First and foremost, it is crucial to recognise that you maintain complete control over your treatment experience. I will ensure that you are aware of and agree to all procedures associated with the treatment by communicating with you at each stage.

Following the treatment, we discuss what happens next. In order to ensure that your symptoms subside and do not recur, it may be necessary to undergo more than one treatment in order to develop an effective treatment plan. In addition, your plan may include the recommendation of herbs, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.

Please allow 60 minutes for your first appointment.

Follow up appointments are 40 minutes long.

Ensure you are adequately hydrated and have eaten - preferably a light meal around an hour beforehand.

You may be required to undress to underwear to enable access of acupuncture points. Towels and sheets are used to provide appropriate draping and coverage at all times.

Acupuncture is a complementary medicine and is generally safe to use alongside conventional medicine.

Acupuncture doesn't change how your body works chemically and won't interfere with any current treatment.

With this in mind, liaison with your current health care provider is advised with your permission.

Both acupuncture and dry needling use the same needles.

Dry needling is generally performed by an allied health professional who has undergone a course that is not regulated in Australia. Acupuncturists study for at least three years specifically on acupuncture techniques and when qualified are registered under CMBA (Ahpra).

To facilitate loosening tight muscles, dry needling essentially works by focussing on certain "trigger points" where neuromuscular connections are located.

Along with musculoskeletal problems, acupuncture may alleviate pain, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal issues, immune system deficiencies, and reproductive health concerns.

In contrast to dry needling's localised emphasis, acupuncture takes a more comprehensive approach by harmonising the patient's physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Acupuncture is the strategic placement, penetration, and manipulation of needles on the body to achieve therapeutic benefits.
Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine treatment that is immediately recognised worldwide. It involves the strategic insertion of single-use sterile needles into the specified acupuncture points to treat, relieve, or heal a variety of diagnosed conditions.

Acupuncture, according to Chinese medicine, is a method used to harmonise the movement of energy or life force, referred to as qi, which is said to circulate along certain routes (meridians) throughout the body. By strategically putting needles into precise places along these meridians, the body's homeostasis or balance is effectively restored.

Everyone is different and responds differently to acupuncture treatments. Generally, there is some immediate effect from acupuncture but some may take some time to notice any changes.

A treatment program will be discussed with the practitioner during your appointment.

Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling little pain as the needle is put into certain points. Needles are only inserted to a point that causes a feeling of pressure or ache.

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain.

Research (The Acupuncture Evidence Project) has shown that acupuncture can be used with efficacy in the treatment of conditions such as musculoskeletal and digestive issues, mental health, stress, reproductive and gynaecological conditions.

When it comes to the many issues that might develop during pregnancy and delivery, acupuncture is a great option since it provides drug-free comfort. It can lessen the severity of certain conditions and help with common pregnancy-related symptoms like sciatica, morning sickness, and discomfort from symphysis pubis.

Yes, acupuncture is covered by private health insurance when received from a registered practitioner. The level of coverage will be dependent on your insurance.

I am registered with most Australian private health funds. Reach out if you’d like to confirm if that includes your particular fund.

🫖 How to Cook Raw Herbs:

What to Cook In:

• Use non-metal pots (glass, clay, enamel) unless told otherwise.

• Metal pots are okay if your practitioner approves.

Step-by-Step Cooking (1 bag = 3 boils):

1. Empty 1 packet of herbs into the pot.

2. Add 3½ cups cold water, soak for 10 mins.

3. First boil: Bring to boil, simmer (lid slightly ajar) for 40 mins. Strain and save liquid.

4. Second boil: Add 2½ cups boiling water, boil/simmer 40 mins. Strain into same bowl.

5. Third boil: Repeat step 4. Combine all three boils.

6. Discard herbs (great for compost!).

You’ll have about 3–4 cups of tea.

🥄 Dosage & Storage

• Take 100ml in morning, 130ml in evening, or as prescribed.

• Tea lasts 3–4 days per bag.

• Store in fridge (keeps for 5 days); leave out max 3 hrs before drinking.

• Drink warm or room temp (never cold).

• Ideally take 30 mins from food, 2 hrs from medication—but don’t stress if timing isn’t perfect.

• You can freeze the tea if needed.

🛑 Stop Taking Herbs If:

• You get sick (cold/flu/gastro).

• You become pregnant and haven’t discussed with your practitioner.

• You have an allergic reaction (rash, etc.).

Contact your practitioner in these cases.

💡 FAQs – Quick Tips

• Don’t panic if you mess up the cooking – it’s forgiving.

• Cook the same bag 3 times, combining all liquid.

• Less liquid? That’s fine. Too much? Boil it down to 3–4 cups.

• Too strong? Dilute your dose before drinking.

• Herbs dried out? Add more water unless they burned.

• Sipping is okay, as long as you drink your full dose daily.

• Sludge at the bottom? Let it settle. Don’t drink it.

