Acupuncture and Telehealth related
Is this a replacement for my GP or specialist care?
In short no. Nurturing Life Online is designed to complement the care you already receive from your GP, specialists and other healthcare providers. It gives you extra support to better understand your health, and make practical changes in your everyday life, while your medical team continues to provide the diagnosis, investigations and pharmaceutical prescriptions that you may need.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment gives us time to properly go through what has brought you in, your health history and any other factors that may be relevant.
Depending on your concerns, we may discuss things such as your menstrual health, digestion, sleep, stress, movement, nutrition and everyday habits. I’ll explain what I’m looking at and what I think is worth focusing on first.
If acupuncture is appropriate for you, we’ll also have time for treatment.
Read more about what to expect at your first appointment
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people are surprised by how little they feel. I often describe needle insertion as similar to having a hair plucked. You may notice a brief sharp or prickling sensation as the needle passes through the skin, followed by other sensations once the needle is in place.
If you’re nervous about needles, let me know. I can talk you through everything before we begin and we can go at a pace you’re comfortable with.
What should I do before my appointment?
If you have any test or scan results that you think may be relevant, you’re welcome to bring them with you. They’re not required, but they can provide useful additional information.
I recommend having something to eat before your appointment. You don’t need a full stomach, but it’s best not to arrive hungry.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Loose, comfortable clothing is helpful, but don’t worry if you’re coming straight from work. Towels and appropriate draping are available if clothing needs to be moved or removed during treatment.
Do you offer online appointments?
Yes. I offer telehealth consultations for people who can’t attend the Tecoma clinic, as well as additional support through Nurturing Life Online.
Online consultations don’t include acupuncture, but there is still a lot we can work through together. We’ll look at your health history, current concerns and the everyday factors that may be relevant to what you’re experiencing.
Depending on your individual situation, this may include nutrition and eating habits, sleep, stress, movement, digestion, menstrual health, recovery, breathwork and other practical lifestyle strategies.
Following your consultation, you’ll receive an individualised plan with clear guidance on what to focus on first, rather than a long list of things to change all at once. Where relevant, I’ll also provide supporting handouts and resources so you have something practical to refer back to at home.
You can learn more about Nurturing Life Online here
How many acupuncture appointments will I need?
This is different for everyone. How often I recommend seeing you will depend on what you’re coming in for, how long it has been happening, your general health and how things progress.
After your initial appointment, I’ll explain what I recommend and why. We can then review that plan as we go rather than committing you to a set number of appointments from the beginning.
Can I have acupuncture while undergoing IVF or fertility treatment?
Yes. Many people choose to include acupuncture alongside fertility investigations, IVF or other fertility treatment.
If you’re currently undergoing treatment, let me know where you are in your cycle, any medications you’re taking and any upcoming procedures or appointments. This helps me understand what is happening medically and take your fertility treatment into account when planning your acupuncture.
Acupuncture is not a replacement for the care provided by your fertility specialist or clinic.
Can I have acupuncture while seeing another healthcare practitioner?
Yes. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used alongside care from your GP, specialist, physiotherapist, psychologist or other healthcare practitioners.
It’s helpful for me to know about any diagnoses, medications, supplements, investigations or other treatments you’re currently having. Where appropriate, I may also recommend speaking with another healthcare professional or having something investigated further.
I see healthcare as collaborative rather than either/or.
What types of health concerns do you commonly see in the clinic?
People come to see me for many different reasons. My clinical work has a particular focus on women’s health, fertility and IVF, persistent and acute pain, and complex chronic health concerns.
Every person’s situation is different, so your initial appointment gives us time to discuss what is happening, whether acupuncture is appropriate for you and what other support or healthcare may be relevant.
You can explore the different areas I work with throughout this website.
Do I need a referral or diagnosis before booking?
No. You don’t need a referral to book an acupuncture appointment, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before you come in.
Your initial appointment gives us time to talk through what has been happening and any investigations or diagnoses you already have.
There may be situations where I recommend that you speak with your GP or another healthcare professional for further assessment or investigation, but you don’t need a diagnosis in order to start your care with April.
