Your Healing Journey

Yes, absolutely. Dr. Listiyani Astuti (TCM) is a registered Chinese medicine practitioner with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and a member of AACMA (Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association).

If your Australian private health fund includes Acupuncture extras cover, you may be eligible for an immediate, on-the-spot rebate using the HICAPS machine at the clinic. Your rebate will depend on your individual level of cover and remaining annual limits.

If you're unsure whether your policy covers acupuncture, I recommend contacting your private health fund directly before your appointment to confirm your eligibility and rebate.

Forgot your health insurance card? No problem. You can pay the full consultation fee at the clinic, and I can provide you with a receipt including my provider number and relevant item code, which you can then use to make a claim directly with your health fund.

Private health insurance rebates for Chinese medicine vary between health funds and individual policies.

If your policy includes Chinese Medicine cover, you may be able to claim a rebate for an eligible Chinese medicine consultation. However, the herbal medicines themselves — such as granules, capsules or pills — are generally not covered as a medicine/product benefit.

If you're unsure whether your policy provides cover for Chinese medicine, please contact your health fund directly to confirm your eligibility, rebate amount and any applicable annual limits or conditions.

What if my session includes both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine?

If acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are discussed or provided as part of the same consultation, you generally cannot claim the same consultation twice under both acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The appropriate claim will depend on the service provided and your health fund's rules.

If you have a separate Chinese herbal medicine consultation, either in person or online — for example, to review your progress or organise a repeat prescription — this may be claimable under your Chinese medicine cover if your health fund provides benefits for the service.

As health fund policies differ, I recommend checking directly with your insurer if you are unsure about what you can claim before your appointment.

Initial consultation

Your first session allows extra time for us to get to know your health history, understand what brings you in, and explore your health and wellbeing goals together.

I will explain your presentation through a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) lens, discuss relevant dietary and lifestyle considerations, and work with you to establish a shared direction for your care. My intention is not simply to provide treatment, but to support you in understanding your own wellbeing and identifying what you can do in everyday life to move towards the changes you want to make.

Before we begin treatment, I will explain the proposed approach, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you feel comfortable and informed about what we are doing. Your consent and participation are an important part of the process.

If acupuncture is appropriate and you are comfortable with needling, the acupuncture portion of the initial session is generally around 30 minutes, depending on how much consultation time we need.

If you prefer not to have acupuncture, or if we decide that another approach is more appropriate, we can explore other modalities from my toolkit, such as tuning fork therapy, cupping or moxibustion.

Follow-up sessions

Follow-up consultations are generally more focused, with up to 20 minutes allocated for checking in, reviewing your progress and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment approach.

The remaining time can then be dedicated to treatment. For acupuncture, needle retention is generally around 30-40 minutes per side, depending on the treatment approach.

As a guide:

• One side / one treatment area: approximately 60 minutes total

• Front and back treatment: approximately 90 minutes total

Other modalities such as tuning fork therapy, breathwork, guided meditation, cupping or moxibustion may also be incorporated where appropriate.

These timeframes are a guide rather than a fixed formula. Your session is tailored to what we are working with on the day, and we will always discuss the approach with you before treatment.

If you're unsure, 60 minutes is usually a good choice for a focused follow-up.

A 60-minute session is generally suitable when we are focusing on one side or a more contained treatment approach.

A 90-minute session gives us more time and is generally recommended when we are working with both the front and back of the body, or when you would like to allow additional time for a broader combination of modalities.

If you're unsure which to book, you're welcome to contact me before your appointment. We can also discuss what would be most appropriate based on what we are working with.

There is no need to do anything complicated before your appointment. I would advise to:

• Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before arriving.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing (pants or tops that roll easily past elbows and knees).

• Avoid scraping your tongue or consuming heavily staining drinks (like strong coffee or dark juice) on the day of your visit.

• Bring a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking (for your first session). 

There is no fixed number of sessions that applies to everyone.

The frequency and duration of treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, what you would like to work on, how you respond to treatment and how we decide to approach your care together.

