Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)

Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) AACMA is the leading national professional association of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects cardiovascular health and is often described as...
17/05/2026

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects cardiovascular health and is often described as a “silent” condition due to the lack of obvious symptoms in many people. Ongoing management is important to reduce the risk of long term complications.

In modern medicine, hypertension is associated with increased pressure within the arteries, which can place strain on the heart and blood vessels over time. Management typically involves lifestyle changes and, where required, medication prescribed by a medical practitioner.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hypertension is not viewed as a single condition but is understood through patterns of imbalance within the body. These patterns may involve the Liver, Kidney and Spleen systems, and are often associated with factors such as Liver Yang rising, internal heat, or phlegm and dampness.

Treatment is tailored to the individual and begins with a detailed assessment of symptoms, lifestyle and overall health. Based on this, a practitioner develops a treatment principle to guide care.

Chinese herbal medicine may also be prescribed where appropriate, with classical formulas used to address underlying patterns such as excess heat or deficiency.

Research has explored the potential role of acupuncture in supporting blood pressure regulation, particularly when used alongside standard medical care.

Hypertension is a serious condition that requires appropriate medical management. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as a complementary approach to support overall cardiovascular health and wellbeing as part of an individualised care plan.

If you are managing high blood pressure, speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your health alongside your medical care.

13/05/2026

Join AACMAC 2026 online and access the full conference experience, wherever you are. No flights. No accommodation. No time away from practice.

Earn 37.5 CPD points across three days, including 20.75 practitioner interaction hours and 7 professional issues points, all delivered through an interactive livestream platform.

Watch sessions live, submit questions to speakers in real time, or watch every presentation on demand until 30 November.

Early Bird Sale now on, save up to 10% until 7 June.

Secure your online ticket today for high impact clinical learning, delivered directly to you.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a complex condition that can significantl...
10/05/2026

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a complex condition that can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. It is characterised by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest, along with symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, unrefreshing sleep and reduced tolerance to physical or mental activity.

While the exact cause of ME/CFS is not yet fully understood, it is often associated with immune, neurological and metabolic changes, and may follow viral infections such as Epstein Barr virus.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, conditions involving long term fatigue are not viewed as a single diagnosis but are understood through patterns of imbalance within the body. These patterns often involve the Spleen, Kidney and Lung systems, which are associated with energy production, immune function and overall vitality.

Fatigue in TCM is commonly linked to a deficiency or disruption of Qi, the body’s vital energy. When Qi is depleted or not circulating efficiently, the body may struggle to maintain normal function, leading to ongoing tiredness and reduced capacity for daily activities.

Treatment is tailored to the individual and begins with a detailed assessment of symptoms, lifestyle and overall health. Based on this, a practitioner develops a treatment principle to guide care.

Chinese herbal medicine may also be prescribed depending on the presentation. Classical formulas such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, traditionally used to support Qi deficiency and fatigue, may be considered as part of an individualised treatment approach.

Research is ongoing into how acupuncture may influence fatigue, immune function and overall wellbeing in people with chronic fatigue conditions.

ME/CFS is a serious condition that requires appropriate medical care. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as a complementary approach to support energy, recovery and overall wellbeing as part of an individual management plan.

If you are living with ME/CFS, speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your health alongside your care plan.

04/05/2026

World Asthma Day, held on May 5, highlights the impact of asthma and the importance of effective, ongoing management of this common respiratory condition.

Asthma affects millions of people worldwide and remains one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in Australia. For many, it is not just the acute symptoms that impact daily life, but the ongoing management of triggers, inflammation and breathing patterns.

In modern medicine, asthma is understood as a condition involving airway inflammation, bronchial sensitivity and tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways. These changes can lead to wheezing, breathlessness and coughing, particularly during flare ups.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, asthma is referred to as Xiao Chuan, often translated as wheezing and breathlessness. Rather than being viewed as a single condition, it is understood through patterns of imbalance that may involve the Lung, Spleen and Kidney systems, as well as factors such as phlegm, cold or heat in the body.

Treatment is tailored to the individual and begins with a detailed assessment of symptoms, lifestyle and overall health. Based on this, a practitioner develops a treatment principle to guide care.

Chinese herbal medicine may also be prescribed depending on the presentation, with classical formulas used to help regulate phlegm, support Lung Qi and address underlying patterns contributing to symptoms.

Research has begun to explore how acupuncture may influence respiratory function and inflammation in some individuals when used alongside standard medical care.

Asthma is a serious condition that requires appropriate medical management. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as a complementary approach to support overall lung health and wellbeing as part of an individualised care plan.

If you are living with asthma, speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your health alongside your asthma management plan.

Ongoing sleep difficulties can affect energy levels, concentration, mood and overall wellbeing. When insomnia persists, ...
26/04/2026

Ongoing sleep difficulties can affect energy levels, concentration, mood and overall wellbeing. When insomnia persists, seeking professional support is an important step.

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners are trained to assess the underlying patterns contributing to sleep disruption and may use a combination of approaches including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle guidance to support sleep health.

When delivered by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is considered a low risk complementary therapy and is commonly used to support relaxation and sleep regulation for some people experiencing insomnia.

Mental health support is also an important part of caring for sleep and wellbeing. Organisations such as Beyond Blue provide trusted information and resources to help Australians understand how stress, anxiety and life pressures can affect sleep.

Accessing support from a registered AACMA practitioner alongside evidence based mental health resources can form part of a broader approach to improving sleep and wellbeing.

If sleep disruption is affecting your daily life, consider speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner and exploring the sleep resources available through Beyond Blue.