Are you covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Acupuncture appointments are not covered by Medicare.
Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim part of the cost of your acupuncture appointment through private health insurance extras. Telehealth appointments cannot be claimed through private health insurance.
As policies and levels of cover vary, it’s best to check directly with your health fund to confirm what your policy includes.
If you’re eligible to claim, bring your private health insurance membership card to your appointment and your claim can be processed through HICAPS on the spot, so you only need to pay the gap.
Online Support and Membership related
How much time do I need each week?
There is no set amount of time you need to commit. The program is designed to fit around your life, so you can work through the information at your own pace and focus on what’s most relevant to you. Even small changes can take time to become part of your routine, so there’s no expectation that you need to work through everything at once.
During your initial appointment I will provide you with a starting point for the online program, as well as providing you with a map of where you are going, and what to expect.
Do I need to live near Melbourne to join?
Absolutely not! You don’t even need to be in Australia. Because I offer telehealth I can support you anywhere in the world (excluding USA/Canada).
Why do I need an initial consultation?
In order to make sure I am providing the right support to you and right recommendations I need to do an Initial intake- this allows me to ask clarifying questions and ensure that the information provided is appropriate for YOU.
With health there is no one size fits everyone – if there was we would all be eating the same foods, and doing the same exercises and having the same health issues. That is definitely not the case.
During your initial appointment I will do a full health history, which will allow me to make a Chinese Medicine diagnosis, which then allows me to tailor the recommendations I make for you. It also allows me to direct you to the appropriate places within the online program.
Do I have to have acupuncture?
No is the simple answer. I am only able to offer acupuncture to people who I see in my clinic in Tecoma, for everyone online I offer practical advice for you to do yourself- and none of it will involve needling yourself!
What happens after my initial consultation?
After your initial consultation you will be given a personalised care plan, helping to guide you within the Nurturing Life Online Program. You will have access to the online community to ask questions, connect with other members, and touch base with April as needed for quick questions.
Can I join if I have a diagnosed medical condition?
Everyone in the group is from all over the world, and everyone has the same opportunity here. If it isn’t the right fit for you, you’re always free to leave. All I ask in return is respect for the group’s culture and privacy and a thoughtful application so I can understand the specifics of your situation.
At this time, I’m unable to support women based in the USA or Canada, due to insurance restrictions. If that’s you and you’re looking for support, please reach out — I can point you toward colleagues who work in a similar way within those regions.
Do I have to participate in the online group?
Everyone participates at the level that they feel comfortable with. If that means keeping to yourself, that is completely ok.
Where the online group can be fantastic is if you are looking for certain information within the program, another member may be able to quickly direct you to that without having to wait for me to see and answer.
It also can help to know that you aren’t going through your health struggles alone- dealing with chronic health issues can feel very isolating. Having a supportive community who are all going through a similar journey can be a breath of fresh air.
The online community also offers a place to touch base between your appointments.
Can I book individual consultations while I’m a member?
Absolutely! The Quarterly membership includes the Initial appointment plus one follow up, the Annual membership includes the Initial appointment plus four follow up appointments.
If you want more appointments during your membership you can book those online at the normal appointment prices.
What happens at the end of my membership?
At the end of your membership, you can choose whether you would like to continue. There’s no obligation to renew.
If you do renew, you’ll continue to have access to the full Nurturing Life Online learning library and online community. Renewing members also receive ongoing individual support, with two appointments included with a quarterly renewal or five appointments included with an annual renewal.
If you decide not to renew, your membership simply ends. You’ll no longer have access to the learning library or online community, but you’re welcome to return and renew again in the future.
What’s the difference between Guest membership and paid membership?
The Guest Membership is a free three-week introduction to Nurturing Life Online. You’ll have access to the online community and the Insights Vault, so you can have a look around and see whether the program feels right for you.
Paid membership includes access to the full Nurturing Life Online learning library, along with individual consultations and a personalised pathway to help you work out which areas are most relevant to you and where to focus first.
The main difference is that Guest Membership does not include individual health advice or personalised guidance unless you have had an appointment with April.