New SCU Acupuncture Clinic to open its doors to the public

Southern Cross University’s new state-of-the-art Acupuncture Clinic will open its doors to the public next week.

The clinic, located in Z Block on the Lismore campus, will be officially opened at 4 p.m. on Thursday 10 June.

It has been designed to support the postgraduate Masters course in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The two academics involved in the clinic – Dr Vivien Griffiths and Sharon Rallings – are both experienced practitioners in Chinese Medicine and Health Care and have operated similar clinics on the North Coast.

The Head of the School of Nursing and Health Care Practices, Chris Game, said the fact that it was a teaching facility was a positive advantage for the clinic.

“What we are able to offer are highly qualified practitioners with up-to-date equipment operating in a teaching environment,” she said.

Currently the clinic is open to the public for consultations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

As well as traditional acupuncture the clinic also offers treatment through laser (or needleless acupuncture), electro meridian imaging, electro magnetic heat therapy, electrical stimulation, auricular therapy, moxibustion and cupping.

Dr Griffiths said acupuncture was the first alternative therapy to be registered in legislation, by the Victorian Government.

“The Queensland and New South Wales Governments are currently seeking to replicate that legislation,” she said.

Dr Griffiths said the clinic aimed to provide comprehensive post graduate education in Traditional Chinese Medicine, effective diagnosis and treatment and disease prevention and health maintenance.

Ms Rallings said community acceptance of acupuncture as an alternative therapy had increased over recent years.

“Acupuncture is about treating the whole person not just the ailment,” she said.


“It is more than just a treatment for bad knees or sore backs. In fact the World Health Organisation has identified a number of diseases and disorders for which acupuncture has been proved, through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment.

“That includes depression, digestive disorders, hypertension, morning sickness, post-operative pain, renal colic, neurological illnesses and even tennis elbow.”

Anyone interested in attending the opening, or wishing to book an appointment can do so by telephoning the clinic reception on (02) 6620 3642.