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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4pm

Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA), Suite 6A, 50-56 Sander Street, Upper Mount Gravatt (2025)

16/11/2025

Stress, we talk about it all the time.

Work, life, the Universe and everything can create stress and with it come anxious, sleepless nights. Often between 1 and 3AM when our minds worry us awake trying to solve nagging problems.

If we are lucky, disturbed sleep will be the only issue stress causes. But often anxiety, stomach upsets, jaw clenching, tight neck and shoulders and headaches appear as well. Maybe you get a bit snappy or just do not feel like taking part. You are not alone.

Global research company Ipsos and its 2024 World Mental Health Day report looked at thirty one countries and how people view mental health care. It found that 62 percent of people across these countries feel stressed. Women reported higher stress at 66 percent compared with men at 58 percent, and Gen Z females were the most likely to experience sadness or hopelessness. (1)

There is help and hope nearby. Alongside exercise and a good diet, acupuncture may support better sleep, relaxation and resilience and here is how.

Heart Rate Variability, HRV, is one of the most sensitive measures of the body’s ability to cope with stress. Higher HRV is linked with lower anxiety. Research shows that acupuncture can improve HRV. (2)

Research also shows that acupuncture can calm the response to stress by increasing feel good endorphins that help regulate pain, heart rate, blood pressure and digestion. (3)

Visiting your acupuncturist when you feel stressed may help you sleep better, relax in body and mind and support overall wellbeing.

So the next time you are trying to solve the world’s problems at 2AM, visit https://acupuncture.org.au and find your nearest Chinese Medicine Practitioner.

Make some time for yourself and give it a try.

(1) https://www.ipsos.com/en-id/ipsos-world-mental-health-day-report-2024
(2) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2007.06.042
(3) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2005.08.011

09/11/2025

Frozen shoulder is a common condition that can cause significant pain and disruption in ability to do daily tasks. In Chinese medicine, we view frozen shoulder quite literally, the joint is cold and "frozen" with reduced range of motion.

Symptoms include pain in the shoulder that may be localised or radiate down the arm, as well as reduced range of motion and ability to raise the arms above 90 degrees.

Research has shown that acupuncture for frozen shoulder can reduce pain, restore shoulder function, and increase range of motion in both the short term and long term.

Another treatment your acupuncturist may employ for your frozen shoulder is the use of moxibustion. Moxibustion is the burning of a herb called Mugwort above the skin to warm the acupuncture channels and general area. Research has shown that the combination of moxibustion and acupuncture is superior to acupuncture alone.

If you've been struggling with the pain and limitation of frozen shoulder, find your local AACMA registered acupuncturist to get some support today.

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7532995/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31056885/

02/11/2025

A recent Acupuncture randomised clinical trial, involving 800 participants aged 65 and older, demonstrates that acupuncture combined with usual medical care significantly reduced back pain-related disability by 1.0 to 1.5 points on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire compared to usual care alone.

These improvements were sustained at 12 months, with a favourable safety profile and minimal adverse events.

The trial addresses a critical gap, as chronic low back pain affects over one-third of U.S. adults aged 65+, incurring annual costs exceeding $134 billion. Conducted across diverse health systems, the study highlights the efficacy of standard and enhanced acupuncture protocols, with high adherence rates (>80%).

While secondary outcomes in physical function and mood showed no significant differences, the findings support acupuncture as a low-risk, first-line option—potentially informing Medicare coverage expansions.

Full study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2838793

26/10/2025

(PART 3) Gentle Exercises: Move with the season's upward energy!

• Walking or even Tai Chi in parks to unblock Qi – aim for 20-30 minutes daily exercise in Australia's mild spring weather.
• Stretching/yoga: Focus on poses like Tree Pose or forward bends to release tendon tension and enhance flexibility.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, cycling, or qigong to align with nature's growth—perfect for spots like the Blue Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland or coastal trails.
• Simple Self-Massage & Acupressure: Daily rituals Dao Yin to soothe the Liver.
• Taichong (LV3): On the top of each foot (between big toe and second toe, ~Proximal from the web). Rub in circles for 1-2 mins per side to ease stress and headaches. (Avoid if pregnant or with wounds.)
• Extended: Add Qu Quan (LV8) inside the knee (in the crease) – knead gently for Liver support. Or massage temples and neck to relieve wind-related tension.
• Holistic Self-Care Practices:
• Mindfulness & Emotions: Journal to process anger; practice deep breathing or meditation visualising green light flowing through your body.
• Sound Therapy: Listen to soft, flowing music (e.g., bamboo flute or nature sounds) to encourage relaxation and Qi circulation.
• Detox & Lifestyle: Rise early with the sun, avoid heavy fats/alcohol to lighten the Liver.
Embrace change—start a new hobby or declutter for that "new beginnings" vibe.
• Australian Twist: Combat Spring allergies with neti pot rinses or eucalyptus steam; enjoy picnics with seasonal greens to stay grounded in our biodiversity.

