Maitlandwellness

• Painful conditions: such as headaches, migraine, osteoarthritis, post operative pain
• Musculoskeletal conditions: such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, back and neck pain, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, rheumatism
• Neurological conditions: such as sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, stroke sequelae, Bell ’s palsy
• Gynaecological problems: painful menstruation, irregular periods, PMS, menopausal syndrome
• Pregnancy and labour: such as infertility, morning sickness, labour pain, induction of labour
• Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, ulcers, loss of appetite
• Ear, nose and throat disorders: such as sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, sore throat, mouth ulcers, tinnitus, Meniere’s disease
• Urogenital disorders: such as prostatitis, impotence, retained urine, urinary tract infection
• Cardiovascular disorders: such as primary hypotension, high blood pressure, angina pectoris
• Addictions: such as smoking and drug withdrawals
• Other: common cold and influenza, cough, allergies and immunity, gout, anxiety, stress, insomnia and fatigue, skin disorders…..just to name a few.
• Mental/Emotional Problems – like stress, anxiety & depression
• Lack of energy – fatigue

If you would like to enquire about any specific conditions not named above please contact us for further information.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine sterile needles into specific points or channels around the body. In Chinese Medicine these channels are seen as an interconnected network between the organs and the pathways through which Qi (loosely translated as energy) and blood flow through the body. By needling the points, the Qi and blood, yin and yang can be regulated to make them balanced. The points chosen correspond to the type of condition presented and may change from treatment to treatment. The purpose of Acupuncture is to maintain or restore the body to a natural state of wellbeing and to increase the body’s ability to function.
Acupuncture takes a wholistic approach to understanding disease processes and focuses as much on prevention of illness as on the treatment of health conditions. The treatment targets not just the presenting signs and symptoms; it looks at the underlying conditions, other health problems and the general state of health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture is part of an integrated system of primary health care, known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has an uninterrupted history dating back more than 3000 years.
What does Acupuncture focus on?
There are three main ways acupuncture therapy can help:

1: Acupuncture treats specific conditions to provide relief of symptoms,

2: For long term conditions, maintenance treatments can help provide a more comfortable state of health and wellbeing. It can also help to reduce medication requirements and in some cases may – prevent the need for surgery.

3: Chinese Medicine is an effective form of preventative therapy because of its ability to detect and treat imbalances before they lead to disease or disharmony.

The earlier the disorder is detected and treated, the better. Regular check ups or maintenance treatments are recommended.

How many treatments do I need?
As Acupuncture is working on the whole body rather than just the presenting symptoms, a course of treatments is individually tailored by the therapist. The number of treatments suggested will vary from patient to patient and for different conditions. Generally a treatment plan of 1-2 times a week for 2-4 weeks is recommended.
Therapies that may be incorporated with acupuncture to enhance the treatment. Such therapies include:
Massage: Massage may be incorporated to enhance the acupuncture treatment. This is to increase the body’s blood supply, remove blockages and for general relaxation.
Massage is also available separately from our 3 Massage therapists; more information about this further down the page.
Cupping: Glass or Pyrex cups are applied using a suction method to soft tissue areas. This is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture or massage therapy. The suction helps to stretch and release the tight muscles, increase blood circulation and to remove blockages.
Herbal patches or liniments: Specially formulated herbal patches and liniments may be applied to the body to encourage healing and to help with the overall function of the treatment. These can also be purchased from the clinic for home use.
Herbs: Chinese herbs may be suggested by your therapist to aid your treatment. The herbs are in a capsule or granulated form. The formula may vary according to your condition and may change from week to week. If you prefer to use the herbs without the acupuncture, we suggest a herbal consultation to determine which formula bests suits your needs.
Lifestyle and dietary advice: Your therapist may suggest to you certain stretches/exercises or activities to encourage further healing and maintenance. Dietary advice may also be given.
Moxibustion: This is the smouldering of a dried herb (Mugwort) near the surface of the skin. The herb is removed when it becomes hot. This is to stimulate the energy (or Qi) flow, warms the muscles and removes blockages. Moxa can be purchased for personal use.
Electro stimulation: Small electrical cables are attached to the needle causing a gentle electrical current to penetrate onto the body. This is useful in relaxing the muscles and tendons, increasing blood supply and removing blockages.
Ear Candles: The burning of a specifically designed hollow candle creates a gentle suction that helps remove any excess build up inside the ear. This is particularly beneficial for sinus sufferers and general ear disorders or throat problems. Ear candles can be purchased from the clinic.
What can I expect when I come in?
When you arrive for your first consultation you will be required to fill out a questionnaire. This enables the therapist to get an overview of your health history. A general physical examination is conducted and the tongue and pulse will be studied. You will be asked a number of questions regarding your condition as to enable a diagnosis to be made from a Chinese medicine perspective. The therapist will then discuss your therapeutic options with you and commence treatment.
What can I expect from the treatment?
Acupuncture consultation and treatments take approximately one hour. Once you have gone through your initial consult your treatment will begin. This involves the insertion of fine needles into various points on the body. You may feel a sting upon insertion of the needle although the discomfort is usually minimal. Most people find acupuncture treatments relaxing.The Acupuncturist may manipulate the needles to obtain De Qi (to get the energy to come to the needle). This feeling is most often described as a tingling, numbness or a heavy, achy feeling. This is all perfectly normal, but it is best to let your therapist know if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort. In some instances you may feel nothing at all. This is also perfectly normal. You will be regularly reassessed during the treatment to determine if you require any additional needles, or if other methods may be incorporated such as massage or Moxibustion.
What can I do to assist my therapy?

