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Gardenvale Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Gardenvale Traditional Chinese Medicine

Gardenvale Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine; experienced, approachable, trusting practitioners

Gardenvale TCM is run by Nick Conquest, who has been practising Chinese Medicine for over 15 years. Gardenvale Chinese medicine services are acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine nutritional and lifestyle advice.

23/07/2025

Let’s Talk About Supplements + Chinese Medicine 💊

While Chinese herbal medicine is our go-to for internal support, sometimes we’ll recommend specific supplements to complement your treatment plan.

Think of it like this:
🌿 Herbs nourish and regulate your body’s internal balance.
💊 Supplements can top up key nutrients when needed – like iron, B12, magnesium, or vitamin D.

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.

If a supplement can support your energy, sleep, hormones, or recovery – we’ll let you know (and only if it’s necessary).

Our goal is always:
✔️ Quality over quantity
✔️ Evidence-informed choices
✔️ Individualised care

Have questions about the supplements you're taking? Bring them in to your next session – we’re happy to look over them with you 💛

21/07/2025

No, Period Pain Isn’t Normal!

If your period leaves you curled up on the couch each month, that’s your body waving a red flag 🚩

Chinese Medicine views painful periods as a sign of imbalance – not just something to put up with.

We look at patterns like:
🌹 Blood stagnation
🌹 Cold in the uterus
🌹 Qi blockage from stress
With acupuncture, herbs and lifestyle support, pain doesn’t have to be the norm.

Let's get to the root of your pain! Book here: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/make-a-booking/

- Zoe

18/07/2025

✨ 5 Skin Concerns Cosmetic Acupuncture Can Help

Cosmetic acupuncture isn’t just for anti-aging — it’s for anyone wanting healthier skin.

It can support:
✨ Fine lines + wrinkles
✨ Dull or tired complexion
✨ Puffiness or fluid retention
✨ Acne or hormonal breakouts
✨ Facial tension + jaw tightness

Bonus? We treat the body at the same time! What's happening on the outside, reflects what's going on inside. So, you'll leave feeling grounded, calm, and refreshed from head to toe 🌿

Book in now: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/expertise/cosmetic-acupuncture/

15/07/2025

What is Qi? ✨️

Let’s talk about Qi (pronounced “chee”) – one of the most fundamental concepts in Chinese Medicine.

Qi is your life force. It powers every function in your body – from digestion to sleep, mood, and fertility.

You can think of it like your body’s battery. When your Qi is strong, you feel energised, clear, and balanced. When it’s depleted or stagnant, you may feel tired, bloated, anxious, or off-cycle.

14/07/2025

Stretch or strengthen? Which is more important?

When it comes to muscle tension or injury recovery, most people focus on either stretching to release tightness or strengthening to build support. But here’s the truth: you need both.

👉 Only stretching?
You might feel more flexible short term — but without strength to stabilise the area, you can become prone to re-injury and ongoing instability.

👉 Only strengthening?
You might build muscle, but shortened, tight muscles can pull your body out of alignment and actually increase pain, tension, and restriction.

Let’s break it down:

✨ Stretching helps:
- Lengthen tight muscles
- Improve range of motion
- Relieve tension
- Promote blood flow & relaxation

✨ Strengthening helps:
- Stabilise joints
- Support movement
- Prevent overcompensation
- Build resilience

💡 For example:
Sitting all day? Your hip flexors and pecs may become shortened and tight — causing low back pain, rounded shoulders, or neck tension.
Stretching opens them up, but strengthening the opposing muscles (like glutes or upper back) is what holds your body in pain-free alignment.

The sweet spot?
Stretch what’s tight. Strengthen what’s weak.
Your body will move better, feel better, and be more resilient in the long run.

Find my full blog here: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/blog/strengthening-and-stretching/

- Michelle

11/07/2025

Let’s get things flowing and ease that pain! ⁠
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These gentle movements help support pelvic circulation, release lower abdominal tension, and calm your nervous system — all key to relieving menstrual cramps.⁠
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✨ Swipe through and try these at home! You don’t need to do a full workout. Just invite gentle movement.⁠
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🔥 Bonus: Add a hot water bottle to your lower belly in any pose for extra warmth and circulation.⁠
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Severe or ongoing pain? Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help address the root causes of your cycle discomfort.⁠

Book here: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/make-a-booking/
⁠
⁠- Adriana

09/07/2025

The Liver & Your Tendons...

Tight tendons? Slow injury recovery?
In Chinese Medicine, it’s not just about stretching — it’s about your Liver.

Your Liver (Wood element 🌳) nourishes the tendons and ligaments, helping them stay strong, flexible, and pain-free.

🩸 A happy Liver = healthy, supple movement

💢 A stressed or stagnant Liver = cramps, stiffness, or slow healing

Support your Liver with:
🥬 Leafy greens
🍳 Eggs
🫐 Berries
🍋 Lemon water
🌿 Fresh herbs
🥩 Moderate red meat or legumes

It’s not just what you treat — it’s how you nourish.

