Gentle Acupuncture

07/10/2025

Acupuncture is widely used for musculoskeletal conditions because it can address both pain and dysfunction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these conditions are often seen as patterns of Qi and Blood stagnation, channel obstruction, or underlying deficiencies that make the body more vulnerable to injury. Modern research also suggests acupuncture influences the nervous system, circulation, and local tissue healing.

✅ Common Musculoskeletal Conditions Treated

Back pain (acute & chronic)

Neck and shoulder pain

Sciatica

Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, hand)

Tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinitis)

Sports injuries (strains, sprains, muscle tightness)

Postural pain (office-related or repetitive strain)

Fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes.

💡 Mechanisms (modern view)

Stimulates endorphin release (natural pain relief).

Improves local circulation, reducing inflammation and swelling.

Modulates nerve signaling, calming overactive pain pathways.

Promotes muscle relaxation and better range of motion.

Supports tissue repair by increasing growth factors.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children.

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

02/10/2025

Acupuncture is often used to help people with migraines, and research shows it can provide meaningful relief for many. Here are the main benefits:

⭐ Potential Benefits of Acupuncture for Migraines

Reduces frequency of attacks
Regular acupuncture sessions may lower how often migraines occur.

Lessens intensity and duration
Many people report milder pain and shorter-lasting migraines after treatment.

Decreases reliance on medication
Acupuncture can reduce the need for painkillers or migraine-specific drugs, which helps avoid side effects or overuse headaches.

Improves circulation & relaxes tension
By calming the nervous system and relaxing tight muscles (especially in the neck, shoulders, and head), acupuncture may relieve physical triggers of migraines.

Balances stress & emotional triggers
Stress is a major migraine trigger. Acupuncture can regulate the body’s stress response and improve sleep quality, which may prevent attacks.

Supports overall wellbeing
Many patients notice better energy, digestion, mood, and sleep—all of which can reduce migraine vulnerability

Certain mineral (ion) deficiencies can contribute to migraines. The brain and nervous system rely on a delicate balance of electrolytes and minerals to function properly. When levels are low, it can trigger or worsen migraine attacks.

🔑 Ion & Mineral Deficiencies Linked to Migraines

Magnesium deficiency

One of the strongest links.

Magnesium helps regulate nerve transmission and blood vessel relaxation.

Low levels are associated with increased migraine frequency and aura.

Calcium & Potassium imbalances

Both are crucial for nerve signaling and muscle contraction.

Disturbances may contribute to headaches, muscle tension, and neurological sensitivity.

Sodium

Too low (hyponatremia) or too high can trigger headaches.

Often linked to dehydration or overhydration.

Iron deficiency (anemia)

Can reduce oxygen delivery to the brain → leading to fatigue, dizziness, and headaches, sometimes migraines.

Zinc & Copper imbalance

Less direct evidence, but they influence neurotransmitters and oxidative stress, both of which play a role in migraines.

✅ What Helps

Diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, fish, and adequate hydration.

Supplements (especially magnesium citrate, glycinate, or taurate) can help some migraine sufferers.

Testing: A blood test for iron, ferritin, magnesium, and electrolytes can identify deficiencies.

👉 Migraines are usually multi-factorial, so ion deficiencies may be one trigger among many (stress, hormones, sleep, food, dehydration).

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children.

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

29/09/2025

Acupuncture can be safely used throughout pregnancy when applied by a qualified practitioner, and it’s often chosen because it’s gentle, drug-free, and adaptable to the body’s changing needs. The approach shifts slightly depending on the stage of pregnancy:

First Trimester (0–12 weeks)

Focus: supporting implantation, reducing miscarriage risk, and easing early pregnancy symptoms.

Common reasons for treatment:

Nausea, vomiting, morning sickness

Fatigue

Anxiety

Threatened miscarriage (supportive role)

Acupuncture goals: stabilize and strengthen Kidney and Spleen Qi, calm the Shen (mind), regulate hormones.

Second Trimester (13–27 weeks)

Focus: maintaining balance, supporting digestion, circulation, and the physical changes as the body grows.

Common reasons for treatment:

Heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids

Back pain, hip pain, sciatica

Leg cramps, edema (fluid retention)

Sleep issues

Acupuncture goals: harmonize Spleen and Stomach, support Kidneys and Liver, ease musculoskeletal discomforts.

Safe point selection becomes broader, but still avoiding strong “downward-moving” points unless medically indicated.

Third Trimester (28–40 weeks)

Focus: preparing for birth, relieving late-pregnancy discomforts.

