Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine and has been used for thousands of years to support health and wellbeing.
It uses fine needles placed in specific points ('acupoints') on the body to regulate the flow of energy ('Qi'), blood and fluids and to support the nervous system. When these systems are functioning well, the body is able to better maintain balance and health.
With its ability to influence every body system, nervous system regulation is a key part of my acupuncture approach.
Treatments are based on a thorough Chinese medicine assessment, including questions about your overall health, feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue. From this, I select a small number of acupoints tailored to your individual presentation.
Depending on what you need, your session may also include other Chinese medicine therapies such as heat therapy, cupping, electro-acupuncture or gui sha. Patent herbal formulas may be prescribed where appropriate.
For those drawn to a broader approach or requiring a deeper conversation and emotional processing, acupuncture can be combined with kinesiology and other techniques like sound healing, crystals and flower essences in an integrated acu+kin session.
It uses fine needles placed in specific points ('acupoints') on the body to regulate the flow of energy ('Qi'), blood and fluids and to support the nervous system. When these systems are functioning well, the body is able to better maintain balance and health.
With its ability to influence every body system, nervous system regulation is a key part of my acupuncture approach.
Treatments are based on a thorough Chinese medicine assessment, including questions about your overall health, feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue. From this, I select a small number of acupoints tailored to your individual presentation.
Depending on what you need, your session may also include other Chinese medicine therapies such as heat therapy, cupping, electro-acupuncture or gui sha. Patent herbal formulas may be prescribed where appropriate.
For those drawn to a broader approach or requiring a deeper conversation and emotional processing, acupuncture can be combined with kinesiology and other techniques like sound healing, crystals and flower essences in an integrated acu+kin session.
How acupuncture can help.
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People often come to see me when they're looking for more than a quick fix. When they want to shift both symptoms and the underlying patterns contributing to them. My focus is on supporting:
Acupuncture has a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its use across a range of conditions. It's been shown to influence the nervous system, including direct and indirect vagus nerve stimulation (the 'rest and digest' functions) [PMID:36570846; PMID:39309627] and to support anxiety [PMID:29705474], irritable bowel syndrome [PMID:3819985], painful periods [PMID:41056095], menopause symptoms [PMID:29298078], and musculoskeletal pain [PMID:40861232]. |
Why choose acupuncture with me.
I believe it's important to choose a practitioner and a space that feels right for you. For a deep dive about me and my approach to your health, take a look at the hello and how I can help you pages.
My approach to acupuncture combines Chinese medicine diagnostics and treatment with a broader holistic understanding of the body, mind and nervous system. I often work with people where's there's a crossover between stress, emotions and physical symptoms, offering an integrated and personalised approach to care.
With over 13 years of clinical practice experience and a background in kinesiology, I bring a grounded, intuitive and thoughtful way of working that is also firmly anchored in Chinese medicine philosophy, clinical reasoning and treatment planning.
Where appropriate, I offer acupuncture in a more deeply held space that supports conversation, reflection and talking through emotional concerns. In these integrated sessions I also bring in tools not used in traditional acupuncture sessions, like sound healing, crystals, flower essences and essential oils.
The clinic itself is intentionally quiet and private, with only one treatment room and one client in the space at a time. This allows you to fully settle into your session, distraction free. It's a space where you can feel genuinely supported.
Some people find acupuncture in other settings can feel overly clinical, fast-paced or impersonal. That's not what you get with me. My focus in on created a considered, present experience.
Seeing me for acupuncture includes:
My approach to acupuncture combines Chinese medicine diagnostics and treatment with a broader holistic understanding of the body, mind and nervous system. I often work with people where's there's a crossover between stress, emotions and physical symptoms, offering an integrated and personalised approach to care.
With over 13 years of clinical practice experience and a background in kinesiology, I bring a grounded, intuitive and thoughtful way of working that is also firmly anchored in Chinese medicine philosophy, clinical reasoning and treatment planning.
Where appropriate, I offer acupuncture in a more deeply held space that supports conversation, reflection and talking through emotional concerns. In these integrated sessions I also bring in tools not used in traditional acupuncture sessions, like sound healing, crystals, flower essences and essential oils.
The clinic itself is intentionally quiet and private, with only one treatment room and one client in the space at a time. This allows you to fully settle into your session, distraction free. It's a space where you can feel genuinely supported.
Some people find acupuncture in other settings can feel overly clinical, fast-paced or impersonal. That's not what you get with me. My focus in on created a considered, present experience.
Seeing me for acupuncture includes:
- 13+ years clinical experience in holistic health
- AHPRA registered Acupuncturist
- Focus on nervous system regulation and whole-person care
- Integration of acupuncture with kinesiology, sound healing and energy-based approaches, where appropriate
- Capacity for deeper conversation and talking through emotional concerns in your acupuncture treatment
- Bespoke treatments rather than standardised protocols
- Private and peaceful one-client clinic space
"When there is free flow, there is no pain”
- HUANGDI NEIJING
What to expect.
What happens in a session?