• Missed a dose? Just take the next one as normal.

• Need a pot? Try your clinic, Chinese grocers, or Apricot Grove (Hawthorn, VIC).

🫖 How to Prepare Your Powdered Raw Herbs

What You’ll Need:

• Clean ceramic, glass, or enamel mug or pot

• Boiling water

• Spoon for stirring

☕ Preparation Instructions:

1. Measure your prescribed dose (e.g. 5g).

2. Place powder into your cup or mug.

3. Add 100ml of hot water (just off the boil).

4. Stir well until fully dissolved (some herbs may not completely dissolve – that’s okay).

5. Drink while warm, ideally within 5–10 minutes.

🥄 Dosage & Timing:

• Typical dosage: 5g twice daily, or as instructed by your practitioner.

• Take 30 mins before or after meals and 2 hrs apart from medications if possible.

• If taste is too strong, you can dilute with more warm water at the time of drinking.

• Sipping over 10–20 mins is fine if you prefer.

🧊 Storage & Tips:

• Do not pre-mix large amounts unless directed.

• If pre-mixing (e.g. for travel), refrigerate and use within 24 hours.

• Stir again before drinking, especially if any sediment has settled.

• Do not reheat in a microwave—add hot water instead.

🛑 Stop Taking Herbs If:

• You develop cold, flu, or tummy bug symptoms not discussed in your consult.

• You become pregnant without having told your practitioner.

• You experience a rash or allergic reaction.

💡 Quick FAQs

• Forgot a dose? Just take the next one—no need to double up.

• Taste too bitter? Try with a splash of warm water, or chase with something mild (like a rice cracker).

• Sediment? Let it settle, then drink the clear part on top.

• Traveling or sick? Herbs can be paused or frozen if absolutely necessary—ask your practitioner first.

• Simon from Empirical Herbs does a great presentation on how to steep herb formula overnight https://youtu.be/MRZJlH1dXeM?si=ivnDn-gt946cw0A7

An Ai Ye (Mugwort) Foot Soak is a traditional Chinese therapy used to warm the womb, ease menstrual discomfort, and support healthy circulation — especially if you feel the cold easily.

How to prepare your soak:

1️⃣ Measure — Use one single pre-portioned pack (or about 10–15 g dried Ai Ye) per soak. You can add a few slices of fresh ginger for extra warmth if you like.

2️⃣ Simmer — Place the herbs in a small pot with 1–1.5 litres of water. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 15–20 minutes to extract the goodness.

3️⃣ Set up your foot bath — Pour the hot herbal liquid into a large basin. Add enough warm water to reach a comfortable temperature. Test before putting your feet in.

4️⃣ Soak & relax — Immerse your feet and ankles for 20–30 minutes. Keep the water warm by adding a little hot water as needed. Enjoy this time to rest and unwind.

5️⃣ When to use — For menstrual pain or Cold Womb support, soak your feet 5–7 days before your period, every night or every second night. For general warmth and circulation, 2–3 times a week is beneficial.

⚠️ When not to use a foot soak

• Do not use during heavy menstrual bleeding.

• Avoid if you have broken skin, infections, or fever.

• Always check the water temperature to avoid burns.

✨ Pro tip: For best results, pair your foot soak with a warm wheat bag over your lower belly.

Castor oil packs are a gentle, traditional way to support pelvic circulation — similar to acupuncture, they help increase blood flow and break up adhesions, making them especially helpful for period pain, endometriosis, or adenomyosis.

When to use a castor oil pack

• Best used daily before ovulation, for about 20 minutes each session.

• If you are trying to conceive, only continue after ovulation if you are certain you are not pregnant.

• 🚫 Do not use castor oil packs if you are on blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder (e.g., haemophilia).

🫧 How to do a castor oil pack

1️⃣ Get your heat source ready — Use a hot water bottle or heat pack. Make sure it’s warm but not too hot.

2️⃣ Protect your pack — Wrap your heat pack in plastic wrap or a barrier so the oil absorbs into your skin, not the fabric.

3️⃣ Apply the oil — Gently rub a small amount (about 5 ml) of castor oil onto your lower abdomen — about four fingers below your belly button, from hip bone to hip bone.

4️⃣ Relax — Place the covered heat pack over the oiled area and rest for 20 minutes.

5️⃣ Clean up — Wipe off any remaining oil with a warm, damp face washer or take a quick shower.

✨ Tip: A warm castor oil pack is a beautiful self-care ritual before bed to help your body soften and release tension.

A Nourishing Herbal Infusion for Calm, Clarity & Balance

This gentle, floral tea is a Traditional Chinese Medicine favourite for calming the mind, nourishing the body, and supporting emotional wellbeing. Perfect as a daily ritual to unwind or as part of a menstrual or menopausal care routine.

