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Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
We’ve taken some of the questions we get asked most frequently and compiled them in one place. If you can’t find the answer you're looking for in the list below, contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
General Questions
- 01
Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal — especially sleeves and pants that can be rolled up to the knees or elbows. For certain treatments, like cupping or abdominal work, Jesse may ask to access your back or stomach. A private treatment room and towels are always used for modesty and warmth.
- 02
Most acupuncture and integrative treatments take 45 to 60 minutes, depending on what’s needed that day. Your first session may be a little longer to allow time for consultation and assessment. Jesse will always let you know how much time to allow.
- 03
That depends on your goals and how your body responds. Some clients come weekly during an active phase (e.g. injury recovery, hormonal support), while others taper to fortnightly or monthly for maintenance. Jesse will discuss the best rhythm for you after your first session — always with flexibility in mind.
- 04
Many people leave feeling relaxed, calm, or physically lighter. Some feel an immediate shift, while others notice changes unfold over the next 24–48 hours. It’s not unusual to feel a bit tired afterward — this usually indicates the body is adjusting. Jesse encourages clients to stay hydrated and rest when possible after treatment.
- 05
That depends on the treatment and your goals. For most people, light training or mobility work is fine, especially if the session was geared around recovery. If we’ve done deeper work (like electro-acupuncture or strong cupping), Jesse may suggest holding off until the next day. He’ll always tailor advice based on your training cycle and how your body responds.
- 06
In Chinese Medicine, digestion is closely linked to the Spleen and Stomach systems, which relate not just to food processing, but also energy production and mental clarity. Patterns like cold, damp, or stagnation are used to understand imbalances. Jesse uses this framework, alongside modern insight, to select acupuncture points and herbs that gently guide the body back toward regulation.
- 07
Yes. Jesse regularly treats jaw tightness and TMJ discomfort, especially when it’s linked to clenching, grinding, or stress. Treatment may include acupuncture near the jaw, scalp points, gua sha along the face or neck, or motor point needling to reduce muscle tension in the masseter and surrounding areas.
- 08
Yes. Jesse regularly works with women going through perimenopause or post-hormonal transitions, whether it’s related to mood changes, sleep issues, temperature dysregulation or irregular bleeding. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be tailored to these shifts, offering gentle, non-invasive support.
- 09
No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis or referral to book a session. Whether you’re managing a known hormonal condition, coming off the pill, or simply want to feel more in sync with your cycle, Jesse will meet you where you’re at and help build a treatment plan from there.
Acupuncture Questions
- 01
Most people describe acupuncture as painless and deeply calming. The needles are extremely fine, much thinner than those used for injections. You might feel a dull ache, warmth, or tingling when a point is activated (called De Qi), but this sensation is usually brief. Many people feel so relaxed they drift off to sleep during treatment.
- 02
Most people are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The needles are very fine — about the width of a human hair — and are inserted with care. You may feel a mild tingling, warmth, or dull ache (called De Qi) for a few seconds, but strong pain is not expected. Jesse always checks in and adapts his technique to your comfort.
- 03
Each acupuncture session is tailored to you. Jesse uses traditional diagnostic techniques such as pulse reading, tongue observation, and palpation alongside a detailed conversation about your health. Based on this, specific points are selected to support your body’s own regulatory systems. Each session is adjusted to suit how you’re presenting on the day, and may result in the use of different points
- 04
Many people use acupuncture to support their body during periods of ongoing stress, pain, fatigue, or imbalance. The aim is to stimulate the body’s natural processes in a safe, gentle way. If you’re managing a complex condition, Jesse will take the time to understand your history and determine whether acupuncture may be a suitable part of your care.
- 05
Acupuncture is often used by athletes to support muscle recovery, pain management, and joint mobility. Jesse uses a combination of needling, electro-stimulation, and manual techniques to target the area directly and help guide the body’s natural recovery response. It’s not about “healing” injuries, it’s about helping the body get out of its own way so recovery can happen.
- 06
Cosmetic acupuncture still uses the same principles as traditional acupuncture, but places added focus on the face, scalp, and jaw. It targets areas related to skin tone, circulation, and muscle tension, while also including body points to support internal balance. The aim is not just aesthetic, it’s about improving function and flow across the whole system.
- 07
Some people notice immediate improvements in skin tone or tension, while deeper changes, like improved texture or reduced puffiness may take a few sessions. Jesse typically recommends a short course of treatments to allow the effects to build gradually and naturally over time.
- 08
Yes, but timing matters. Jesse will always ask about recent cosmetic procedures before starting. Cosmetic acupuncture can often complement other skin treatments, but it’s best to allow enough time between appointments so that your skin isn’t overstimulated. If you’ve recently had fillers, Botox, or laser, Jesse can advise on when it’s safe to proceed.
- 09
Many people seek acupuncture to support digestive rhythm, gut comfort, or energy levels. Jesse takes into account your whole system — including stress, diet, and lifestyle, to guide point selection.
While results vary, clients often report feeling more balanced, less bloated, or more “in sync” with their digestion over time.
- 10
Many people seek acupuncture to help manage recurring migraines or stress-related head tension. Jesse tailors each treatment to target contributing patterns, such as jaw tightness, nervous system overload, or postural strain.
Using acupuncture, gua sha, or cupping to support circulation and ease muscular holding.