Common reasons for treatment:

Back pain, pelvic pain, carpal tunnel

Swelling, insomnia, anxiety

Breech presentation

Acupuncture goals: tonify Qi and Blood, relax the body, prepare the uterus for efficient labor.

Pre-birth treatments (from week 36–37): often given weekly to soften the cervix, calm the mind, and optimize labor readiness.

Labor & Postpartum

Labor induction may be used if overdue.

During labor: acupuncture/acupressure can reduce pain, regulate contractions, and calm anxiety.

Postpartum: treatments focus on replenishing Qi and Blood, supporting lactation, treating postpartum depression or anxiety, and helping recovery.

✅ Safety notes:

Always see a licensed acupuncturist with experience in obstetrics.

Acupuncture is considered safe in pregnancy when used correctly, with minimal side effects compared to medications.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children.

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

Flaxton Clinic and
At Coast Life Midwifery

24/09/2025

Acupuncture can be very supportive for people experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue (though in Western medicine, it’s not an official diagnosis, it often overlaps with chronic stress, burnout, and HPA-axis dysregulation). From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, adrenal fatigue is usually understood as a pattern of Kidney Qi, Yin, or Yang deficiency, sometimes combined with Liver Qi stagnation or Spleen Qi weakness.

How acupuncture helps:

Regulates the stress response: Calms the sympathetic nervous system and supports the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”), which reduces cortisol surges.

Strengthens Kidney energy: In TCM, the Kidneys govern vitality, endurance, and hormonal balance.

Balances Yin and Yang: Helps restore energy if exhausted (Yang deficiency) or calm overactivity if there is anxiety, insomnia, or heat signs (Yin deficiency).

Improves sleep and mood: Addresses restlessness, irritability, or depression tied to adrenal stress.

Supports digestion and immunity: Since chronic stress often affects digestion and lowers immune resistance.

✨ With regular sessions, people often notice improved energy, calmer mood, and more stable sleep/wake cycles.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children.

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

22/09/2025

Acupuncture and moxibustion can be beneficial for the whole family, though the approach and techniques are adjusted depending on age, constitution, and individual needs.

Here’s a breakdown:

🌱 Children

Gentle techniques are used (often acupressure, shōnishin [pediatric tools], or very fine/light needling).

Commonly helps with digestion, sleep issues, allergies, colds, bed-wetting, anxiety, and growth support.

Moxibustion (especially warming moxa near the skin) is often used to boost immunity and digestion.

🌸 Adults

Useful for stress, fatigue, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, hormonal balance, fertility, and digestive issues.

Preventative care: regular sessions can strengthen the body’s resilience, improve energy, and maintain balance with the seasons.

🌳 Elderly

Helpful for chronic pain (arthritis, back/knee pain), circulation, insomnia, memory support, and strengthening vitality.

Gentle moxibustion is often used for warmth, especially if there is coldness or weakness.

🌞 General Benefits for All Ages

Strengthens immunity and resilience.

Balances emotions and supports mental health.

Enhances sleep and digestion.

Prevents seasonal illness.

⚠️ Important:

Always go to a licensed, experienced acupuncturist who can safely adapt treatments to the person’s age and condition.

Children, pregnant women, and frail elderly need extra care with point selection and technique.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

15/09/2025

In TCM, disease doesn’t come from just one cause — it arises from disharmony in the balance of Yin and Yang, the flow of Qi (vital energy), and the health of the Zang-Fu organs. The classical framework is called Bìng Yīn (病因) — the causes of disease.

🌿 Origins of Disease in TCM

1. External Causes (外因, Wài Yīn) – The “Six Evils”

These are external climatic factors that invade the body when its defenses are weak:

Wind (Fēng) → sudden, changing symptoms (colds, skin rashes, dizziness).

Cold (Hán) → pain, contraction, stiffness.

Heat/Fire (Rè/Huǒ) → fever, inflammation, restlessness.

Dampness (Shī) → heaviness, edema, sluggish digestion.

Dryness (Zào) → dry throat, skin, lungs.

Summer Heat (Shǔ) → exhaustion, dehydration.

☯ Normally, the body’s Wei Qi (defensive energy) protects us, but if it’s weak or the climate is extreme, these evils pe*****te and cause illness.

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2. Internal Causes (内因, Nèi Yīn) – The Emotions

Excessive or prolonged emotions disturb organ systems:

Anger → injures Liver → Qi stagnation, headaches, high blood pressure.

