What is acupuncture?

As an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner, I use acupuncture as a gentle and holistic way to support the body’s natural healing processes. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile single-use needles into specific points on the body to help restore balance and regulate the nervous system.

In my clinic, acupuncture is commonly used to support people experiencing pain, stress, anxiety, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, sleep issues and a range of other health concerns. Treatments are always tailored to the individual, with the aim of addressing both symptoms and the underlying patterns contributing to imbalance.

Who can practise acupuncture in Australia?

In Australia, the title “acupuncturist” is legally protected. Registered acupuncturists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and meet national standards for education, safety and professional practice.

When performed by a qualified and registered practitioner, acupuncture has an excellent safety record and is generally very well tolerated.

In my practice, patient safety, comfort and professional standards are always a priority.

What is a Chinese medicine consultation?

In my Chinese medicine consultations, I take the time to look at your health as a whole person — not just a collection of symptoms. We discuss your current concerns, medical history, sleep, digestion, stress levels, energy, lifestyle and overall wellbeing to build a deeper understanding of the factors that influence your health.

I also use traditional diagnostic methods such as pulse and tongue assessment to help guide treatment. Depending on your individual needs, your consultation may include acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle guidance, cupping or other traditional therapies. Every treatment plan is tailored specifically to you, with the aim of supporting both your immediate concerns and your long-term health and wellbeing.

What is electro acupuncture?

Electro acupuncture is a modern variation of traditional acupuncture that combines acupuncture needles with gentle electrical stimulation. In treatment, small clips are attached to selected acupuncture needles to deliver a mild, controlled pulse between specific points on the body.

As an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner, I occasionally use electro acupuncture particularly for pain management and muscle tension. The stimulation is carefully adjusted to each person’s comfort level and is typically experienced as a mild pulsing or tapping sensation.

Treatments are always tailored to the individual and integrated within a broader Chinese medicine approach.

What is glass cupping?

Glass cupping is a traditional therapy used within Chinese medicine that involves placing specialised glass cups on the skin to create gentle suction.

The suction is created by briefly warming the air inside the glass cup before placing it onto the skin. This creates a vacuum effect that gently lifts the tissue and encourages blood flow to the area. Depending on your treatment needs, cups may be left in place or moved across the muscles in a technique known as sliding cupping.

In my clinic, glass cupping is commonly used to support muscular tightness, neck and back pain, sports recovery, stress-related tension, headaches and general wellbeing. Treatments are always tailored to the individual and are often combined with acupuncture or other Chinese medicine therapies.

Cupping is used both within traditional medicine systems and by some modern allied health and sports practitioners as part of recovery and musculoskeletal care.

What is moxibustion?

In my practice, moxibustion (or moxa) is used as a gentle warming therapy within traditional Chinese medicine to support circulation, relaxation and the body’s natural healing responses.

I use “smokeless moxa” near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body to provide a deep, therapeutic heat.

Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include the use of a moxa stick, warming acupuncture needles, or other indirect warming techniques.

Treatments are always tailored to the individual and are often combined with acupuncture as part of a holistic treatment approach.

In my practice, remedial massage can be used alongside acupuncture to help release muscle tension, improve circulation and support recovery within the body. Combining hands-on soft tissue techniques with acupuncture can help address both muscular tightness and nervous system regulation as part of a more comprehensive treatment approach.

Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include targeted massage techniques to reduce muscle restriction, improve mobility and relieve areas of tension before or after acupuncture.

In my practice, lifestyle and Chinese dietetics form an important part of supporting long-term health and wellbeing. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I work with patients to better understand how factors such as stress, sleep, nutrition, movement and daily routines may be influencing their overall health.

Chinese dietetics uses traditional principles alongside practical nutritional guidance to help support digestion, circulation, recovery and general balance within the body. Recommendations are tailored to the individual and may include guidance around food choices, meal timing, cooking methods and dietary habits based on your current health presentation and lifestyle.

Lifestyle support may also include advice around stress management, sleep, exercise, recovery and self-care strategies to help reinforce the benefits of treatment and support sustainable long-term wellbeing.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is used as a traditional hands-on therapy to help release muscle tension, improve circulation and support recovery within the body. The treatment involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently glide over the skin in specific areas, most commonly along the neck, shoulders, back and muscles affected by tightness or restriction.

Gua Sha may be used alongside acupuncture, cupping or remedial massage as part of a broader treatment approach.