Share or tag a friend who would benefit from supporting their body with these tips for Spring. Consult a TCM practitioner for personalised advice.

21/10/2025

(PART 3) Gentle Exercises: Move with the season's upward energy!

• Walking or even Tai Chi in parks to unblock Qi – aim for 20-30 minutes daily exercise in Australia's mild spring weather.
• Stretching/yoga: Focus on poses like Tree Pose or forward bends to release tendon tension and enhance flexibility.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, cycling, or qigong to align with nature's growth—perfect for spots like the Blue Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland or coastal trails.
• Simple Self-Massage & Acupressure: Daily rituals Dao Yin to soothe the Liver.
• Taichong (LV3): On the top of each foot (between big toe and second toe, ~Proximal from the web). Rub in circles for 1-2 mins per side to ease stress and headaches. (Avoid if pregnant or with wounds.)
• Extended: Add Qu Quan (LV8) inside the knee (in the crease) – knead gently for Liver support. Or massage temples and neck to relieve wind-related tension.
• Holistic Self-Care Practices:
• Mindfulness & Emotions: Journal to process anger; practice deep breathing or meditation visualising green light flowing through your body.
• Sound Therapy: Listen to soft, flowing music (e.g., bamboo flute or nature sounds) to encourage relaxation and Qi circulation.
• Detox & Lifestyle: Rise early with the sun, avoid heavy fats/alcohol to lighten the Liver.
Embrace change—start a new hobby or declutter for that "new beginnings" vibe.
• Australian Twist: Combat Spring allergies with neti pot rinses or eucalyptus steam; enjoy picnics with seasonal greens to stay grounded in our biodiversity.

Share or tag a friend who would benefit from supporting their body with these tips for Spring. Consult a TCM practitioner for personalised advice.

19/10/2025

(PART 2) Nurturing Wood Energy: Extended Tips for Spring Wellness:

• Seasonal Foods: Embrace sour and green flavours to detox the Liver and promote Qi flow.

Try Including:

• Sour: Lemons, limes, green apples, plums, grapes, vinegar (in dressings or pickles).
• Green veggies: Sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean), leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce, Bok choy), broccoli, asparagus, celery or wheatgrass.
• Herbs & more: Fresh mint, basil, parsley; pungent additions like garlic, onions, or ginger for extra circulation.
• Fermented foods: Yogurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi. In Australia, incorporate local produce like warrigal greens or finger limes for a native oz twist!
• TCM herbs (consult a practitioner): Bupleurum (for Liver Qi stagnation), Cyperus (to soothe emotions), or dandelion for detox.
• Cooking Styles: Light and quick methods like steaming, blanching, or stir-frying to preserve freshness and promote upward energy flow, avoiding heavy or overcooked meals that could stagnate Qi.
• Possible Western Dishes: Spring salad with mixed greens, sprouts, and lemon vinaigrette; asparagus stir-fry with garlic and ginger; green apple and kale smoothie; light vegetable stir-fry with Bok choy and fermented yogurt dip.

Share or tag a friend who would benefit from supporting their body with these tips for Spring. Consult a TCM practitioner for personalised advice.

12/10/2025

(PART 1) As we are in Spring in Australia (September to November), let's learn about the Wood element (木 mù) from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Five Elements theory which offers a profound framework for harmonizing health with nature's cycles.

• Wood (Spring): Growth, renewal, flexibility – the focus of this post!
• Fire (Summer): Expansion, joy, peak vitality
• Earth (Late Summer/Transitions): Stability, nourishment, centring
• Metal (Autumn): Introspection, release, refinement
• Water (Winter): Rest, conservation, wisdom

With our southern hemisphere's unique rhythm—when jacarandas are blooming, warming breezes, and native wildflowers like kangaroo paw awakening—spring is a time of vibrant renewal after winter's chill and hibernation. It's perfect for shedding stagnation and embracing growth, especially with Australia's outdoor-loving culture. But watch for seasonal winds and pollen, which can stir your Liver Qi!

Key Characteristics of the Wood Element:

• Season & Direction: Spring; East Direction– symbolising new beginnings, upward expansion, and the flexibility of sapling trees bending in the wind.
• Colour & Climate: Green; Windy – think lush green Aussie landscapes coming alive!
• Emotional Aspect: Anger or frustration (imbalanced); benevolence, kindness, and decisiveness (harmonised). Imbalances may show as irritability, indecision, or emotional outbursts.
• Organs & Body Associations: Liver (Yin, governs smooth Qi and blood flow) and Gallbladder (Yang, supports courage and planning). Also linked to sinews/tendons (for flexibility), nails (strength), and eyes (vision/clarity).

Symptoms of imbalance: Tension headaches, eye strain, brittle nails, muscle stiffness, or digestive woes like IBS.

In the Australian spring season, Wood energy fuels creativity and action—ideal for hiking in national parks or beach yoga. But modern stressors (urban life) can block this flow, leading to "stuck" or stagnation of Qi energy.