Beyond Blue sleep information and support:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing/sleep

23/04/2026

Take a closer look at what’s coming to AACMAC 2026 with keynote speakers Dr Ru Shan Shy and Dr Sheng Chun Chang.

Globally recognised for their expertise in Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture, they’ll bring powerful clinical insights, advanced techniques and practical approaches you can apply immediately in practice.

AACMAC 2026 delivers three days of high-impact learning, hands-on techniques and real-world clinical application, designed to support and advance your practice.

The full program and speaker line-up are now live on the AACMAC website.

Explore the sessions, discover the speakers and see what’s in store.

Join us in Melbourne or attend online from anywhere in the world.

Early Bird pricing is now on – save up to 10% for a limited time.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is not treated as a single condition. Practitioners assess patterns of imbalan...
19/04/2026

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is not treated as a single condition. Practitioners assess patterns of imbalance that may involve several organ systems and the overall movement of Qi within the body.

Two commonly identified patterns include Liver Qi stagnation, often associated with stress or emotional tension, and Heart and Spleen deficiency, which may present with fatigue, overthinking and difficulty settling the mind at night.

Because of this pattern based approach, treatment is tailored to the individual and may involve both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Acupuncture points frequently used in sleep related treatments include Shenmen (HT7) to calm the mind, Sanyinjiao (SP6) to regulate several organ systems associated with emotional balance, and Anmian, an extra point traditionally associated with promoting restful sleep.

Chinese herbal medicine may also be prescribed depending on the individual presentation. Classical formulas such as Suan Zao Ren Tang, traditionally used for stress related insomnia, or Gui Pi Tang, used when sleep disturbance is associated with fatigue and overthinking, are examples of formulas used to restore balance and support healthy sleep patterns.

Modern research is beginning to investigate how these approaches may influence nervous system regulation and sleep quality.

To learn more about these approaches, speak with a registered AACMA Chinese Medicine practitioner for personalised advice.

13/04/2026

Hear directly from Dr Eileen Yue-Ling Han, one of our keynote speakers at AACMAC 2026, as she shares a preview of the topics she’ll be covering.

Known globally for her expertise in the Balance Method, Dr Han brings practical, clinically focused insights you can apply immediately in practice.

This is just a glimpse of what’s to come across three days of advanced learning, hands-on techniques and real-world application.

Full program just released.

Join us in Melbourne or online from anywhere in the world.

Early Bird now available – save up to 10% for a limited time.

Healthy sleep relies on a complex interaction between the brain, hormones and the nervous system. One important part of ...
12/04/2026

Healthy sleep relies on a complex interaction between the brain, hormones and the nervous system. One important part of this system is the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates when we feel alert and when we feel sleepy.

This rhythm is influenced by hormones such as melatonin, which signals the body that it is time to sleep, and cortisol, which helps regulate wakefulness and the body’s stress response. When routines become irregular or stress levels remain elevated, this balance can be disrupted, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.

Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches sleep through a slightly different lens. In TCM theory, sleep is closely connected to the smooth flow of Qi, often described as the body’s vital energy. During the night Qi moves inward, allowing the mind to rest and the body to restore itself. When Qi becomes unsettled, sleep may become restless or fragmented.

Acupuncture treatments aim to restore balance through carefully selected points that support relaxation and nervous system regulation.

Research suggests acupuncture may influence brain regions involved in sleep regulation and may help modulate neurotransmitters associated with sleep cycles.

If sleep disruption is affecting your wellbeing, a registered AACMA practitioner can help assess your individual sleep pattern and support a personalised care approach.

05/04/2026

Across the world many people are feeling the effects of rising uncertainty, ongoing global events and the constant flow of information through news and social media. One of the first things many people notice during stressful periods is that sleep becomes harder.

For April, AACMA will be exploring the theme “Supporting Sleep in Stressful Times”, looking at how stress affects the nervous system, why sleep disruption has become increasingly common, and how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine may help support better sleep and overall wellbeing.

When the body remains in a heightened state of alertness, the nervous system can stay in what is often called the fight or flight response. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can remain elevated, making it harder for the body to relax and transition into restful sleep.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has long recognised the connection between emotional stress and sleep disturbance. In TCM theory, insomnia is often associated with disturbances of the Heart and Liver systems, which regulate emotional balance and the calmness of the mind.

Acupuncture treatments for sleep disruption commonly involve points used to calm the mind and regulate nervous system activity. Points such as Shenmen (HT7), Yintang and Sanyinjiao (SP6) are frequently used to support relaxation and promote settled sleep.

Modern research has begun exploring how acupuncture may influence neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation, including serotonin and melatonin.

If stress is affecting your sleep, consider speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner to explore safe, evidence informed care options.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261976/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/stress-and-insomnia

Endometriosis can affect fertility, with research suggesting that between 30 and 50 percent of women living with endomet...
29/03/2026

Endometriosis can affect fertility, with research suggesting that between 30 and 50 percent of women living with endometriosis may experience challenges conceiving.

For women navigating both endometriosis and fertility concerns, coordinated and evidence based care is important. Acupuncture has been studied in the context of fertility support, with research suggesting it may help improve reproductive health outcomes for some women, while also supporting stress reduction and overall wellbeing.

When used alongside medical fertility treatment, acupuncture may form part of a broader, integrated care plan. During Endometriosis Awareness Month, it is important to highlight options that support both symptom management and long term reproductive health.

If you are living with endometriosis and concerned about fertility, speak with your GP or specialist and a registered AACMA acupuncturist to explore whether acupuncture may be appropriate as part of your care plan.

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Suite 6A, 50-56 Sander Street
Upper Mount Gravatt, QLD
4122

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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

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