Resources

These resources have been developed for my clients on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Useful and practical client handouts on things I'd like you to be doing at home to support your in-clinic Acupuncture treatments at Brookvale.

Acupressure for Labour Preparation PDF - Click here

Moxa for Pregnancy PDF - Click here

Meet Katika Funnell, Doctor of Chinese Medicine - Professional Profile:

Helping Support Families Through Evidence-Informed Acupuncture

For more than 22 years, I have helped thousands of patients navigate fertility, IVF, pregnancy and reproductive health using Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. My approach combines compassionate care, current research and close collaboration with GPs, fertility specialists and allied health practitioners to provide personalised treatment throughout every stage of the fertility journey.

As founder of Spring Fertility in Brookvale, I have dedicated my clinical practice to supporting individuals and couples who are trying to conceive naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.

Professional Qualifications

Bachelor of Health Science (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Registered Acupuncturist (AHPRA)
Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Member of relevant professional associations
Over 22 years of clinical experience
Founder of Spring Fertility, Brookvale

Why I chose to focus on Fertility Care in Acupuncture

Few areas of healthcare are as emotionally complex as fertility.

Working with patients trying to conceive has shown me that fertility treatment extends far beyond physical health. Every patient brings a unique story, medical history and set of challenges. I value being able to support people through uncertainty while working alongside their medical team to help optimise their overall wellbeing throughout the journey.

Supporting patients through natural conception, IVF, pregnancy after loss and reproductive health has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my clinical practice.

My Clinical Philosophy

I believe every patient deserves individualised healthcare.

Rather than applying the same treatment to everyone with the same diagnosis, I take time to understand each person's health history, menstrual cycle, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, nutrition and reproductive goals.

My treatment plans combine Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with current clinical evidence, ensuring care is personalised, collaborative and appropriate for each stage of treatment.

My Professional Journey

Early Career

After completing my university studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I began practising acupuncture in North Sydney and Freshwater with a passion for the holistic approach and evidence-based treatment.

Expanding My Practice

Then I moved my entire practice back to the Northern Beaches. I was Co-director of my own clinic in Allambie Heights for 11 years. It was a family business and we ran 5 rooms with a team of up to 15 practitioners of various health modalities.

Expanding My Clinical Experience

Throughout my career I have undertaken extensive continuing professional development across women's health, fertility, IVF support, pregnancy care, pain management and stress-related conditions. This commitment allows me to continually integrate emerging research into clinical practice.

Building Spring Fertility

Spring Fertility was established to provide a calm, supportive clinic dedicated to Women’s Health. Today, patients travel from across Sydney's Northern Beaches and beyond seeking personalised treatment for fertility and IVF support, Pregnancy and Perimenopause.

Over 20+ years Professional Development Healthcare continually evolves, and so should practitioners. Professional learning has included attendance at national seminars, workshops and conferences focused on fertility, women's health, acupuncture and integrative medicine.

I regularly complete professional development to stay current with research relating to:

Cosmetic Acupuncture (Dr Vivian Tam from Cosmetic Acupuncture Melbourne x3)
Fertility acupuncture with Peter Kington (AUS), Randine Lewis (USA),
IVF support - Peter Kington (AUS)
Women's health including Menopause - Peter Grosham (USA),
Pregnancy care - Debra Betts (NZ), Laura Erlich (USA)
ATMS symposium - Fertility
Pain science - Brad Whishnant (USA), Henry Mc Cann (USA)
Stress and nervous system regulation - Susie Hayes (USA), Yvonne Farrell (USA)
Ethics and Safety (Professional Issues) - Arya Nielsen (USA), Claudia Citkovitz (USA)

Ongoing education ensures my patients receive care informed by both traditional knowledge and contemporary research.

Professional Collaborations

Fertility care works best as a team.

I regularly collaborate with GPs, fertility specialists, psychologists, physiotherapists, naturopaths and other allied health professionals to support patient care.

Spring Fertility has also been recognised within professional fertility networks, including being listed on the Genea practitioner directory, helping patients connect with experienced complementary healthcare providers.

Research Interests

I have a strong interest in the growing body of research investigating acupuncture.

My clinical interests include:

Acupuncture alongside IVF
Stress and impact on the nervous system
PCOS & Endometriosis
Pregnancy support
Nervous system regulation and Pain relief

Research helps inform my clinical decision-making while recognising that every patient requires an individualised treatment approach.

Outside the Clinic

Away from practice, I enjoy being active and spending time in nature with my kids. In my breaks, you’ll find me looking for the next hike or bushwalk, an excuse to get down to the beach. My equivalent of “rest time” you’ll find me reading. I’ve practised yoga on and off for 20 years and always have more to learn about breathing better and relaxation techniques. These reinforce to me how much my body needs movement and physical challenges, appropriate to the natural ageing process. It also shows me the importance of balance, resilience and mental wellbeing—principles that also guide my approach to patient care.

Learn More

Whether you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating IVF or looking for evidence-informed fertility acupuncture in Sydney's Northern Beaches, my goal is to provide personalised, compassionate care that supports you throughout your journey.

I look forward to welcoming you to Spring Fertility in Brookvale.

Supporting Women Through Every Stage of Their Cycle

Living with PMDD can feel isolating, particularly when symptoms affect your relationships, work and everyday life month after month.

Our Brookvale clinic works collaboratively with women who have been diagnosed with PMDD or are undergoing assessment, providing acupuncture as one part of a broader healthcare plan.