The Role of Jing and the Kidneys in Fertility According to TCM In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility is associated with the Kidneys and their essence known as Jing (精). Let’s explore how Jing and Kidneys influence fertility in both women and men—and how TCM practitioners can help restore them when depleted. What is Jing? […]

Nurturing the Water Element: Stretches for the Kidney and Bladder Channels This Winter Winter is the season of the Water element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), associated with the Kidneys and Bladder. During this Yin season, our energy naturally moves inward, calling for restorative and nourishing practices that strengthen our core reserves. Supporting the Kidney […]

Feeling overwhelmed by your own fertility journey? It’s time to press pause—and reset. An amazing team of female practitioners have come together to create a day to give you the calm space and time you need to refocus on your goal to becoming pregnant. NEW DATES: Aug 31st 2025 Join us for The Fertility Reset […]

A Holistic Approach to Fertility Support Acupuncture is increasingly being used as a complementary therapy for those undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatments. It's valued for its holistic approach, helping to balance the body and mind during what can be an emotionally and physically demanding process. But what does the research say about acupuncture’s role […]

Yoga and Acupuncture on the Northern Beaches: The best of both worlds for reviving your energy levels this WINTER! Synchronise your body, breath and mind with our Seasonal Yoga and Acupuncture on the Northern Beaches, a unique two-hour wellness experience designed to attune to Winter's rhythms. 🌿 Winter Wellness Mini-retreat Highlights 1-Hour Yin Yoga with […]

As the weather cools, nothing comforts quite like a nourishing bowl of Ginger Chicken and Leek Soup. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, chicken is prized for its ability to tonify the Spleen, which helps support digestion and overall vitality, especially during Winter when our Yang energy needs extra care. Leeks, with their mild […]

Nutrient Dense Irish Stew with a TCM twist! The simplicity of an Irish Stew shouldn't be underestimated. There's some wonderful nourishing aspects to this classic, and I've come up with a way to add a TCM aromatic spices twist. To add warmth and a gentle pungency to the Irish Stew without using chilli (which can […]

Warming Lamb Stew with Vegetables and Aromatic Spices Here’s a Warming Lamb Stew with Vegetables and Aromatic Spices — We want to create meals during Winter that are easy to digest (hello slow cookers!), nutrient dense, and build the Qi and Blood and combat the cold. This is a delicious example that teaches us how […]

Embracing Winter at Billabong Retreat: A TCM-Inspired Journey I recently spent a restful and restorative couple of days at Billabong Retreat 1 hr west of Sydney. It was during the start of Winter, and it truly reminded me of the importance of aligning with the seasons — a core principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). […]

Dermal Needling vs. Cosmetic Acupuncture: Unveiling the Key Differences In the pursuit of youthful and radiant skin, individuals often encounter various treatments and procedures. Two popular options are Dermal Needling and Cosmetic Acupuncture. While both aim to rejuvenate the skin, they employ different techniques and philosophies. But many people ask, what's the difference between Dermal […]

How Long Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Last? Also known as facial acupuncture or facial rejuvenation, this technique is a natural alternative to surgical or chemical cosmetic procedures. This Chinese Medicine practice has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of the skin. One common question among those considering cosmetic […]

Facial Acupuncture is a way of managing your stress, taking some time out to relax and rest. While you're doing that, an Acupuncturist works on improving your complexion and nourishing your skin. It's created interest particularly in groups of mothers and peri-menopausal women, as these milestones start to change the elasticity and tone of our […]

Herbal Medicine for Perimenopause and Menopause: Easing the ups and downs Perimenopause and menopause mark significant transitions in a woman's life, accompanied by a range of physical and emotional changes. While these transitions are natural, they can often bring about uncomfortable symptoms that disrupt daily life. Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) offers a holistic approach to […]

Perimenopause and Insomnia: Can Acupuncture Help? Perimenopause can last for several years and is marked by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. These changes often bring a host of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and one of the most frustrating—insomnia. For many women, the inability to get a good night’s sleep affects everything! […]

Navigating Anxiety and Depression During Perimenopause Perimenopause is a transitional phase, often with BIG hormonal fluctuations! These changes can lead to various symptoms, with anxiety and depression being particularly prevalent. In this post, we'll explore why mood imbalances occur during perimenopause and exploring natural support options, such as acupuncture, can empower women to manage this […]

