The Bright Side Family Acupuncture

08/03/2026

Today was a special one. Niko and I joined the Mater International Women’s Day Fun Run.

He rode his trike and had fun cheering "go", while I did the pushing. We enjoyed running with all the amazing women, men and kids out there who showed up to support breast cancer research at Mater Foundation.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the strong women in our community. 💗

05/03/2026

"Is this normal?" Painful periods, mood swings before your cycle, or feeling exhausted before bleeding starts? Many women assume this is just part of being a woman.

Things like
• painful periods
• PMS mood swings
• irregular cycles
• headaches around the period
• exhaustion before bleeding starts
• anxiety or irritability before menstruation

These symptoms are very common, but that does not necessarily mean they are something you simply have to live with.

In Chinese medicine the menstrual cycle is often seen as a monthly reflection of overall health. Changes in sleep, digestion, stress levels and hormones can all show up through the cycle.

When the body is under pressure it often speaks through the menstrual cycle first.

Sometimes small adjustments can make a noticeable difference. This might include supporting the nervous system, improving circulation, helping the body recover between cycles or addressing underlying imbalances.

In my clinic at Bright Side Family Acupuncture in Wilston Village, supporting women with menstrual health, hormonal balance and fertility is a regular part of my work.

If your cycle feels like it has been trying to tell you something for a while, you are welcome to reach out or book an appointment.

Embark on a journey to wellness with Christin, a licensed acupuncturist and Five Elements diet/lifestyle coach. Book an appointment at The Bright Side Family Acupuncture.

17/02/2026

Today many people around the world are welcoming the Year of the Yang Fire Horse.

Fire on fire. A year of momentum, innovation and strong expression. It can be inspiring and creative, but also fast-paced and intense if we do not pace ourselves.

In my latest blog article, I give a quick summary of what the new Chinese Year can mean for your health, nervous system and emotional balance in 2026, and how to stay steady through it.

Wishing you a grounded and balanced start to the Chinese new year! 😀

https://thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/2026-the-year-of-the-yang-fire-horse/

22/01/2026

Yay! The printed copies of my Chinese medicine food guide booklet have finally arrived. I am so excited to hand these out to all patients as a comprehensive summary of the advice you receive during your consultations.
This 4-page booklet is designed to make Chinese medicine food wisdom simple and practical.

It explores

🟠 Yin & Yang and the thermal qualities of food
🔴 The five elements and why eating the rainbow is a fun way to support balance and vitality
🔵 Cooking techniques
🟡 Quick reference guides for certain patterns

It is a gentle, nourishing guide to understanding how food can support your digestion, energy, mood and overall wellbeing. Food really is powerful medicine. 😀

22/01/2026

Yay! The printed copies of my Chinese medicine food guide booklet have finally arrived. If you would like a copy, please feel free to pop into the clinic and collect your handout. I would love to share it with you and answer any questions you may have.
This 4-page booklet is designed to make Chinese medicine food wisdom simple and practical.

It explores

🟠 Yin & Yang and the thermal qualities of food
🔴 The five elements and why eating the rainbow is a fun way to support balance and vitality
🔵 Cooking techniques
🟡 Quick reference guides for certain patterns

It is a gentle, nourishing guide to understanding how food can support your digestion, energy, mood and overall wellbeing. Food really is powerful medicine. 😀

12/12/2025

🌞 Feeling the Heat?
Here’s How to Stay Cool This Summer Chinese Medicine Style
Summer warmth can be lovely… until it pushes into restlessness, disrupted sleep, digestive discomfort or that “I’m overheating” feeling by mid-afternoon. In Chinese medicine, excess heat affects the Heart, digestion and fluids, which is why the foods and habits we choose can make such a difference.
I’ve put together a simple guide with practical tips, cooling food ideas, and an easy-to-use table of thermal food natures you can start using straight away.

To keep your body steady and comfortable:
Choose neutral and gently cooling foods more often
Take it easy on the very hot and spicy options
You can read the full blog here:
👉 https://thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/how-to-keep-cool-this-summer/
And if you’re really curious, I’ve created a comprehensive brochure for patients that I can discuss with you during consultations. Just ask for your copy when you come into the clinic.

