How Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Help Support Endometriosis Did you know that using acupuncture for endometriosis can lead to a more comfortable and healthier menstrual cycle? It’s true! And it’s not some kind of woo-woo magic that’s relieving pain either. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional medicine, but modern science now recognises the role TCM plays in relieving pain. If you’re considering trying an evidence-based acupuncture treatment to help ease the pain from endometriosis, here’s what you need to know. Understanding endometriosis and its impact Endometriosis is a chronic a ..read more

A beginner’s guide to acupuncture – What to expect on your first visit Welcome to the world of acupuncture! If you’re considering this ancient practice for the first time, you might feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Fear not, I’m here to help walk you through what to expect on your first acupuncture visit, helping you feel prepared and at ease. Before Your Appointment Choosing the Right Practitioner The first step in your acupuncture journey is finding a suitable acupuncturist. Some things that are worth considering are: AHPRA registered – all Australian acupuncturists must be regist ..read more

Find Some Calm This Holiday Season with Acupuncture The holiday season can be a whirlwind of activities and emotions. While it brings joy and celebration, it can also escalate stress, anxiety, and exacerbate chronic symptoms. If you’re experiencing… Higher stress and anxiety from increased social obligations Worsening of chronic symptoms due to stress (such as digestive symptoms, poor sleep, or pain) Increased/relentless tension in your neck and upper shoulders Or you really just need the opportunity to slow down and decompress for a moment. Whether it’s one or all of the above, acupuncture ..read more

Book Review – Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker One of my 2023 goals was to read more books. I’ve recently rediscovered a love of fiction but I must say that the appeal of non-fiction books has not waned over the year! I recently read Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker and found it to be really interesting.   Embracing Restorative Sleep: A Key to Holistic Wellness In the ever-evolving rhythm of life, where the demands of work and family often overshadow our personal health, the significance of restful sleep remains paramount. In the clinic, we recognise sleep not just as a basic nece ..read more

Hayfever relief with acupuncture and natural remedies As spring’s arrival paints the world with a colourful burst of blossoms, it also unfurls the season that many approach with mixed feelings: allergy season. The incessant sneezing, persistent runny noses, itchy and watery eyes, and even bothersome skin irritations can cast a shadow over this otherwise vibrant time of year. If you’ve ever wondered how to combat these symptoms effectively or, better yet, prevent them altogether, here’s your guide to managing allergies through the synergistic combination of acupuncture and natural remedies. U ..read more

How does sleep impact stress and anxiety? The importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. Quality sleep is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, and a lack of sleep can result in numerous negative consequences, including elevated stress and anxiety levels. In this article, we will explore the relationship between poor sleep, stress, and anxiety, and provide tips on how to improve sleep quality and manage stress effectively. The link between sleep and stress Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and it can manifest in various ways, from mental and emotional stra ..read more

What is the gut-brain connection? The gut-brain connection refers to the link between the brain and your GI (gastrointestinal, or digestive) system. The brain is directly linked to the gut by the central nervous system, which controls how your food and fluids are broken down and then distributed through the body. But it has also been found that there is a closer link that is bidirectional between the brain and the gut, where both can influence each other.  This has been born out of the discovery of the enteric nervous system, which lies within the lining of the gastrointestinal system ..read more

I’ve just returned from a week away in Singapore, a long-awaited holiday with my family. I’m usually a fairly frequent traveller, getting away from home at least a couple of times a year, even if I’m not going very far. But due to all the disruption over the last couple of years, it has been a long time between trips, and I have sure felt the absence of travel during this time. It wasn’t even that noticeable in the day to day, but I found that looking back, I could see just how different things had become for me. Sleep had started to become more problematic, I was eating more junk food than ..read more

Period pain, either in the lead up to, or during the period, can range from what is considered mild all the way up to debilitating. Many people believe that this pain is just something they need to learn to live with, but acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help to reduce its severity and duration.  Primary dysmenorrhea (period pain) is the most common gynaecological complaint for women, with up to 80% of women experiencing it at some point. Recent research has shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce the pain experienced, and the need for pain killers. And not only has pain been ..read more

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) was developed back in the 1920’s as a tool to help reduce stress and anxiety. It was based on the idea that by progressively relaxing your body through a system of ordered steps, that could then help to promote mental relaxation. It has been studied in a lot of detail over this time and has been found to be a useful tool in helping in a number of areas, including: General stress reduction Alleviating anxiety, panic attacks and phobias Improving sleep quality and duration Chronic pain relief Sports performance The mechanism with which PMR works is through ..read more