Joy (excessive excitement) → injures Heart → restlessness, palpitations.

Worry / Overthinking → injures Spleen → poor digestion, fatigue.

Sadness / Grief → injures Lung → short breath, low immunity.

Fear → injures Kidney → incontinence, weakness, infertility.

Shock → scatters Qi → palpitations, anxiety disorders.

⚖️ TCM doesn’t see emotions as “bad,” but when they’re excessive or stuck, they become roots of disease.

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3. Non-External, Non-Internal Causes (不内外因, Bù Nèi Wài Yīn)

These are “miscellaneous causes”:

Improper diet → overeating, too much greasy/sweet, raw or cold foods weaken Spleen/Stomach.

Overwork & Fatigue → depletes Qi and Blood.

Lack of exercise → Qi stagnation, phlegm accumulation.

Sexual excess → depletes Kidney Jing (essence).

Trauma or injuries → cause blood stasis and pain.

Parasites or toxins → disturb Qi and digestion.

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4. Congenital / Constitutional Weakness (先天不足, Xiān Tiān Bù Zú)

Some diseases originate from weak Kidney Jing (essence) inherited at birth.

This explains why some people are prone to certain illnesses, allergies, or developmental issues.

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5. Lifestyle & Disharmony with Nature

Not living in harmony with seasons, climate, sleep cycles disrupts Yin-Yang balance.
Example: staying up late harms Liver-Blood; eating cold foods in winter injures Kidney-Yang.

In TCM, the origin of disease is always about imbalance — between Yin & Yang, Qi & Blood, humans & nature, body & mind. External pathogens, internal emotions, and lifestyle factors all play a role, but the true root is usually a weakened organ system (esp. Spleen, Liver, or Kidney), making the body vulnerable.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children
www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

11/09/2025

Acupuncture is often thought of as a therapy to relieve pain or treat illness, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) its roots are strongly preventative. The idea is to help maintain balance before disease arises. Here’s how acupuncture works as preventative medicine:

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🌿 Core Principles

1. Balancing Qi (energy):

Health is seen as the smooth, balanced flow of Qi (vital energy) through the meridians.

Blockages or deficiencies in Qi often appear as subtle symptoms—tiredness, poor sleep, mood swings—before full disease develops.

Acupuncture restores circulation, preventing these imbalances from deepening.

2. Strengthening Zheng Qi (upright/defensive Qi):

Zheng Qi protects the body from external pathogens (wind, cold, damp, heat).

Regular acupuncture can reinforce the immune system, making you more resilient to seasonal illness and stress.

3. Supporting Organ Systems:

Each organ in TCM has a physical and emotional role. Preventative treatments harmonize organ networks, reducing the likelihood of chronic conditions (e.g., tonifying the Spleen to prevent fatigue, supporting the Kidneys for aging).

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🌸 Seasonal Preventative Care

Spring (Liver/Gallbladder): Prevent stress, headaches, allergies.

Summer (Heart/Small Intestine): Calm the spirit, support circulation.

Autumn (Lung/Large Intestine): Strengthen immunity, prevent colds.

Winter (Kidneys/Bladder): Nourish reserves, support bones and fertility.

Many practitioners recommend “tune-up” treatments at the change of each season to prepare the body for the new influences.

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🪡 Preventative Benefits

Boosts energy, reduces fatigue

Improves sleep and digestion

Stabilizes mood and reduces stress

Strengthens immune function

Helps regulate menstrual cycles and hormones

Prevents recurrence of chronic issues (e.g., migraines, back pain, allergies)

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children.

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

08/09/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is deeply associated with the Liver (Gan, 肝) and its paired organ, the Gallbladder (Dan, 胆). Each season corresponds to one of the Five Phases (Wu Xing, 五行), and spring belongs to the Wood element. Here’s how they connect:

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🌱 Spring in TCM

Seasonal Energy: Spring represents growth, renewal, and expansion, much like trees and plants sprouting after winter’s stillness. The energy is upward and outward.

Color: Green, symbolizing vitality and new life.

Emotion: Anger, frustration, irritability (when unbalanced).

Sense Organ: The eyes.

Tissue: Tendons and ligaments.

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🐉 The Liver (Gan, 肝)

The Liver is the “General” of the body—planning, regulating, and ensuring smooth flow.

Functions in TCM:

Stores Blood: Nourishes the body, especially during rest.

Ensures the free flow of Qi: Prevents stagnation, which can lead to mood swings, digestive issues, or menstrual irregularities.

