Acupuncture

As a holistic form of medicine with a strong focus on internal health, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to support a range of symptoms. Applying relevant principles and treatment methods may assist with issues relating to digestive health [7], energy, emotional well being [1], sleep quality [5], muscular tension, chronic pain [11] and so much more.
Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic health modality that supports natural body and mind healing processes. Chinese medicine practitioners draw on a range of skills which include acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, tui na massage, Chinese dietetics, and exercise therapy.

The practice of acupuncture involves the insertions of very fine needles into specific points which promote the body to heal itself. It originated in East Asia over 2000 years ago and has been used in a variety of styles worldwide ever since.

Traditionally the aim of acupuncture is to improve the flow of Qi (energy) and balance Yin and Yang to bring homeostasis to the body. This is determined by careful questioning, palpation, and inspection of the tongue and pulse to understand specific patterns of harmony and disease in each individual. Points are then selected accordingly. These can be stimulated through either massage techniques, insertion of acupuncture needles, or have heat applied in the form of moxibustion.

Compared to non-acupoints, acupoints create signals when stimulated due to local composition of blood vessels, mast cells an nerve fibres which mediate a response [12]. By stimulating these points a qualified practitioner is able to restore healthy function to the body to resolve certain symptoms.

There has been a significant contribution to modern research to determine the physiological and biochemical effects of acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate connective tissue and nerves which has an effect on the nervous system and key areas of the brain. This promotes natural production of modulators and transmitters such as endogenous opioids, noradrenalin, dopamine, glutamate, 5-hydroxytryptamine, acetylcholine and aminobutyric acid [12] which have shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation, and creating a sense of relaxation [13,14].

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine may be used to support cycle related issues such as endometriosis [10] and PCOS [8].
Acupuncture may be used alongside assisted reproductive therapies such as IVF as it has been shown to improve outcomes in some studies [9].

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can also be used during any stage of your pregnancy. Often women will seek support for nausea and vomiting [6] and may also be used in the final trimester for pain relief or used to support the body in preparation for labour [3].

Initial session (75min) - $150
Repeat session 60, 75min) - $110, $150

  1. Amorim D, Amado J, Brito I, Fiuza SM, Amorim N, Costeira C, Machado J. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for anxiety disorders: A systematic review of the clinical research. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.01.008. Epub 2018 Jan 31. PMID: 29705474.

  2. Cheng FK. An overview of the contribution of acupuncture to thyroid disorders. J Integr Med. 2018 Nov;16(6):375-383. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.09.002. Epub 2018 Oct 6. PMID: 30341025.

  3. Lokugamage AU, Eftime VAI, Porter D, Ahillan T, Ke SX. Birth preparation acupuncture for normalising birth: An analysis of NHS service routine data and proof of concept. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2020 Nov;40(8):1096-1101. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1694878. Epub 2020 Jan 23. PMID: 31971456.

  4. Miranda-Garcia M, Domingo Gómez C, Molinet-Coll C, Nishishinya B, Allaoui I, Gómez Roig MD, Goberna-Tricas J. Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Pregnant Women with Noncephalic Presentation: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Dec 3;2019:7036914. doi: 10.1155/2019/7036914. PMID: 31885661; PMCID: PMC6914967.

  5. Shergis JL, Ni X, Jackson ML, Zhang AL, Guo X, Li Y, Lu C, Xue CC. A systematic review of acupuncture for sleep quality in people with insomnia. Complement Ther Med. 2016 Jun;26:11-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.02.007. Epub 2016 Feb 18. PMID: 27261976.

  6. Streitberger K, Ezzo J, Schneider A. Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting: an update of clinical and experimental studies. Auton Neurosci. 2006 Oct 30;129(1-2):107-17. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2006.07.015. Epub 2006 Sep 1. PMID: 16950659.

  7. Takahashi T. Acupuncture for functional gastrointestinal disorders. J Gastroenterol. 2006 May;41(5):408-17. doi: 10.1007/s00535-006-1773-6. PMID: 16799881.

  8. Wu J, Chen X. Acupuncture therapy protects PCOS patients with diabetes by regulating miR-32-3p/PLA2G4A pathway. Am J Transl Res. 2021 Aug 15;13(8):8819-8832. PMID: 34539997; PMCID: PMC8430091.

  9. Xie ZY, Peng ZH, Yao B, Chen L, Mu YY, Cheng J, Li Q, Luo X, Yang PY, Xia YB. The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jun 14;19(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2523-7. PMID: 31200701; PMCID: PMC6570865.

  10. Xu Y, Zhao W, Li T, Zhao Y, Bu H, Song S. Effects of acupuncture for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017 Oct 27;12(10):e0186616. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186616. PMID: 29077705; PMCID: PMC5659600.

  11. Zhang R, Lao L, Ren K, Berman BM. Mechanisms of acupuncture-electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology. 2014 Feb;120(2):482-503. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000101. PMID: 24322588; PMCID: PMC3947586.

  12. Chen T, Zhang WW, Chu YX, Wang YQ. Acupuncture for Pain Management: Molecular Mechanisms of Action. Am J Chin Med. 2020;48(4):793-811. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X20500408. Epub 2020 May 15. PMID: 32420752.

  13. Patel M, Urits I, Kaye AD, Viswanath O. The role of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2020 Sep;34(3):603-616. doi: 10.1016/j.bpa.2020.08.005. Epub 2020 Aug 8. PMID: 33004170.

  14. Zhang R, Lao L, Ren K, Berman BM. Mechanisms of acupuncture-electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology. 2014 Feb;120(2):482-503. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000101. PMID: 24322588; PMCID: PMC3947586.