Ingredients (Serves 1–2)

• 2 dried jujubes (red dates), sliced or whole

• 1 tbsp dried goji berries

• 1-2 dried rose buds (food-grade, organic)

• 500–600ml hot water

• Optional: a few slices of fresh/dried ginger or a drizzle of honey (added after brewing)

Instructions:

1. Rinse herbs under cold water to remove dust or residue.

2. Place all ingredients into a teapot or small saucepan.

3. Add hot water and gently simmer for 10–15 minutes.

4. Strain into your favourite cup and enjoy warm.

5. Add honey to taste if desired.

Why It’s Loved in Chinese Medicine

• Jujube (Da Zao): Strengthens digestion, calms the spirit, and nourishes Blood.

• Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi): Supports Liver and Kidney Yin, enhances vitality, and benefits the eyes.

• Rose Buds (Mei Gui Hua): Moves stagnant Liver Qi, supports mood balance, and gently aids digestion.

Sip slowly. Breathe deeply. Reconnect.
This tea is a favourite in my clinic for clients seeking balance during stress, fatigue, or hormonal changes.

If you've experienced acupuncture or taken Chinese herbs separately, you might wonder: do I need both? It's a question I'm asked regularly at the clinic, and the answer reveals something fascinating about how Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches healing.

Two Pathways, One Goal

Think of acupuncture and herbal medicine as two different pathways to the same destination—restored balance and health. Acupuncture works from the outside in, using needle stimulation at specific points to regulate Qi flow, address blockages, and trigger immediate physiological responses. Chinese herbs work from the inside out, nourishing organs, supporting body systems, and creating sustained therapeutic effects over time.

When used together, these modalities create what research describes as "multi-way, multi-target synergistic treatment." This simply means they complement each other's strengths while addressing different aspects of your health picture simultaneously.

What the Research Shows

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated some compelling findings about combination therapy:

Enhanced effectiveness: Multiple systematic reviews have found that combining acupuncture with herbal medicine produces superior outcomes compared to using either treatment alone. For conditions like endometriosis pain, gouty arthritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, the combined approach showed significantly better results in reducing pain, improving symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

Sustained benefits: One of acupuncture's limitations is that its effects can diminish after treatment ends. Herbal medicine addresses this by continuing to work between acupuncture sessions, maintaining therapeutic momentum and extending treatment benefits. Think of it as keeping the momentum going 24/7 rather than just during your appointment.

Complementary timing: Acupuncture provides rapid relief by directly stimulating affected areas and regulating local Qi and blood flow. Herbs work more gradually, regulating the internal environment and addressing root causes. Together, they address both immediate symptoms and underlying imbalances.

Can Herbs Work Alone?

The short answer is yes—Chinese herbal medicine can be highly effective as a standalone treatment. Herbs excel at:

• Nourishing deficiencies (such as Blood, Yin, Yang, or Qi)

• Regulating the internal environment over time

• Addressing systemic imbalances

• Supporting organ function

• Managing chronic conditions that require sustained internal support

I regularly prescribe herbs alone for patients who cannot receive acupuncture due to needle aversion, scheduling constraints, or specific health considerations. Many conditions respond well to herbal medicine as the primary treatment, particularly when the issue stems from internal deficiency or requires long-term nutritive support.

When Combination Therapy Shines

Research and clinical experience suggest that combined treatment is particularly beneficial for:

Complex presentations: When multiple organ systems are involved or patterns are layered (such as Blood stasis with Qi deficiency), addressing the condition from multiple angles produces better outcomes.

Fertility support: Acupuncture regulates hormones and improves blood flow to reproductive organs, while herbs nourish Blood, tonify Kidney essence, and support the body's natural cycles throughout the month.

Painful conditions: Acupuncture provides immediate pain relief and regulates local inflammation, while herbs address the underlying causes (whether that's Blood stasis, Damp-Heat, or deficiency) and prevent recurrence.

Women's health conditions: From endometriosis to PCOS, hormonal imbalances often respond best to the "global regulation plus local treatment" approach that combination therapy provides.

Recovery and resilience: After surgery, illness, or during stressful periods, acupuncture stimulates healing responses while herbs rebuild strength and support immune function.

A Personalised Approach

The beautiful thing about Chinese medicine is that treatment is never one-size-fits-all. During your initial consultation, we discuss your health concerns, assess your unique pattern of imbalance, and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your situation. Some patients benefit most from combination therapy, others achieve excellent results with acupuncture alone, and some thrive on customised herbal formulations without needles.

Your treatment plan may evolve over time too. Many patients begin with combination therapy to address acute symptoms and underlying causes, then transition to periodic acupuncture or herbal maintenance as their condition improves.

The Bottom Line

While both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are powerful healing modalities on their own, research increasingly supports what Chinese medicine practitioners have observed for centuries: they work even better together. The combination creates a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses your health from multiple angles—providing both immediate relief and long-term healing.

If you're curious about whether combination therapy or a single modality would be most appropriate for your health concerns, I encourage you to book a consultation. We can discuss your specific situation and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, preferences, and health goals.