However, as a general framework:

• Acute Conditions (e.g., cold/flu, recent injury pain, acute anxiety flare-up): Often benefit from 1–2 sessions per week for 3–4 weeks to stabilize symptoms.

• Chronic Conditions & Deep Emotional Integration (e.g., burnout, trauma, long-term hormonal shifts): Typically respond best to a block of weekly sessions for 4–6 weeks, gradually shifting to fortnightly care as your system stabilizes.

• Maintenance & Seasonal Wellness: Once balance is restored, many clients choose monthly or seasonal tune-ups (Yang Sheng) to maintain optimal vitality, clarity and balance.

You are always part of that conversation — there is no requirement to commit to a predetermined number of sessions.

No. You don't need to decide which modality you need before your session.

Your initial consultation gives us space to understand what you're experiencing and what you'd like to explore. From there, I'll recommend an approach and we can decide together which tools from my toolkit are most appropriate.

Sometimes that may be acupuncture. Sometimes it may be a combination of acupuncture and another modality, or a completely needle-free approach. The aim is not to fit you into a particular treatment, but to find an approach that feels appropriate for you.

I understand that sometimes plans change and unexpected circumstances arise. I simply ask for enough notice so that I have an opportunity to offer your appointment to someone else who really need the session.

Cancellations and rescheduling

• Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours' notice may incur a $50 cancellation fee.

• An appointment can be rescheduled up to two times. Further rescheduling may be treated as a cancellation.

• Same-day cancellations or missed appointments without notice may incur the full appointment fee.

I understand that life happens, and I will always consider the circumstances when applying the cancellation policy. Where there are genuine or unforeseen circumstances, I may choose to waive or reduce the fee at my discretion.

Lateness

Please allow enough time to arrive at your appointment as your session time is reserved specifically for you.

If you arrive late, your session may need to finish at the originally scheduled time so that I can stay on schedule for the next client. This may mean that there is less time available for consultation or treatment. The appointment fee remains unchanged.

If you anticipate being significantly late, please let me know as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, I may recommend rescheduling your appointment, and the cancellation policy may apply.

Repeated cancellations or lateness

If there is a recurring pattern of late cancellations, missed appointments or significant lateness, I may require the full appointment fee to be paid in advance for future bookings.

This isn't intended to be punitive — it simply helps me protect appointment times and ensure that my availability is used respectfully.

Thank you for understanding and respecting the time we have set aside for your session.

Aesha Spirit believes in an open and integrative approach to wellbeing.

My services are intended to complement, not replace, your existing healthcare. If you are already working with a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or other healthcare professional, you are welcome to share this with me so I can take your broader care into consideration where relevant.

With your consent, I am also open to communication with other members of your healthcare team when appropriate.

I encourage you to keep your healthcare providers informed about the different forms of care you are receiving, so that you can make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

Yes, absolutely. I encourage it! I offer a free 15-minute Discovery Call via phone or video (by appointments). This gives us a gentle, no-pressure space to discuss your main health concerns, answer any questions you have about needles, tuning forks, or herbs, and determine whether my integrative approach aligns with what you need. 

Acupuncture has a long history within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where points and meridian pathways are understood as part of an interconnected system of the body.

In my practice, I use this traditional framework to guide how I select and combine acupuncture points according to your individual presentation. I also draw from contemporary clinical knowledge and my additional training in transformational acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been extensively studied, particularly in relation to pain and other health concerns. Research suggests that acupuncture can influence the nervous system and other tissues in the body, although the full mechanisms are not yet completely understood.

Acupuncture is also practised by a range of other registered health professionals in Australia, including some medical practitioners and physiotherapists, although their training, scope of practice and approach may differ.

For me, acupuncture is more than simply placing needles. It is a way of working with the body while also creating space to explore the physical, emotional and energetic dimensions of your experience.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a suitably qualified practitioner using appropriate technique and sterile, single-use needles. Minor effects such as temporary tenderness, bruising, slight bleeding, dizziness or fatigue can occur. More serious complications are uncommon but can occur, particularly when acupuncture is performed incorrectly.

I use only single-use, sterile stainless steel acupuncture needles, which are disposed of after each treatment.

