Family Wellness Centre

Family Wellness Centre I help clients manage pain + injuries, release stress + anxiety, optimise their health using Acupuncture + Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Family Wellness Centre is a Health Clinic providing Natural Therapies on Sydney's Northern Beaches. We offer Acupuncture, Counselling, Herbal Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Massage, NLP, Nutrition, Osteopathy, Psychology & Traditional Chinese Medicine. We treat Pain Relief, Fatigue, Hormone Imbalances, Pregnancy & Fertility, Stress & Anxiety and Weight Loss. http://www.familywellnesscentre.com.au/About-Us

Hong Zao (red dates) are a staple in Chinese herbal medicine (and chicken soup!) valued for their nourishing effects and...
18/03/2026

Hong Zao (red dates) are a staple in Chinese herbal medicine (and chicken soup!) valued for their nourishing effects and pleasant taste. And yes they were part of the formula prescription in my previous post.

❤️ In TCM, these herbs are used to tonics the blood and support the Heart and Spleen, helping with fatigue, poor sleep, and low energy.

❤️ They are often included in Chinese herbal formulas to strengthen digestion and enhance the effects or balance out intensity of other herbs.

Simple, delicious and widely used, Hong Zao are a great example of how Chinese herbs work from the inside out.
If you’re on the Northern Beaches and curious about how Chinese herbal medicine can support your health, book a consultation to learn more.

17/03/2026

I took a prescription of Raw Chinese Herbs from a fellow practitioner for grief and loss, knowing a funeral is coming up this week.

I was feeling shortness of breath, like I couldn’t take a deep enough breath. A mild tight chest. I have no pre existing conditions to be concerned about, and am generally fit and healthy.

I do succumb to stress and overwhelm and I often turn to Chinese Medicine to help me.

Making a decoction from raw herbs means soaking them in 2-3 cups water then bringing to the boil and concentrating it down with a reduction method to 1 cup. I drank the herbs quite easily, these ones were sweet and pleasant. Then tomorrow I’ll add another 2 cups of water and do it again. After the second cook, I dispose of the herbs.
Have you tried using raw herbs before? How did you find it? Palatable? Nice? Or strong tasting?

16/03/2026

The only attractive thing about a swimming challenge is reaching the end of your goal! Today I finished 10.2km. Should I swim further?
That puffed sound is the sound of relief. 😅
The goggles, cap and goggle eyes are certainly not about glamour or fashion! 😂 👀
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🏊‍♀️I’m swimming for youth mental health, but for everyone’s mental health, really. My family’s and my clients….even my ...
16/03/2026

🏊‍♀️I’m swimming for youth mental health, but for everyone’s mental health, really. My family’s and my clients….even my own.
🏊‍♀️I found during this fitness challenge my own mood lifted just from exercising on a more regular basis.

❤️‍🩹 I see clients frequently dealing with all kinds of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. If you need help, please do ask for it.

REACHOUT is for youth and parents

LIFELINE 13 11 14
BEYOND BLUE 1300 22 46 36
MENS HELPLINE 1300 78 99 78

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Did you know frozen shoulder is more common in women during perimenopause and menopause?Research suggests the shoulder j...
09/03/2026

Did you know frozen shoulder is more common in women during perimenopause and menopause?
Research suggests the shoulder joint contains oestrogen receptors, and hormonal changes during menopause may influence joint tissues, inflammation and connective tissue health.

As estrogen declines, some women experience increased stiffness, pain and reduced mobility in the shoulder.

Frozen shoulder can develop gradually, with symptoms such as persistent pain, restricted movement and difficulty with everyday activities like reaching, lifting or sleeping on the affected side.

Acupuncture can help manage these symptoms by:
• Providing pain relief
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving local circulation to the shoulder joint
• Stimulating neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dopamine
• Activating the parasympathetic nervous system to help relax muscle guarding

If shoulder stiffness and pain have appeared during menopause, acupuncture may be a useful addition to your treatment plan alongside movement and rehabilitation. Ask me how. Make an appointment.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please do ask for help. I’m swimming .aus in honour of my cousin. The first ep...
26/02/2026

If you or someone you know is struggling, please do ask for help. I’m swimming .aus in honour of my cousin.

The first episode of I listened to was about mental health first aid. It started a long learning adventure from one episode to another…and another! Whether it be about my child’s needs, parenting, lowering the bar on expectations or looking after myself…it’s been my go-to podcast for ideas, inspiration or reassurance. I have recommended it to many of my clients and they’ve also loved it as a resource.

I’m swimming this March to support They provide a safe, online place for young people to chat anonymously, get support, and feel better. And, ReachOut’s resources for parents and schools provide valuable information and advice to help them better support the young people in their lives.

Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide — and one of the most researched ...
25/02/2026

Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide — and one of the most researched conditions in acupuncture.

➡️ Strong evidence supports acupuncture for chronic low back pain, showing it can significantly reduce pain intensity and improve function compared to usual care or sham treatment.

➡️ Research suggests acupuncture works through nervous system modulation, stimulating endorphins and influencing pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord.
➡️ For many people, acupuncture is most effective as part of an integrated plan alongside exercise and clinical care.

If lower back pain has been lingering longer than it should, it may be time to consider acupuncture as part of your recovery strategy.

I’m a degree qualified acupuncturist based on the Northern beaches of Sydney with over 20 years experience helping clients with pain relief.

