartum care) and Your Fertility. We had such lovely people attend our talks. Thanks so much for coming up to say hi and asking questions too. It’s always lovely to be part of the @bluelotus_woodfordia. Thanks for having me! #woodfordfolkfestival #bluelotus #yourfertility #takingchargeofyourfertility #pcos #endometriosis #ivfjourney #fertilitysupport #chinesemedicine #acupuncturelaunceston #chinesemedicinelaunceston #acupuncturetasmania #chinesemedicinetasmania #sarahgeorgeacupuncture #aacma #endeavourcollegeofnaturalhealth #chinesedietarytherapy #chinesedietetics #launcestonladies #launcestonmothers #launcestonmums

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Our second presentation was an information packed session on enhancing male and female fertility. It covered some of the basic Fertility 101 must knows (including anatomy and cycle timing for conception). The conversation tied some of the western anatomy and physiology with Chinese Medicine and naturopathy theory, which sometimes makes these concepts a little easier to understand. Topics such as preconception care (and why this is so important for both parents), barriers to conception (eg. endometriosis, PCOS and advanced parental age) were discussed. Lastly, some evidence based general fertility do’s and don’t’s were given with some additional Chinese Medicine and naturopathic tips. But the big message was, good fertility generally requires two people who are as healthy as they can be prior to conception (although babies can be made in many ways so adapt that as need be). Be informed about your own fertility and health. Seek help if you need it.

Both Kathleen and I love supporting people through pre-conception care, fertility treatment, pregnancy and in the post-partum period. It was a lovely opportunity to share some of our stories with the Woodfordians.

I couldn’t finish this blog without mentioning Lucy Peach, who brought My Greatest Period Ever to us. I can only describe her performance as the most educational and yet hilarious and heart-warming cabaret show you’ll ever go to. Lucy will guide you through what happens in a month long cycle and how you can best look after yourself at each of these times. Essential watching if you menstruate or you know someone who does! Plus she sings and her husband is a great illustrator! On her website you’ll find links to several videos of Lucy doing her thing including a TED talk.

To book an appointment at the Launceston clinics (House of Prana or In-Balance) or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is an AHPRA registered acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner and massage therapist.

 

 

 

 

acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sarah on ABC Radio for World Acupuncture Day

Sarah J. George

Did you catch me on the ABC Radio Northern Tasmania on the eve of World Acupuncture Day (14th November)?

I was invited to speak to Kim Millar about why we have World Acupuncture Day, what acupuncture can do for you and how it works.

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This afternoon I was on #ABCNorthernTasmania chatting with Kim Millar about all things acupuncture ahead of #WorldAcupunctureDay tomorrow. Check it out from 33 minutes in. Link to listen on my Facebook page and in the comments. If you’re looking to celebrate World Acupuncture Day you can join me for a mindful cup of Chinese tea at @inbalancephysiopilates tomorrow or come along to our Yin Yang balance workshop on Saturday at @yogaathouseofprana (details in my feed). #WorldAcupunctureDay2018 #Acupuncture #Launceston #acupuncturelaunceston #acupuncturetasmania #chinesemedicinelaunceston #chinesemedicinetasmania #registeredacupuncturist #sarahgeorgeacupuncture #houseofprana #inbalancephysiopilates#aacma

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You may have also enjoyed a cup of Chinese tea at the new In-Balance allied health hub (on my first week there) to celebrate World Acupuncture Day.

Or joined me for the Yin Yang Balance Workshop at House of Prana that weekend.

Or even come and said hi at Woolmer’s Rose Festival or heard me on stage.

It was a big, exciting week of acupuncture related events. More exciting events are coming for next year so stay tuned!

To book an appointment at the Launceston clinics (House of Prana or In-Balance) or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture).  Sarah is an AHPRA registered acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner and massage therapist.