Rachael West BHSc. (Chinese Medicine)
Dip. Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedial Massage (An Mo Tui Na)
Chinese Medicine Clinical Internship at Tzu Chi Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
MEd(T&D), GradDipVET, BA(SSc)
Sessional Lecturer at Southern School of Natural Therapies (Torrens University)
CMBA # 0001942901
AACMA # 3209
Rachael West (Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine)
I discovered Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine literally by accident. I was pregnant when a person rear-ended my car causing a serious whiplash injury (which was not my first). Due to my pregnancy I was unable to take any medications for the pain, so I tried Acupuncture and have never looked back. I was so impressed with the success of the drug free treatments to reduce my pain that I decided to investigate what other conditions Chinese Medicine could treat. I achieved great results in diminishing my symptoms associated with allergies and endometriosis (in fact I can truly say my daughter is a result of Chinese Medicine treatments). Never one to do things by halves I embraced my Qi (chee) change, discarded my corporate career in operational management, and threw myself into studying Chinese Medicine whilst raising three children. I have completed a diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedial Massage and a bachelor degree of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) and was extremely fortunate to be accepted to attend a clinical internship at Tzu Chi Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. The internship was amazing as it allowed me to experience the full power of Chinese Medicine in a hospital setting.
Throughout my years of practice I have developed a love for supporting women to achieve optimal health and have completed extra courses in fertility, IVF support, menopause, pregnancy, post-partum support, cancer support and general women’s health. As a mother of three I can honestly say that I have had my share of ups and downs when it relates to fertility and women’s health issues and I know that my experiences make me a better practitioner. In addition, I have studied advanced Acupuncture techniques for pain, musculoskeletal conditions and neurological pathologies. I am currently undertaking an intensive three year advanced post graduate diploma in Chinese herbal medicine.
Practicing Chinese Medicine enables me to fulfil my insatiable love of learning, as it is a dynamic and complete health system that is continually developing and evolving. In addition to my love of learning I love teaching and I am able to put my Masters of Education to use and have been working as a sessional lecturer at the Southern School of Natural Therapies since 2011 teaching Chinese Medicine. As a local of the Yarra Valley I could not think of a more beautiful place to practice my passion for health and wellness and you will often find me with my family walking the Warburton trail.
Sonic Searle BHSc. (Chinese Medicine), BSc.
Chinese Medicine Clinical Internship at Tzu Chi Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
CMBA # 0002616835
AACMA # 4162
Sonic Searle (Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine)
Sonic is a is a qualified and registered Doctor of Chinese Medicine. He completed his formal studies at the Southern School of Natural Therapies, acquiring a Bachelor of Health Science in Chinese Medicine and was fortunate to study internationally in China and to complete a clinical training internship, under the guidance of specialist doctors at Tzu Chi Buddhist Hospital in Taiwan (where he worked in the integrative medicine department). Prior to studying Chinese Medicine, Sonic first completed a science degree at Melbourne University with majors in physiology and neuroscience.
Sonic was originally planning on studying western medicine after his science degree, however during his studies he became unwell and began a health journey of his own. That journey lead him to see a doctor of Chinese Medicine for treatment and his plans changed. Sonic benefited immensely from Chinese Medicine and it widened his perspectives, allowing him to see that there are many different ways to be a healer, and the way that best suited him, was to embark upon a path to become a doctor of Chinese Medicine.
Sonic’s passion for the body and health combined with his curious nature and gentle personality ensures he prioritises compassionate patient centred care, whilst still delivering a holistic and comprehensive treatment. By identifying and treating the underlying causes of a condition rather than just symptoms, Sonic works with his patients to assist and empower them in attaining well being, whilst both preventing illness and dealing with presenting issues.
By utilising Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (Chinese massage) as well as other tools, in combination with diet and lifestyle advice, Sonic is able to assist a wide range of medical and health concerns and has particular interests in muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, men’s health, digestive health and stress and emotional concerns.
Sonic is registered under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Chinese Medicine Board Australia (CMBA) and is a member of The Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).