Your local acupuncturist can help unblock that stuck Qi to get you feeling your best this Spring. Click to find your local acupuncturist.

09/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Holistic ways to support your mental health can include getting regular exercise, meditating or taking time out to relax each day, getting a full night’s sleep, and acupuncture.

Acupuncture is known to regulate the nervous system, promote relaxation, and reduce stress hormones. How does it do this? When an acupuncture point is placed on your limbs, it sends a signal from your peripheral nerves to your brain. Medical research has shown this can down-regulate the sympathetic nervous system (reducing stress), and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (inducing relaxation and repair mode).

In terms of stress reduction, acupuncture has been shown to reduce elevated cortisol levels, leaving you better able to cope with the day to day stressors of life.

AACMA has thousands of qualified acupuncturists ready to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Find one now.

28/09/2025

So, you thought you might go shopping dressed for a cooler day and then they came, those waves of hot flashes and sweat. Next time you might remember to wear layers so you can furiously take a few off and mop your face while trying not to be obvious. And that brain fog! Did you leave your list at home, of course you did, so now you're cross!

Welcome to perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause is a normal and important phase in a woman’s life, with symptoms that overlap menopause and post menopause. While some women breeze through, many experience symptoms that affect work, home, leisure and relationships. The most common are hot flashes and night sweats, with insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, weight gain, vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence also possible. A world of fun.

These changes are driven by the loss of reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone as the ovaries age or are removed. Some women find relief with HRT, though research highlights risks for some, and not all find it suitable. Others prefer natural options.
Now for the good news. Chinese Medicine Practitioners may offer help.

Research has shown a course of acupuncture is associated with significant reduction in vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) as well as improvements in sleep and anxiety, with benefits lasting at least six months after treatment ended. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/toc/2016/06000

Another study found acupuncture produced a fast and clinically relevant reduction in moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms during a six-week program, with no adverse effects. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023637

So, the next time you’ve had enough of ‘the change of life’, consider seeing an acupuncturist to help you get through to the other side.

22/09/2025

Migraines are not just a headache. They’re a debilitating condition involving severe head pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and disruption of day-to-day activities.

Migraines can have numerous causes, such as structural imbalances due to tight muscles, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and intolerances to foods high in amines.

Standard treatment for migraines involves medication, however, research shows that acupuncture is an excellent form of prophylactic treatment for migraine, meaning it helps to prevent migraines.

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of acupuncture and pharmacotherapy for migraine prophylaxis showed that acupuncture outperformed medication in the areas of migraine frequency, number of migraine days, and a higher proportion of acupuncture patients had a reduction of more than 50% in migraine days, compared to medication patients.

Excitingly, acupuncture also reduced the duration of migraines more effectively than medication, and the effects of treatment were better sustained six months later in the acupuncture treatment groups.

Your local AACMA acupuncturist is available to support you with your migraine management.

Source: DOI: https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-of-acupuncture-and-pharmacotherapy-for-migraine-prophylaxis-a-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR

14/09/2025

Are you experiencing back pain? So are over 80% of people around the world!

Perhaps you’ve been ‘on the tools’ too long, had to crawl into awkward spaces to work, spent too long weeding the garden, or carrying the growing baby? Back pain can present in many ways and be caused by many things, making sleep hard to find or work and play less enjoyable.

Alongside exercise and good diet, you may find that your nearest Chinese Medicine practitioner or Acupuncturist can help you with your pain. Evidence suggests that Acupuncture can help to relieve both acute and chronic back pain by stimulating the nervous system to release pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, improving blood flow, and potentially altering the body's pain perception mechanisms. In other words, give you pain relief.

Acupuncturists have many tools they can use to assist you to get back to health and maintain it. Not only can acupuncture be helpful for back pain, but Tui Na massage, cupping (you might have seen those marks on the shoulders of swimmers or footballers) and the application of penetrating heat can also help.

However, you should remember that while one acupuncture treatment may give you some immediate relief, it’s likely you’ll need a series of treatments to ensure longer term freedom from pain and help to maintain your back’s health.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000435025.65564.b7
DOI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23269281

10/09/2025

Sometimes “I’m fine” means “I’m exhausted”.

On R U OK? Day, it’s not just an opportunity to reach out to our friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances, it’s a chance to reflect on what it looks like when someone is not doing so well.

Depression and anxiety can manifest in many ways, including but not limited to: exhaustion, disturbed sleep, fidgeting, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or cravings for sugary foods, and irritability.

When caring for others and ourselves, we can think about whether those symptoms are something we are noticing, and if apparent, we can then take action.

Reach out to your GP, services like Lifeline (call 13 11 14) if you need someone to talk to confidentially, or give your local AACMA acupuncturist a call to make an appointment to support your wellbeing.

A 2019 meta-analysis and systematic review found acupuncture a suitable adjunct to usual care and standard antidepressant medication for depression.

Source: DOI: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/8/1140

Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)

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Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4pm