Endometriosis + Menopause at the same time? You may think by the time you enter menopause that issues with your Endometriosis will be over. That's not always the case. According to Endometriosis Australia, while the condition is often associated with reproductive-age women, symptoms may continue or even emerge after menopause. This persistence is due to […]

Learning More at the All About Women Festival (Part 2) Attending the Feeling the Heat session at the All About Women Festival at Sydney's Opera House provided valuable insights into menopause, hormone health, and the latest research on treatment options. Because there was SO MUCH information and interesting perspectives, this is part 2 on my […]

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting approximately one in seven Australian women. It's known for the growth of uterine tissue OUTSIDE the uterine cavity. Often leading to significant pain and sometimes fertility issues. In a landmark move, the Australian government has announced that, starting May 1, 2025, a new medication, Ryeqo®, will be subsidised under […]

Menopause Impacts Women’s Lives: Insights from 'Feeling the Heat' Over the weekend, I attended the "All About Women" festival at the Sydney Opera House and had the opportunity to sit in on the "Feeling the Heat" session. The speakers included Dr Susan Davis from Monash University, Dr Fatima Khan, Em Rusciano, Grace Molloy from Menopause […]

.Periods and Endometriosis: Embracing Balance with TCM Women may seem fine on the outside, but underneath they can be navigating the complexities of painful periods, including conditions like endometriosis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to understanding and a gentle way to manage these issues. In this blog post, we will delve into […]

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain, fatigue, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers holistic approaches to support women experiencing these interconnected issues. Let's take a look at Endometriosis through a TCM […]

Myths about Endometriosis can confuse people about the condition. March is Endometriosis Awareness month, so it's important to educate people about the realities for women suffering. It can be debilitating, disrupting their day to day, work and home lives. Did you know, 1 in 10 women have Endometriosis?... and that’s actually being conservative! Endometriosis is […]

Acupuncture for Postpartum Support Whether it’s replenishing energy, managing hormonal changes, or supporting breastfeeding, acupuncture can play a key role in helping mothers feel stronger and more balanced during this life-changing phase. Have you thought about it for your recovery? How Can Acupuncture Support Postpartum Recovery? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses a lot on RESOURCES […]

How to Make a Herbal Poultice...and What IS a herbal poultice? A herbal poultice is: A direct paste of crushed herbs. Used as a localised treatment for wounds or swelling. Is more intensive and direct. Best for: Infections, bruises, or skin issues. Steps to Make a Herbal Poultice Choose Your Herbs: Common herbs include turmeric […]

The Common Cold: How I Managed My Recent one with Natural Remedies In Sydney, once Summer holidays were over and students headed back to school, it wasn't long until my kids brought a common cold home. Something about us all being apart during the Summer and taking a break in the warm weather meant we […]

Can Acupuncture Help Labour? Acupuncture is often sought by pregnant women as a natural way to support their body leading up to labour. Women spread the word to their friends and family members who might be pregnant, with their own experiences with Acupuncture when pregnant. While medical induction techniques focus on stimulating labour to begin, […]

Womb Hara Massage Recently I booked in for a massage with my friend Natalie Andrew from Prepared to Birth and it was amazing! Natalie practises Womb Hara massage and I hadn't experienced that before, so I was curious to try it firsthand! The effects of Pregnancy and Birth on the body In the past, I'd […]

Tips on how to Make a Dandelion Poultice for Mastitis Mastitis can present differently for women. For some it begins with signs of a cold or flu, but often it's swollen, hot and painful breast tissue. The first tip is to feed a lot to keep the breast milk flowing. Using Dandelion leaf as a […]

How to Make a Herbal Compress A herbal compress involves soaking a cloth in herbal-infused water and applying it to the skin to soothe, heal, or relieve pain. It’s gentle, easy to prepare, and great for relaxation or inflammation. Even better, your Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner can prescribe a formula of a few herbs that […]