- 11
Yes, treatment during a migraine can be safe when adapted to how your body is responding in the moment. Jesse may use fewer or more calming points and avoid strong stimulation. Some clients find relief during an active episode, while others prefer to come in for recovery or prevention-focused care once symptoms ease.
- 12
Many women seek acupuncture to support cycle regulation, flow, or premenstrual symptoms. Jesse uses traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics to identify underlying patterns that may affect timing, discomfort, or energy levels. Treatment is adjusted week to week, based on where you are in your cycle and how your body is responding.
- 13
Not quite. While both use gentle electrical currents, electro-acupuncture delivers the stimulation through acupuncture needles placed at specific points, guided by traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics. TENS devices typically use sticky pads placed on the skin’s surface. Electro-acupuncture allows for more targeted and tissue-specific input, often used when addressing deeper or more persistent patterns of tension.
- 14
Clients often describe it as a soft tapping, pulsing or humming sensation at the treatment site. It’s not painful and the current is fully adjustable and Jesse carefully monitors your comfort throughout. Most people find it deeply relaxing, especially once the rhythm settles. The goal isn’t to create discomfort, but to gently engage the nervous system in a more consistent, therapeutic way.
- 15
Electro-acupuncture is often chosen when people are experiencing stubborn muscle tightness, nerve-related sensitivity, or slow recovery after injury. While Jesse won’t make claims, this technique is commonly explored by people seeking to support their body’s resilience and mobility, especially in areas that feel stuck or unresponsive to other methods.
Chinese Herb Questions
- 01
Not always, but herbal medicine can be a helpful addition. Jesse may suggest a customised herbal formula to support your digestive system between sessions, especially if your symptoms are chronic or tied to fatigue or irregularity. All formulas are prescribed based on your presentation, and sourced from TGA-compliant providers.
- 02
Herbal extracts do have a distinctive flavour ( often earthy or bitter) but most people get used to it quickly. If needed, Jesse can suggest simple ways to make it easier to take. The benefit of granule extracts or pills, is that they work fast and can be adjusted easily based on how your system responds.
- 03
No. All herbal prescriptions through Jesse are provided as ready-to-use granule extracts. There’s no boiling, steeping, or prep required. You simply take the measured dose as directed, usually diluted in a small amount of water. It’s designed to be quick, convenient, and easy to stick to.
- 04
Yes — when prescribed by a registered practitioner.
Jesse only uses TGA-approved herbal products from reputable Australian suppliers. All formulas are carefully selected based on your needs and checked for interactions with any medications or supplements you’re already taking.
Cupping Questions
- 01
Both are used to address tight tissue and restricted circulation, but cupping uses suction to decompress fascia, while gua sha uses stroking pressure to scrape and stretch the tissue. Jesse chooses based on what the area needs — Sometimes it’s one, sometimes both.
- 02
The circular marks often seen after cupping are not bruises, but rather a result of suction drawing blood and fluids to the surface. These marks are usually painless and fade within a few days. Their colour and duration can vary based on your tissue response, tension levels, and overall circulation. Jesse will always adapt the pressure to your comfort level and your body’s needs.
- 03
Cupping should never feel sharp or painful. Most people describe a mild pulling sensation, followed by a feeling of lightness or release in the treated area. If at any point it feels too intense, Jesse will adjust the suction or technique. The goal is always a therapeutic and relaxing experience.
- 04
Yes, absolutely. Cupping is available as a standalone treatment or can be integrated into a larger session that includes acupuncture, gua sha or moxa. Jesse will discuss your goals during the consultation and help you decide what combination of therapies is best suited to your current presentation and preferences.
Gua Sha Questions
- 01
Yes, but they are not bruises. The temporary redness or purple shading you may see after Gua Sha is called sha, and it’s a normal response where circulation has been stimulated. These marks are painless and usually fade within a few days. Jesse always adjusts the pressure to suit your skin sensitivity and comfort.
- 02
Most people describe Gua Sha as a firm but comfortable dragging or stroking sensation. The technique can feel slightly intense in areas with tension or congestion, but it should never be painful. Many clients find it surprisingly relaxing and experience a sense of release, particularly in areas that feel tight or stuck.
- 03
While all three are used to address tension and circulation, Gua Sha works more specifically on the skin and fascia layers, using stroking instead of suction (cupping) or compression (massage). Jesse may combine Gua Sha with cupping, Tuina-style massage, or acupuncture depending on your needs, each technique complements the others in different ways.
Moxibustion Questions
- 01
Smokeless moxa is a clean-burning form of mugwort (Artemisia), used in modern moxibustion to provide therapeutic warmth without the strong smoke or smell of traditional moxa. It’s ideal for those with asthma, headaches, or sensitivities, and still delivers the same gentle heat to specific areas of the body
- 02
Most people describe the sensation as deep, steady warmth — like sunlight on the skin or a heat pack that reaches below the surface. It’s never applied directly to the skin, and Jesse carefully controls the distance and intensity to keep you comfortable throughout the session.
- 03
Yes. Moxa is often combined with acupuncture, cupping, or gua sha to enhance therapeutic effect. Jesse selects which therapies to use based on your current presentation, with the goal of creating a personalised session that supports your body’s natural rhythms and recovery.
Wagga Osteopathy
Wagga Osteopathy is locally owned. We are family friendly and happy to help every family member free themselves from aches and pains
Contact Us
Chinese Medicine Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: Closed
Sat: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sun: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Melbourne Expert available one weekend per month, right here in Wagga!