👉 Want to support recovery from tendon pain the TCM way?

Book a consult or click the link in bio to learn more.

Book Here: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/make-a-booking/

Read my full blog here: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/articles/the-liver-and-your-tendons/

07/07/2025

Ever wondered why your acupuncturist asks to see your tongue? 👅

It’s not just a weird habit passed on through the years — in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the tongue offers a window into your internal health.

Different areas of the tongue reflect different organ systems, and changes in its colour, shape, and coating can reveal signs of imbalance long before symptoms show up.

Your tongue might be telling us more than you realise… 🧐

Have you ever looked at your tongue and noticed something different?

Want to know what your tongue says about you? Book an appointment now!

https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/make-a-booking/

03/07/2025

Feeling the Winter Slump? Here’s How to Stay Well This Season ❄️

Cold mornings, grey skies, endless cups of tea… Winter is well and truly here. And while it’s tempting to stay curled up inside, this time of year can take a real toll on our immune systems — which is why it’s so important to give your body a little extra TLC.

Here are some simple but powerful ways to support your health and immunity through the colder months:

👉 Top up your Vitamin D – With less sunlight, we often become deficient. A high-quality supplement can help keep your immune system strong.

💧 Hydrate, even when you're not thirsty – Warm water or herbal teas support your mucous membranes (think nose, throat, lungs) and help your body fight off bugs.

🏃‍♀️ Keep your body moving – A brisk walk, light home workout or gentle stretching gets the blood flowing and helps regulate your immune response.

🍓 Eat the rainbow – Colourful fruits and veg are rich in antioxidants that protect your cells and support immune function.

🧘‍♂️ Manage stress – Winter can feel a little heavier emotionally. Try deep breathing, meditation or simply doing things you love to keep stress in check.

😴 Prioritise quality sleep – Your body does its repair work overnight. Aim for 7–8 hours and consider layering up for warmth to avoid nighttime disruptions.

🧣 Protect your neck, head and feet – According to Chinese medicine, wind and cold can enter the body through vulnerable areas like the nape of the neck, the top of the head, and the soles of the feet. Keep these areas covered to avoid chills and prevent illness.

🌿 Stock up on herbs – Don't forget that we have our common cold capsules available in the clinic. These capsules are perfect to have on hand for when that sniffle or tickle in your throat starts up.

💆‍♀️ Get some Acupuncture – We can use acupuncture to give the immune system a boost and fight off those pesky cold symptoms.

- Zoe

Book an appointment now: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/make-a-booking/

02/07/2025

Movement for Period Pain: Why Gentle Movement Matters 🚶‍♀️

You don’t have to push through the pain — but you don’t have to stay still either.⁠
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When your period hits, you might feel like either collapsing on the couch or forcing yourself through a workout. But from a Chinese Medicine perspective, neither extreme is ideal.⁠
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Period pain is often caused by stagnation: Qi and blood not moving freely. While rest is essential, gentle movement can help ease cramps, reduce inflammation, and support your cycle’s natural flow.⁠
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🌿 TCM patterns linked to period pain:

- Liver Qi stagnation – stress, tension, irritability⁠
- Cold in the uterus – pain better with warmth⁠
- Blood stasis – stabbing pain, clotting, delayed flow⁠

In all of these, movement is medicine! ⁠
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In the next post, I’ll share my favourite gentle movements and stretches to ease period pain naturally.⁠
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- Adriana

For my full blog click here: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/articles/movement-for-period-pain/

24/06/2025

Have you moved your body yet today? 🚶⁠ ⁠ Here’s a friendly reminder to get some movement and some fresh air in today (while it’s not raining).

Take yourself for a walk or a jog and get your blood and Qi moving. It can be around the block or for 30 minutes or for more, something is always better than nothing! ⁠ ⁠ Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, it also helps improve mental clarity and mood and helps you fall asleep quicker and for longer 🧘‍♀️✨

20/06/2025

Why a lack of movement might be at the root of your fatigue & pain 😓

Our modern life finds us spending long hours in office chairs, car seats, or on the couch... however we might not realise how deeply this sedentary lifestyle can affect our health!

Movement is a foundational part of how our bodies function. When we forget to incorporate movement into our daily lives, a number of systems begin to suffer. A few conditions I commonly see in clinic that would benefit from movement include:

- Fatigue, Low energy
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Muscle and Joint pain
- Mental Health
- Gut issues

🚶 Gentle consistent movement can have a powerful effect on your daily life. Even 5-10mins a day could make all the difference!

If you’re curious to what movements will benefit you most, we can certainly dive into this topic during treatments.

If you want to understand more about why the above conditions would benefit from movement, check out my full blog below!

- Michelle

Full blog: https://gardenvaletcm.com.au/articles/fatigue-pain-and-movement/

Address

526 Hawthorn Road South Caulfield
Melbourne, VIC
3162

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 7pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+61395306566

Website

http://www.gardenvaletcm.com.au/

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