RAW HERBS : Steams + washes with Chinese herbsDid you know herbs aren’t just taken internally?🤔🌿In TCM, raw herbs can be...
24/02/2026

RAW HERBS : Steams + washes with Chinese herbs
Did you know herbs aren’t just taken internally?🤔

🌿In TCM, raw herbs can be prescribed to use externally as concentrated steams, compresses or washes to target acute sports injuries and pain directly at the site.

⬆️⬆️⬆️This formula I’ve prescribed for joint pain in the fingers. I’ve been doing acupuncture as well.

🌿These customised herbal medicine formulas are designed to help reduce swelling, ease muscle tightness, improve circulation and support tissue repair.

🌿For sprains, strains, bruising or impact injuries, topical Chinese herbs deliver focused treatment where it’s needed most — often alongside acupuncture and movement-based rehab.

🌿If you’re recovering from a sports injury and want a practical approach using traditional herbs, book a consultation to see if external herbal therapy is right for you.

💥Shoulder impingement can make lifting your arm, reaching overhead or sleeping on your side painful.💥From a physiologica...
18/02/2026

💥Shoulder impingement can make lifting your arm, reaching overhead or sleeping on your side painful.💥

From a physiological perspective supported by clinical research, acupuncture may:
✅relieve pain
✅reduce muscle guarding and tightness
✅improving local circulation
✅reduce inflammation

Randomised controlled trials have shown:
• Greater improvements in shoulder disability scores compared to ultrasound therapy
• Improved range of motion and functional outcomes when added to exercise
• Comparable reductions in pain and functional improvement when compared with cortisone injections in some studies

➡️➡️Acupuncture is often best used as part of an integrative treatment plan — alongside physiotherapy, targeted exercise and medical review.

If shoulder pain is limiting your training, sleep or daily movement, make an appointment at my Northern Beaches clinic. I’m a degree qualified acupuncturist with over 20 years experience working with clients in pain.

Year of the Fire Horse—a powerful shift. 🔥🐎The Horse embodies motion, freedom and ambition. Fire brings passion, courage...
17/02/2026

Year of the Fire Horse—a powerful shift. 🔥🐎
The Horse embodies motion, freedom and ambition. Fire brings passion, courage and momentum. Together, they signal a turning point: energy moves outward, ideas gain traction, and change accelerates.

🌟Health advice for a Fire Horse year:
This is a year to support movement without burning out. Fire Horse energy can run hot and fast, so the focus is on:
* Regulating stress and the nervous system
* Supporting sleep and recovery
* Managing inflammation and tension
* Keeping energy steady rather than depleted
* Staying physically active while avoiding overexertion

🌟In Chinese Medicine terms, this is a time to protect your reserves while embracing forward motion.

🌟Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help moderate excess heat, calm the mind, and support sustainable energy as life speeds up.
Move forward with intention this year—strong, steady, and well-supported.

💫Reach out and book an appointment if you’re looking for help with your health symptoms.

Surfing and bodyboarding is demanding on the body and there’s quite a few patients we have on the coming in to sort ou...
10/02/2026

Surfing and bodyboarding is demanding on the body and there’s quite a few patients we have on the coming in to sort out their injuries.

RSI from paddling, sudden twists, and impact with the board or sand can lead to feeling wrecked.
// wrist or ankle sprains
// pulled hamstring
// muscle cramps and fatigue
// cork thigh injuries, bone bruising
// neck or back strains

Here’s how I can help:
✅ Acupuncture to reduce pain, ease muscle tension and improve mobility after injury.
✅ Cupping for the back and legs to release tight muscles, improve circulation, and help sore, overworked tissues bounce back.

If you’re spending a lot of time in the surf and feeling the effects, it’s time to support your recovery!

I’m a degree qualified and AHPRA registered acupuncturist based on the beaches here in Sydney.

➡️ Make an appointment today- let’s help get you back in the water feeling stronger, sooner.

01/02/2026

Needling shouldn’t be shoved, forced or rushed. I’m not a flicker nor a tapper.
The concept that “the intention is at the end of the needle” is rooted in classical Chinese medicine, particularly within the Ling Shu, one of the foundational texts of acupuncture.

It highlights that the effect of acupuncture relies not just on precise anatomical location, but also on the practitioner’s focused mind, spirit, and conscious intent. This is the differentiation of traditional acupuncture.

☀️Shen (Spirit/Mind): This refers to the practitioner’s concentration and presence.
☀️ Yi (Intention): This is the focused, conscious intention directed towards the treatment process.

🤍 We all need to work on being fully present in the moment and clear in our thoughts and mind…even your practitioner!
🤍 The treatment process is a dynamic symphony between you and your practitioner. It’s great when you feel comfortable, trust and rapport -an essential part of any therapeutic process.

If you want to try this style of acupuncture, make an appointment. 🤍

Address

Shop 2/13 Dale Street
Brookvale, NSW
2100

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm

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Family Wellness Centre is a Health Clinic run by family duo Katika Funnell & Linda Funnell-Milner. They provide Natural Therapies on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Katika is a Registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner. Linda is a Functional Nutritionist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner and Wellness Coach. We can assist in managing your Pain Relief, Fatigue, Headaches, Insomnia, Stress and Overwhelm, Anxiety, Depression and Digestive problems.

In regards to Women’s Health, whether you’re Trying to conceive or Pregnant, Katika offers Acupuncture to support these challenges. If it’s physical signs and symptoms or emotional and stress support that you need, we deliver a caring and nurturing space for you to seek help. http://www.familywellnesscentre.com.au/About-Us