During the Christmas holidays, the clinic will be open:

🗓 December
• Mon 22 Dec
• Tue 23 Dec (afternoon)
• Mon 29 Dec

🗓 January
• Fri 2 Jan
• Sat 3 Jan
For bookings, please jump online: www.thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/book

Summer in Brisbane brings sunshine, socialising… and a fair bit of heat and humidity. With the Fire element being naturally strong, this season is all about

05/12/2025

Why pain feels worse when you’re stressed (especially right now)
This time of year can feel like a joyful whirlwind: end-of-year deadlines, school events, family planning, gift lists… and suddenly your neck, jaw or lower back is kicking up again.
When we’re in the pre-Christmas rush, the nervous system spends a lot more time in fight or flight. Muscles tighten, inflammation rises and the brain becomes more alert to discomfort. In Chinese medicine, this is called stagnation: when things get stuck, pain shows up.

What area of your body feels the pre-Christmas stress the most?
Neck? Jaw? Shoulders? Lower back?
A few simple ways to help your body through the silly-season stress:
💨 Take a moment to slow your breathing — longer exhales calm the system
🚶‍♀️ Move gently every day to release tension
🤲 Try massaging the soft spot at your temples (Taiyang point)
📍 Acupuncture can help settle stress and reduce pain flares
If you’re noticing old niggles getting louder right now, you don’t have to just cope with it.

If you're keen for a treatment, hop online to check my schedule. There are a few spots available for next week. https://www.thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/book

27/11/2025

Two last-minute appointments available today and tomorrow ✨

If you’re starting to feel the Christmas stress creeping in with a busy schedule and a bit of end-of-year fatigue, this is a perfect moment to pause and reset.

I’ve had two spots open up, where you can let your body and mind unwind and calm your nervous system, so that you can feel more like yourself before things get even busier.

If your body’s been holding tension…
If your sleep’s been off…
If you’re juggling a lot and could use a breather…
You’re very welcome to book in.

Send me a message and I’ll pop you into one of the available times or jump online at www.thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/book

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

14/11/2025

Fingers crossed the weather is kind to us this weekend! Our team at the Metabolic Health Hub will be at the Wilston Christmas Market this Sunday, 16 November, from 9am to 1pm, and we’d love to see you there!

Here’s what you’ll find at our stall — and everything is completely free:

🎁 A competition to win a food hamper worth over $200
✨ Ear Seeds for Stress Relief with me (Dr Christin Zeller, Chinese medicine)
🍎 Missile apples for a quick, healthy snack
🛁 Epsom salts from our massage therapist — great for tired muscles
🥦 Nutrition tips and guidance from our nutritionists
🌈 Stickers and tattoos to keep the kids happy

This year we’re also fundraising for Camp Quality, supporting kids facing cancer and giving them the chance to simply be kids again. Every day, two Australian families hear the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer. Camp Quality’s programs bring comfort, connection and most importantly laughter to children aged 0 to 15 who are dealing with their own diagnosis or that of someone they love.
If you’d like to contribute, we'll have a QR code at our stall. Your donation will help us reach our goal and spread some much-needed joy. As Camp Quality says, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Let’s help share a little more of it this Christmas.
Hope to see you on Sunday!

We’ll be there rain, shine, or Brisbane’s classic “bit of both.”

05/09/2025

Hello acupuncture family,

I’m back from my annual holidays and the clinic is open again. I hope you’ve been keeping well while I was away. If you’ve noticed more aches and pains, or if stress and tension have been building, acupuncture can be a gentle way to support your body and mind to feel more balanced again.

If you’d like to book a treatment, you can do so here:

https://thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/book/

My pictures show the Rheinfall in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, which is really close to where I grew up. At some stage in my life, this truly magnificent waterfall - actually the largest in Europe - was even part of my jogging route. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary for your next European trip. :)

Warmly,
Christin

25/07/2025

Need a little reset after a big week?
I have two appointments available tomorrow (Saturday) and also on Monday at my clinic in Wilston Village.

Whether you're feeling tight through the neck and shoulders, run down, or simply craving a calm moment to recharge — acupuncture, acupressure/massage, and cupping might be just what you need to feel a little more balanced.

✨ Online schedule available:
www.thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/book

Wishing you a relaxing weekend,
Christin
The Bright Side Family Acupuncture

18/07/2025

Tight neck? Achy shoulders?

The coolish weather, long hours at the desk or wrangling little ones can all build up tension in the upper body.

If you're feeling sore, tight or just a bit off, acupuncture (with cupping or gentle gua sha) can help ease those knots and get things moving again.

I'm a local acupuncturist in Wilston Village, offering supportive treatments for musculoskeletal pain, stress, sleep, digestion and more.

✨ Appointments available — feel free to message me with any questions or to book online www.thebrightsideacupuncture.com.au/book

Wishing you a relaxing weekend 💛
– Christin, The Bright Side Family Acupuncture