Before treatment, I will ask about your health history and anything that may affect whether or how acupuncture should be performed. If there is something that requires additional medical consideration, I will discuss this with you and may recommend that you consult your doctor or another healthcare professional.

This is the most common concern for new clients! Acupuncture needles are much finer than the needles used for injections or blood tests —roughly the width of a single human hair—so the experience is usually very different from having a medical injection.

You may feel a brief prick when a needle is inserted, followed by sensations such as warmth, heaviness, tingling, a dull ache or simply a sense that the needle is there (known as De Qi), you may even feel sensations in other parts of the body that I didn't put a needle in. This is a positive sign that your nervous system and meridians are responding. Some points may be more sensitive than others. Most clients find the process so deeply relaxing that they fall asleep during treatment (our beloved "Acu-nap").

Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, and your comfort matters. I will always explain what I'm doing and encourage you to let me know if something doesn't feel right.

You don't have to be comfortable with needles to work with me.

If you are curious about acupuncture and meridian-work but feel nervous about needles, we can take things slowly. We can start with fewer needles, use points that feel more comfortable, or we can explore other options from my toolkit.

Depending on what we are working with, this may include tuning fork therapy, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, meditation or herbal medicine.

There may also be times when I choose to use an essential oil or Australian Bush Flower Essence on an acupuncture point instead of inserting a needle.

You are always welcome to tell me if you are nervous, and you never have to push through something simply because you have booked an acupuncture session.

My foundation is Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture, but my practice has continued to evolve through additional training and exploration. Transformational Acupuncture isn't a replacement for conventional acupuncture; it is an additional lens through which I approach my acupuncture practice.

Transformational Acupuncture is an esoteric style of acupuncture that allows me to bring another layer of perspective to the treatment. Alongside the physical body and TCM meridian system, this style of acupuncture is open to exploring concepts such as chakras, sacred geometry and the relationship between the physical, emotional and energetic aspects of our experience.

Depending on what we are working with, I may also draw on the deeper layers of TCM meridian system such as Luo channel and Eight Extraordinary Vessel (8EX) treatments, which offer different ways of exploring psycho-emotional patterns, inner transformation, spiritual themes or a sense of disconnection from your deeper sense of self. These approaches are not necessarily used in every acupuncture session; I select them according to your individual presentation and what we are exploring together.

Chinese herbal medicine is traditionally an individualised and formula-based practice. At a therapeutic level, different herbs are selected to work together according to the individual's TCM pattern presentation, with the overall formula tailored to the person rather than simply matching an herb to a symptom. This is designed to address the underlying imbalance rather than suppressing or masking the symptoms. 

Chinese herbal medicine has also been the subject of growing scientific research. Studies have explored the biological activity of individual herbs and multi-herb formulas, including effects involving inflammatory pathways, immune function, oxidative processes and other physiological systems. The strength of evidence varies between different herbs, formulas and health conditions, so research findings should not be generalised to all Chinese herbal medicines. 

At Aesha Spirit, I work with herbs in two distinct layers: therapeutic and lifestyle.

Therapeutic herbal medicine
This is prescribed following an individual consultation and TCM assessment. I may use a classical formula, modify by adding individual herbs to the formula, or combine various formulas to create a prescription suited to your presentation. The prescription can be reviewed and adjusted as your presentation changes.

My intention is not for you to rely on therapeutic herbs indefinitely. Where appropriate, we work towards reducing and eventually discontinuing the prescription, rather than continuing it simply out of habit. As your presentation changes, we can gradually reduce the frequency or duration of herbal support and revisit it when it is genuinely needed.

Chinese herbal medicine is generally taken consistently over a period of time rather than as an occasional or one-off treatment, especially in chronic conditions. How quickly you notice changes varies from person to person. Consistency is important because it gives us a clearer picture of how you are responding and whether your prescription needs to be adjusted. 

Yang Sheng & lifestyle herbs
This includes the herbal teas, soup packs and other everyday blends I create in-house. These are inspired by TCM principles, seasonal living and traditional household nourishment practices. They are intended as food-based and lifestyle support rather than therapeutic herbal medicine prescriptions.