• Setting personal health goals
• Enjoy nutritious food and regular exercise and fresh air
• Cultivating a positive mental attitude
• Ensuring you get adequate rest and relaxation

Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is considered to be a very safe and side effect free treatment. All needles used are sterile and unwrapped prior to use. They are then disposed of immediately after treatment.
Some patients may experience redness or itching at the site of needle insertion. Occasionally, bruising may appear the following day.
Everybody responds to Acupuncture differently, however the main sensation people comment on is a feeling of increased energy. Generally you will feel less pain and discomfort, and may have better movement. It is not uncommon to feel tired after a treatment. In some instances, you may feel nothing initially, however the following days, changes may be noticed. Acupuncture is not a “miracle” treatment, and conditions are not “cured” immediately. It may take a few treatments to notice any major changes not just to your condition, but with your overall health and wellbeing.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapists use long, smooth strokes, kneading and other movements focused on superficial and deep layers of muscle using massage oil or lotion. It relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, and helps clear lactic acid and other waste, which reduces pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage therapy can be used for relaxation, or to help with a variety of health complaints:

• Back pain
• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis
• Stress relief and stress-related conditions
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Circulation and respiratory problems
• Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation
• Reduces swelling and fluid build up
• Massage therapy helps to improve the body’s immune system
• Relaxation