Initial: 75 mins (includes a health history questionnaire)
Follow-up session: 60 mins. 45 min sessions available if you are on a weekly/fortnightly treatment plan
Your session involves:
Follow-up session: 60 mins. 45 min sessions available if you are on a weekly/fortnightly treatment plan
Your session involves:
- Detailed discussion of your reason for visiting
- Detailed discussion of your general health to inform your Chinese medicine diagnosis
- Feeling your pulse at both wrists
- Looking at your tongue
- Palpating different areas of your body, including areas of pain
- Lying on a massage table
- Ultra-fine acu-needles placed in acupoints (usually no more than 8 paired points are used)
- Acu-needles left in place for around 20 minutes. Typically Acupuncutrists leave the room during this time, however I always stay in the room when it is a clients preference. You can also choose to have gentle music or silence during this time
- Application of other Chinese medicine therapies where appropriate (e.g., heat therapy, cupping, electro-acupuncture or gui sha)
- Discussion of your treatment plan
DOES it HURT?
It's very normal to feel a bit unsure about needles, especially when we commonly associate them with the needles used for injections or blood tests (hypodermic). Rest assured, acu-needles are not the same. They're much (much!) finer.
Acu-needles are extremely thin and are about the width of 1-2 strands of hair. In my clinic, the size of needles I use ranges from 0.12mm to 0.25mm. I also use a quick and gentle insertion technique to minimise discomfort.
You may feel a sensation as the acu-needles go in, sometimes described as a slight prick, dull ache, a feeling of movement or tingling. Many people are surprised by how subtle it is.
I always check in on your comfort during the session and can adjust my approach if needed to help you feel at ease.
Acu-needles are extremely thin and are about the width of 1-2 strands of hair. In my clinic, the size of needles I use ranges from 0.12mm to 0.25mm. I also use a quick and gentle insertion technique to minimise discomfort.
You may feel a sensation as the acu-needles go in, sometimes described as a slight prick, dull ache, a feeling of movement or tingling. Many people are surprised by how subtle it is.
I always check in on your comfort during the session and can adjust my approach if needed to help you feel at ease.
AFTER THE SESSION
You may need to do some activities at home to support your treatment plan between sessions. This might include tracking symptoms, changes to diet or gentle movement.
Most people say they feel relaxed, lighter or more settled. Some people may feel tired, particularly if their system has been under stress.
It's normal for responses to vary. You may notice changes in your symptoms, sleep, digestion or energy levels over the following days. Sometimes, things may shift more gradually over the course of your treatment plan.
Most people say they feel relaxed, lighter or more settled. Some people may feel tired, particularly if their system has been under stress.
It's normal for responses to vary. You may notice changes in your symptoms, sleep, digestion or energy levels over the following days. Sometimes, things may shift more gradually over the course of your treatment plan.
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?
This depends on what you're seeking support for and how long it's been present.
Acupuncture generally works best as a course of treatment. Recent or acute concerns may only need a small number of sessions, whereas longer-standing or more complex patterns often benefit from a more consistent approach.
A common starting point is weekly sessions for a period of time. As your symptoms begin to shift, sessions are usually spaced out, moving to fortnightly, monthly or occasional support as needed.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and adjusted along the way, based on your progress and what feels manageable for you. My focus is on supporting health change, whilst also considering what is practical and sustainable for you.
Acupuncture generally works best as a course of treatment. Recent or acute concerns may only need a small number of sessions, whereas longer-standing or more complex patterns often benefit from a more consistent approach.
A common starting point is weekly sessions for a period of time. As your symptoms begin to shift, sessions are usually spaced out, moving to fortnightly, monthly or occasional support as needed.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and adjusted along the way, based on your progress and what feels manageable for you. My focus is on supporting health change, whilst also considering what is practical and sustainable for you.
can i claim private health rebates?
Yes! If you have private health insurance with extras cover that includes acupuncture, you may be able to claim a rebate.
I'm registered with most major private health funds, including AHM, Australian Unity, ARHG, BUPA, CBHS, HCF, MediBank and NIB.
I'm registered with most major private health funds, including AHM, Australian Unity, ARHG, BUPA, CBHS, HCF, MediBank and NIB.
Acupuncture safety and precautions.
I am an AHPRA-registered Acupuncturist and follow strict infection prevention and control guidelines. This includes the use of sterile single-use disposable acu-needles for each treatment.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when practiced by a qualified AHPRA-registered practitioner. Side effects are generally mild and temporary and may include slight swelling or minor bleeding or bruising at the insertion site. Occasionally people may feel light-headed, dizzy or slightly nauseous during or immediately after a session. Electro-acupuncutre is not suitable for people with a pacemaker.
Cupping and gui sha may leave temporary marks on the skin, ranging from light redness to deeper purple discolouration. These are not bruises and usually fade after a few days.
Acupuncture can be safely used during pregnancy. However, there are certain acupoints that are not appropriate during pregnancy and will not be used in your treatment.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when practiced by a qualified AHPRA-registered practitioner. Side effects are generally mild and temporary and may include slight swelling or minor bleeding or bruising at the insertion site. Occasionally people may feel light-headed, dizzy or slightly nauseous during or immediately after a session. Electro-acupuncutre is not suitable for people with a pacemaker.
Cupping and gui sha may leave temporary marks on the skin, ranging from light redness to deeper purple discolouration. These are not bruises and usually fade after a few days.
Acupuncture can be safely used during pregnancy. However, there are certain acupoints that are not appropriate during pregnancy and will not be used in your treatment.
Ready to begin?
If this feels like a good fit, you're welcome to book your first acupuncture appointment when you're ready.