Does Acupuncture Help Fertility? Fertility challenges can be complex and deeply personal, often requiring a multi-faceted approach. Acupuncture has gained significant recognition as a adjunct therapy for fertility. Whether you are trying to conceive naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive treatments like IVF, acupuncture offers a lot of support. How Acupuncture helps fertility: Natural Conception Acupuncture […]

I work alongside Vanessa Fisher, an experienced Osteopath on Sydney's Northern Beaches and today I wanted to discuss Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) with her —a common yet often overlooked source of discomfort for pregnant women. Vanessa brings her expertise in osteopathic care, movement therapy, and hands-on treatment to help us understand SPD, also known as […]

Acupuncture helps fertility through various mechanisms that target both physical and emotional aspects of reproductive health. Here's 5 significant ways acupuncture can help fertility for both men and women: 1. Hormonal Regulation: Balancing Hormones: Acupuncture aims to regulate hormonal levels, including FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone. Balanced hormone levels are crucial for ovulation, menstrual cycle […]

Enhancing IVF Success: Acupuncture during IVF In this post, we'll explore how acupuncture can be strategically arranged throughout the IVF cycle, including before starting fertility drugs, around egg collection, on the day of embryo transfer, and during the waiting period for the pregnancy blood test, supported by scientific evidence and expert insights. Before Starting Fertility […]

Heart (Fire) Meridian Stretch in Japanese Yoga The Heart meridian runs along the inner arm, from the armpit to the pinky finger. A Heart (Fire) meridian stretch in Japanese Yoga focuses on opening the chest, expanding the shoulders, and stretching the inner arms to promote emotional balance, joy, and energy flow. Stretch: Chest Opener with […]

Seasonal Eating for Summer in TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides Summer into two parts - Summer and Late Summer due to the circular 5 phase system it uses in many treatment strategies. But really Summer is just one thing! ... with a few slight variations as the season draws to an end. In TCM […]

Pregnancy naturally raises your body temperature, and when combined with the intense summer heat, it can leave you feeling exhausted and overheated. In this article we have an easy electrolyte recipe you can try at home! Staying properly hydrated is essential for both you and your baby’s health, helping to regulate body temperature, support energy […]

Herbal Teas may help during this festive season of Chrostmas and New Years, but in particular for Pregnant women, who may experience indigestion for their whole pregnancy. Here are some easy, pregnancy-safe herbal tea recipes using simple kitchen ingredients to help digestion after holiday indulgence. These teas aim to relieve indigestion, nausea, and bloating. They're […]

Acupuncture for Pregnancy Nausea and Morning Sickness Pregnancy is a journey marked by joy and anticipation, yet for many women, it also brings about the discomfort of nausea and morning sickness. While these symptoms are often considered a normal part of pregnancy, they can significantly impact a woman's experience. Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional […]

Postnatal Depression: A Supportive Guide for New Parents and how Acupuncture could help. Postnatal depression (PND) affects both women and men, but it's important to recognise that support and effective treatment options are available. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of postnatal depression, its signs and symptoms, and how individuals in Australia can […]

How Does the Perinatal Experience Affect New Fathers? The transition to parenthood can be a vulnerable time for Dads too. Research shows that up to 1 in 10 fathers experience perinatal depression and anxiety, often stemming from a combination of factors, including: Unmet expectations: Fathers may feel pressure to live up to societies roles of […]

What is Perinatal Mental Health? Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional well-being of parents during PREGNANCY and the POSTPARTUM period. It includes conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. The stats speak for themselves about how important this issue is, as it affects: 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or postpartum. 1 in 10 men, […]

Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, can play a valuable role in recovery, including managing postpartum bleeding. Nourishment and Support are at the core principles of any treatment for the new mother. Here's how Chinese Medicine approaches postpartum recovery and examples of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for postpartum bleeding, along with important precautions.

Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common issue experienced by many women during their menstrual cycle. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps that interfere with daily activities. While some women rely on over-the-counter medication, others seek more natural solutions, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture, to relieve […]

A Powerful Collaboration: Fertility Magic Day Retreat with Dee Zibara, Jade and myself. I had the incredible honour of collaborating with Dee Zibara and Jade (@esotericjade) on October 20th for a one-day private retreat dedicated to supporting fertility for an individual. Hosted by Dee, this event, called "Fertility Magic", aimed to provide this special person […]

Early Menopause & POI: A Real possibility for Women in Their 20s and 30s When you think of menopause, you likely imagine a woman in her late 40s or early 50s entering a natural phase of life. However, for some women, menopause comes much earlier — sometimes as early as their 20s or 30s. This […]

Are you wondering "Do I have PMDD?" In clinic, when asked how I can help, many women describe they "feel hormonal". How do you feel when you're hormonal?  Perhaps, it's terribly uncomfortable, heightened emotions and "not feeling like yourself". When you have "bad PMS" or you're not sure why you feel so low, emotional or […]

As we wrap up another successful Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week, it’s important to reflect on the key health issues facing Australian women today and how we can continue to raise awareness and take action toward better health and wellbeing. This annual event highlights the importance of women's health, encouraging women to prioritise both their […]

The journey through IVF can be both physically and emotionally demanding, and many people are turning to acupuncture to complement their treatment. Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting small needles into specific points on the body to promote repair, recovery, reduce stress, and improve circulation. But how does it fit into IVF […]

Why Women’s Health Week Matters Women’s Health Week is more than just a reminder to book your health appointments; it’s a celebration of the power and resilience of women. It’s a time to gather information, ask questions, and take steps towards a healthier future. Whether it’s scheduling that overdue mammogram, talking to your doctor about […]

This week is The Jean Hailes Women's Health Week (WHW) from September 2nd-6th! The aim of WHW is to bring awareness to women's health checks, prevention, discussion and dignity in assessment, treatment and care for women. So I was curious, what health information are Australian Women searching for the most online in 2024? And what […]

Postpartum Acupuncture is a support and treatment option for new mothers post-birth. It has a broad scope for helping women adjust to the new chapter of their lives which really pushes them to their limits in lack of sleep, energy and emotional resilience. Let's break down some of the ways Acupuncture could help a mother […]

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women. So that must mean we all know at least one woman who suffers from it. Or do we? Why is Endometriosis not often talked about? Because women are living with symptoms or pain that you may not see on the outside and yet it affects almost every facet of her […]

November has been a huge month! We found out earlier in 2018 that we were finalists in the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and Nature & Health Magazine Industry Awards. There were three categories: Student of the Year, Practitioner of the Year and Clinic of the Year.

Bone Broth. If you're a client of mine, you know how much I talk about the benefits of Bone Broth. Not because I'm riding the Paleo diet bandwagon, but because the Traditions of Chinese Medicine use it. A woman after giving birth is often given chicken bone broth for weeks sometimes months during her confinement. […]

Reader Question: Can I take herbs when doing IVF? Excellent Question! This is a controversial issue, only because many doctors DO NOT like you taking anything whilst you’re on an active IVF cycle. They’re concerned about drug interactions which is fair enough. There are some scenarios where it may assist, so let’s talk about those.

Being Vegetarian doesn't mean being just meat-free. I loathe menus that state they have Vegetarian options only to discover it's a meatless dish, with no excitement, personality or thought put into it. To do Vegetarianism properly you need to follow these ideas to maximise your protein intake.

With my recent posts on Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to Vegan and Vegetarian dishes, I've come across a lot of new ideas on the Veggie Burgers. This is the Vegetarian staple on many menus, but how about trying some of these recipes at home for yourself. Full of protein, a combined protein with your bun, Veggie […]

Similar to my How to Nourish your Qi &Blood for Vegans article, this one is focused on Vegetarians. This is an important strategy for women trying to conceive regardless of their eating preferences. Let's look at some exciting recipes that display the best of Qi and Blood nourishment for Vegetarians.

Being Vegan and trying to conceive isn't impossible. However, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective relying on a diet solely of raw food and smoothies is a big NO-NO and not helpful to conception. Instead foods that nourish Qi and Blood become paramount for Vegans. Here I share some recipes that have great ideas when it […]

Acceptance. Preparation. Intuition. Resilience. Fear. These are all addressed in Megan Hine's new book Mind of a Survivor and she talks about how to apply them in the context of a real survival scenario but more importantly, your day to day life. No shock that these are things a couple trying to conceive also face... In this post, I'll […]