What type of massage do I need?
Swedish/relaxation: a full body treatment with a combination of relaxing deep and superficial tissue massage to relax the mind and body. Helps you unwind.
Deep tissue massage: focused on deep tissues, gives a deep relaxation and stretch to the muscle. Relaxing and rejuvenating.
Remedial Massage: focused on injury remedial assists in the removal of built up tension and scarring deep within the muscle.
Trigger Point Massage: most often used in combination with remedial, trigger point is specifically targeted at tension sites.
Sports Massage: used before and after heavy sports activity to warm up or cool down the muscles.
Myofacial release:this technique is a gentle stretch which focuses on the muscle sheath, allowing more flexibility through the joints and relaxation of muscles.
Pregnancy Massage:helps relieve many of the normal discomforts of pregnancy eg backache, leg cramps and headaches. In addition, massage reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages circulation and relax nervous tension.
Lymphatic Drainage:a gentle whole body treatment that relaxes the nervous system and aids the body’s immune system. It is recommended for people with low immunity , swollen nodes, excess fluids and cold/flu recovery.
Therapist profiles
Bjorn Mella MA, B Applied Science in Acupuncture. UTS
Bjorn completed his Acupuncture training at the University of Technology (UTS) in Sydney in 1994 and undertook and Internship in Guanxio, China. Bjorn sat exams to practice acupuncture in the United States, worked for five years in the New England region while he undertook a research based Masters Degree examining the placebo effect at Clark University. While living in the USA, Bjorn also undertook an Internship at the Centre for Mindfulness, Healthcare and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and has cultivated a strong mindfulness practice.
Bjorn established Maitland Wellness Centre based on mindfulness principles, with the intention that each patient receives total attention and care of the therapist.
Bjorn treats a wide range of conditions including chronic pain. He has a specific interest in treating stress and the difficulties in living with chronic pain/illness.
Lauren See – B Applied Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine. UWS Certificate 4 in Remedial Massage (SIBT)
Lauren graduated from the University of Western Sydney in 2004 and has been working in partnership with Bjorn even since. Lauren also completed a three month internship at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing in China, and gained her massage qualifications at the School of Integrated Body Therapy in Charmhaven. Lauren is a fully qualified herbalist of Traditional Chinese Medicines. She is skilled in treating a wide variety of conditions and has a particular interest in the treatment and management of pain. Lauren uses a special method of treatment using cupping therapy and combining acupuncture with massage.
Meshelle Bell – B Applied Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine. UWS Diploma Chinese Massage (SITCM)
Meshelle is a university qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who also holds a Diploma in Chinese Remedial Massage and a Certificate of Clinical Internship and an Honorary Certificate of Voluntary Medial Assistance from Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing, China. She spent two years after graduating from university living and working in Asia (China and Taiwan) where she worked within a hospital and external clinical setting.
Meshelle is currently focussed on fertility, IVF support, weight loss, cosmetic acupuncture, mood disorders and children’s health.
Shell Brodie – Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture), Diploma of Fitness, Certificate IV in Traditional Chinese Remedial Massage (An Mo Tui Na).
Shell studied acupuncture at Endeavour College of Natural Health in Melbourne before moving to Maitland. Being a qualified and registered personal trainer and acupuncturist, Shell applies her passion for health and wellbeing to make sure our clients receive the best possible outcome for their health issues. She has a special interest in acupuncture for weight management and metabolic function, exercise therapy, food as medicine and paediatric acupuncture and massage.
Rosetta Belcastro – Diploma in Remedial Massage. The Australian Institute of Applied Sciences.
Rosetta has over five years’ experience working in the massage industry. She has previously worked in a rehabilitation centre helping patients recover from injury and loss of mobility. Rosetta’s modalities include remedial and relaxation massage, deep tissue massage and reflexology. Rosetta specialises in full body Swedish massage combined with deep tissue and reflexology.
Meagan Price – Diploma in Remedial Massage
Meagan’s modalities include remedial, relaxation, pregnancy and hot stones with a special interest in treating sports injuries.
Diane Perry – Diploma of Remedial Therapies, The School of Intergrated Body Therapy
Diane has nearly twenty years’ experience in the industry with extensive skill in treating a variety of painful conditions for people of all walks of life. Diane is constantly updating her knowledge and skills to provide the best possible treatment outcome.
Carolyn Bridge – Diploma of Remedial, graduating 2015
Since completing her qualifications, Carolyn has developed an interest in oncology and how massage can assist in swelling and pain associated with cancer treatment.
Carolyn has also a strong belief in the holistic effect of massage in relieving anxiety and other emotional issues.
What is the cost of treatments?
Acupuncture:
Initial consultation and treatment $85.00
Follow up treatment (1 hour) $75.00
Massage:
Half Hour $50.00
1 hour $75.00
90 Mins $115.00
Herbal consultation:
Half hour $50.00 for $30 minutes
Herbal supplies range from $10.00 to $40.00 per week.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available for purchase from the clinic for Massage, Acupuncture or Herbal Consultation. The recipient is also able to choose their preference depending on their requirements. Vouchers for a 1 hour treatment are $75.00, however they can also be purchased for a specified amount.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic Acupuncture is also known as Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (FRA). This is an 8 week treatment program currently offered by Meshelle. FRA is a holistic treatment that uses traditional and modern acupuncture techniques to treat the underlying causes of ageing to achieve results. The treatments are designed for the individual; it involves no injections or surgery and is suitable for all skin types. Unlike other aesthetic treatments, there are no long lasting adverse reactions and it does not compromise facial mobility
What are the benefits?

• Increases circulation of blood and lymph to the face
• Improves hormonal balance for oily and dry skin
• Tightens the pores
• Lifts drooping eyelids
• Relieves the stress evident in the face
• Improves muscle tone
• Increases the production and dispersal of collagen
• Reduces eye bags
• Improves sagging jowls
• Eliminates puffiness and by boosting metabolism
• Eliminates fine lines and diminishes larger wrinkles

Treatment usually consists of between 12 to 15 sessions, with at least one visit a week.
For more information or to determine eligibility to treatments please contact Meshelle at the clinic.
Meshelle is also currently working in conjunction with the Newcastle Cancer Clinic for women suffering with breast cancer. For enquiries contact the clinic.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight week course that teaches evidenced based techniques to reduce stress. It is helpful to people who are suffering a range of chronic conditions including pain, anxiety and depression. The course is run twice a year and classes are 2.5 hours on Wednesday nights and there is a full day retreat on a Sunday between week 6 and 7.
Participants will be invited to explore the following practices:

• Experiencing body and mind through yoga and meditation
• Informal and formal mindfulness practices
• Lying down body scan, mindful breathing and walking meditation
• Mindful communication and inquiry related to home practice
• Exploration of patterns of thinking, feeling and action

The full day retreat is held between week 6 and 7 of the course.
The MBSR course is taught by Bjorn Mella, who completed his training at the University of Massachusetts Medical School under Jon Kabot Zinn. For information on future classes or enquiries please contact the clinic.