The two can complement each other, but they serve different purposes. A tea or soup pack is not intended to replace an individualised therapeutic herbal prescription when one is clinically indicated.

Ultimately, I want herbal medicine to be a supportive tool rather than something you feel you have to depend on — helping you develop a sustainable approach to your wellbeing that can evolve as your needs change.

Chinese herbal medicine is predominantly plant-based. Traditional materia medica includes roots, rhizomes, bark, branches, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds and other plant materials. It may also include mineral substances, some of which have animal or marine origins, such as fossilised bone or oyster shell.

I typically choose plant-based materials in my practice and do not use animal-derived materials involving endangered or protected species. If you have dietary restrictions or personal preferences and would like to avoid any animal-derived substances, please let me know during your consultation so I can take this into consideration and adjust the prescription where appropriate.

I source herbal products through established suppliers and consider responsible sourcing when selecting the materials I use in practice.

Chinese herbal medicine can be provided in several forms. I choose the form according to your individual prescription, treatment stage and — importantly — what you are most likely to take consistently.

Granules

Granules are concentrated herbal extracts that are mixed with water before taking. I commonly use Koda, a Taiwanese GMP manufacturer with established quality-control and testing processes for its Chinese herbal products.

Granules offer greater flexibility for me to customise a prescription by combining individual herbs and adjusting the formulation according to your presentation. I generally favour this approach when I want to create a more individualised prescription, particularly in the earlier stages of working with a longer-standing concern.

Capsules & pills

I may use patent formulas in capsule or pill form, including Chinamed capsules and selected Black Pearl pills.

These can be a good option if you prefer not to take granules — and sometimes convenience matters more than having the most individually customised formulation. I would rather you have a form that you can comfortably take consistently than prescribe something you find difficult to follow.

Capsules and pills can also be particularly practical when travelling or during later stages of care, when the focus may shift towards maintaining the progress already made.

Raw herbs

I don't normally dispense raw herbs that require decoction at home.

However, if a traditional raw-herb decoction is appropriate for your prescription, I can provide an external prescription for you to take to a Chinese herbal dispensary of your choice. If you prefer, I can also assist with arranging the herbs through my supplier and have them prepared and sent to you.

Whichever form we choose, my priority is finding an approach that is both appropriate for your individual presentation and realistic for your everyday life.

Chinese herbal medicines are not automatically safe to combine with every medication. Like other medicines, herbs can have side effects and may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

This is why I will ask about your current medications, supplements and relevant health history before prescribing Chinese herbs. I consider potential herb–medicine interactions and other safety factors when developing your prescription.

Where appropriate, I may recommend taking your Chinese herbs at least two hours apart from your Western medicines as an additional precaution. However, spacing the doses does not prevent every possible herb–medicine interaction, so it is important that I know what medications and supplements you are taking.

If you are taking prescription medication, please do not stop, reduce or change your medication in order to take Chinese herbs. Where needed, I may recommend that you speak with your GP or pharmacist before starting a particular herbal prescription.

If you are unsure whether Chinese herbs are appropriate alongside your current treatment, please let me know during your consultation so we can make an informed decision together.

Yes. If you are an existing client and your herbal prescription simply needs reviewing or updating, you may not always need a full initial consultation.

A shorter follow-up consultation can be used to check how you have been responding, discuss any changes in your health or circumstances, and determine whether your existing formula is still appropriate. You can book a 30-minute Herbal Review & Refill Session. This can be conducted either in-person at the clinic or via Telehealth (video/phone) from the comfort of your home. 

Chinese herbal prescriptions are not intended to continue indefinitely without review. Your presentation can change over time, so your formula may need to be adjusted accordingly.

If there have been significant changes in your health, medications or symptoms, a longer consultation may be more appropriate (especially if the chief complaint is completely new).

Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for eligible clients. After your consultation, your prescription will be prepared and when ready they can be collected at the clinic or posted to you with Express Post.

Because your herbs are organised after your consultation, they are not usually available immediately after an online appointment. I will let you know when they are ready and arrange collection/postage with you.