Nourishes tendons and eyes: Provides flexibility, clarity, and smooth movement.

Spring Connection: As nature bursts with growth, the Liver’s Qi is most active. If healthy, you feel energetic, motivated, and flexible (physically and emotionally). If unbalanced, you may feel irritable, tense, or stuck.

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🐎 The Gallbladder (Dan, 胆)

The Gallbladder is the “Judge/Decision-Maker” in TCM.

Functions in TCM:

Stores and excretes bile (a Yang organ that doesn’t deal with food directly, unique in this way).

Governs decision-making and courage: Helps you take action after the Liver has made a plan.

Supports sinews and tendons through its close relationship with the Liver.

Spring Connection: With abundant spring energy, Gallbladder Qi should be decisive and confident. Imbalances may show up as hesitation, timidity, or reckless impulsiveness.

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🌿 Supporting Liver & Gallbladder in Spring

Diet: Eat fresh greens, sprouts, young vegetables, light foods that move Qi (avoid too much greasy or heavy foods). Sour flavors (like lemon, vinegar) gently support the Liver.

Movement: Stretching, walking, Tai Chi, Qigong help keep tendons and Qi supple.

Emotions: Express anger healthily, don’t suppress or overindulge in it. Journaling, shouting into the wind, or creative expression can help.

Rest & Vision: Give the eyes breaks, use eye exercises, and ensure good sleep for Liver Blood renewal.

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✨ In short: Spring is the time to nourish Liver and Gallbladder Qi—helping us move forward with clarity, courage, and flexibility, just like the upward surge of spring growth.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children.

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

04/09/2025

In Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidneys (Shèn, 腎) are much more than just the physical organs. They’re seen as the foundation of life and vitality—the “root of pre-heaven qi.” Nourishing the Kidneys is considered essential for longevity, reproductive health, strong bones, and a sharp mind.

🌱 Functions of the Kidneys in TCM

Store Jing (Essence) → governs growth, development, reproduction, and aging.

Govern Water → regulate body fluids and urination.

House the Zhi (Willpower) → associated with determination and resilience.

Control Bones and Marrow → includes brain and spinal cord, “the sea of marrow.”

Open to the Ears → hearing depends on Kidney strength.

Manifest in the Hair → hair condition reflects Kidney vitality.

⚖️ Signs of Kidney Deficiency

Kidney Yin deficiency: night sweats, tinnitus, dry throat, hot palms/soles, insomnia.

Kidney Yang deficiency: cold hands/feet, low libido, fatigue, frequent urination, edema.

General essence weakness: premature aging, weak bones/teeth, infertility, memory issues.

🍲 Nourishing the Kidneys Through Food

TCM often uses the “signature foods” that are dark, mineral-rich, or slightly salty:

Black sesame seeds, black beans, walnuts → replenish essence & yin.

Goji berries, mulberries → support yin and blood.

Bone broth, marrow soups → strengthen bones and jing.

Seaweed, kelp, oysters → nourish Kidney yin and fluids.

Lamb, venison, cinnamon, ginger → warm Kidney yang.

🧘 Lifestyle Practices

Rest well: Overwork and excessive sexual activity deplete Kidney Jing.

Gentle movement: Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and walking nourish Kidney Qi.

Warm the lower back: Avoid exposure to cold, as Kidneys dislike cold.

Meditation & breathwork: Strengthen willpower (Zhi) and preserve essence.

👉 In short:
Nourishing the Kidneys in TCM means protecting your essence (jing), balancing yin and yang, eating kidney-tonifying foods, using herbs when appropriate, and living in a way that conserves energy instead of depleting it.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for pregnancy adults and children

www.gentleacupuncture.com.au

19/08/2025

Sh*tsumin (失眠, “insomnia point”) is most commonly used for:

✅ Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, waking often, dream-disturbed sleep)
✅ Anxiety or restlessness at night
✅ Palpitations or nervous agitation that interfere with sleep
✅ Nighttime overthinking / racing thoughts
✅ As a grounding point, sometimes used for excess yang or heat rising (restlessness, agitation)

Because the point is on the heel, it has a very yin, heavy, anchoring quality — so in East Asian medicine it’s thought to draw energy downward and settle the mind (Shen).

08/03/2025

05/03/2025

With Cyclone Alfred on is way, we will remain close today Thursday 6 of March at Eumundi clinic, at Secrets from the Honey Tree.
The most important thing is always our safety. Stay safe! Hopefully all good for next week! See you on Monday 🤞🙏🌀💙