For safety, online consultations still involve a proper consultation and review of your health history, medications and current circumstances before a prescription is provided.

Glow Up is my restorative needle-free TCM facial treatment, combining facial acupressure, guasha and tuning fork therapy in a specific sequence designed to promote relaxation and ease tension around the face, head, eyes and jaw.

It can be particularly enjoyable if you experience eye fatigue from screen time, head or facial tension, mental fatigue or difficulty switching off. The facial techniques may also stimulate local circulation and leave the skin looking refreshed and naturally radiant.

We begin with a gentle cleanse of the face and finish with light moisturising. You are welcome to bring your own skincare products if you prefer.

There is no consultation included in a Glow Up session. The treatment follows my established protocol, with additional time in the longer session to focus more specifically on areas such as jaw tension, sinus congestion, headaches, eye fatigue or neck and shoulder tension.

• 45-minute Glow Up — Standard
  A complete facial acupressure, guasha and tuning fork sequence, ideal for relaxation, facial tension, skin radiance and a restorative break from the demands of the day.

• 60-minute Glow Up — Targeted
  Includes the standard sequence with additional time to focus on specific areas of tension or discomfort, such as the jaw, head, sinuses, eyes, neck and shoulders.

Glow Up is also a lovely needle-free alternative for those who would like to experience elements of my TCM approach in the head and face area without acupuncture needles.

Inner Alchemy is a space for deeper inner work — particularly when you feel there is something beneath the surface that you would like to explore, understand or see from a different perspective.

Unlike a conventional TCM consultation, the session places greater emphasis on talking, sharing, reflection and self-inquiry. You may come with something specific you would like to explore, or simply with a sense that something in your life feels unsettled, repetitive or ready to be understood differently.

Through conversation, mindfulness and guided practices, we create space for new insights, awareness and perspectives to emerge. My role is not to tell you what your experience means, but to support you in exploring it for yourself.

In Person

Depending on what we are exploring, the session may incorporate Transformational Acupuncture, including approaches such as the Luo channels or Eight Extraordinary Vessels, or other modalities from my toolkit where appropriate.

Meditation and/or breathwork are an integral part of every Inner Alchemy session, creating space to slow down, connect inwardly and integrate what has emerged.

We will also finish with an oracle card reading, offered as a reflective tool and take-home message to extend the work after the session.

Online

Inner Alchemy can also be experienced remotely. The session centres around conversation, reflection, meditation and breathwork, with energetic acupuncture potentially incorporated during the meditation component where appropriate.

An Inner Alchemy session report can also be provided upon request, summarising key insights, themes or reflections that emerged during our session.

What might we explore?

Inner Alchemy may be particularly suited to times when you are:

• navigating a life transition, change or a new chapter and feeling unsure of how to move forward 

• feeling stuck in a situation, decision or recurring pattern and wanting a different perspective 

• feeling disconnected from yourself, your motivation, your direction or what feels meaningful 

• understanding your patterns intellectually, but finding yourself repeating the same behaviours, reactions or experiences anyway 

• finding it difficult to fully feel or move through your emotions, even when you understand where they may be coming from 

• struggling with self-doubt, low confidence, indecisiveness or difficulty trusting your own choices

• wanting support to make sense of your experiences, integrate what you have learned and consciously move towards a way of being that feels more aligned with you 

You don't need to arrive with all the answers. Change begins with the courage and openness to look within. To see the patterns, beliefs and ways of being that no longer serve us — and consciously choose what we are ready to release. When we transform our inner landscape, we create new possibilities for how we meet and experience the world around us. 

Prefer something more gentle and less verbal participation?

Inner Alchemy can sometimes invite deep reflection and self-exploration, which may feel confronting or intense. If you would prefer a quieter, less verbally focused experience — or simply don't feel like talking much on the day — you are welcome to request B4 Formats as an alternative within your Inner Alchemy session.

For those already familiar with Access Bars, B4 Formats offers a gentle energetic approach involving light touch on the head. A brief consultation beforehand allows us to understand what you would like to focus on, before allowing the session to unfold in a more relaxed and receptive way.