Cultivate Health Acupuncture

29/07/2025

It seems to be pretty widely accepted that no more than 400mg of caffeine per day is recommended for healthy adults. In pregnant or breastfeeding women, the RDI (recommended daily intake) is no more than 200mg.

I don’t know about you but I would not be coping very well after 2 x double shot coffees and a couple of cups of tea. I used to drink this easy (hello uni days), but now I am much, much more sensitive. This changes throughout my menstrual cycle and my caffeine intake is something I alter depending which inner season I am in.

Though these blanket recommendations are good to be aware of, in Chinese medicine we see each person as a unique presentation, therefore having individualised needs.

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, green and white tea are Cooling in nature making them good for clearing Heat symptoms, are gently calming, aid digestion and are detoxifying for the body. They may not be a good choice for those who are Deficient, Cold or have a weak digestion.
Black tea (including earl grey, chai ect) is Warm in nature and helps to tonify Qi and warm the digestion. Not a great choice if you already have a lot of Heat in the body. Cacao is also warming, with less caffeine than coffee - a great alternative. Tea and Cacao also have other compounds that help offset/integrate the caffeine such as L-theanine and theobromine. Cacao can also become too warming depending on your constitution/presentation.
Coffee is Hot in nature, it moves the Qi and stimulates the Yang but can be too strong for those with Yin or Blood deficiency, heightening anxiety and insomnia.

And, lets not forget the effect caffeine has on cortisol (stress hormone). The stimulating properties of caffeine can interrupt your natural processes connected to cortisol, creating imbalance around blood sugars, stress response, metabolism and blood pressure. 

What is your favourite caffeinated beverage?

25/07/2025

I thought it might be fun to share some of the faves I stock in my clinic, one at a time.

In this cool, dry weather I’ve had a lip balm on me at all times… I’ve gotta say this is my fave, and I don’t think it’s bias speaking, ha! Feels super soft and nourishing for the lips.

I have 5 left in stock from this batch. You can purchase via the website (link in bio) and pay extra to ship, or pick up locally for free.

24/07/2025

A little glimpse into Five Element Theory.
If you could guess, what element needs balancing for you right now?

💚

23/07/2025

Nearing the end of the Compassionate Inquiry Mentorship Program. A few things I have been/am learning in reflection.

A HUGE heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you who have had a session (or multiple) with me already, and to those who’ve said yes - I am looking forward to continuing this work. Albeit with more work-life balance in mind.

22/07/2025

20/06/2025

‘c u l t i v a t e’

I love this word for many reasons, and I thought I’d share why I chose it as the heart of my business name.

1. It brings to mind the earth and gardening — two things I love and value deeply. Chinese medicine has strong roots in the natural world, following the seasons and cycles of life. This ancient knowledge helps us tune in and care for ourselves with greater awareness and alignment to the environment we live in.

2. It speaks to a process of growth. I believe that healing — like life — asks us to slow down, stay curious, self reflect and always remain open to learning. After sessions, I’ll often give you homework — ways you can support your own process between treatments. This work isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about cultivating long-term balance.

3. It focuses on you as the healer. You’re not a passive participant in your care — we work together. My role is to support your body and its incredible capacity to restore and realign, given the right conditions. Cultivation also means taking responsibility — learning how to listen and respond to what your body and spirit are truly asking for.

28/05/2025

I’m really looking forward to debut my INNER SUN workshop - a deep dive into the Inner Sun Chart at Synergy in Flow this year. I made the chart to help you (and myself) connect to the daily rhythms and changes in energy - optimising tasks, productivity and routine. The workshop will be a deep dive into the concepts behind the chart, plus some discussion and interactive visioning to help you reset some of your daily habits that need tweaking. Come and learn some basic Chinese medicine philosophy, explore the ancient Zang Fu body clock and leave with a few new ideas/inspirations to add to your daily rhythm.

Join us at Synergy in Flow in a few weeks time (June 14th & 15th) in Byfield for a nourishing weekend of learning, connection and healing.

There are many amazing presenters offering a range of workshops - I’ll keep you updated with day and time I will be doing mine.

Hope to see you there !

26/05/2025

Excited to bring this workshop online after running it in person a handful of times.

Join to learn about your infradian rhythm, your inner moon cycle, your monthly shifts and transitions.

Purchase your ticket for $11 via the link in bio - via shop. You will be sent a zoom link prior to the event and a recording of the session if you can’t make it live.

Feel free to reach out with any questions ❤️

09/05/2025

I’m evolving, we all are. This constant change is the nature of life.

I started this business page in 2022 when I was deep in the study realms of acupuncture & Chinese medicine. I created my website at a similar time & was stoked to get the URL :
www.letscultivatehealth.com

The more I am offering yoga, workshops & Compassionate Inquiry alongside acupuncture & massage, it feels right to shift my business name from ‘Cultivate Health Acupuncture’ to ‘Let’s Cultivate Health’ - I love the ‘let’s’ because it brings me into too, I’m walking alongside you all in support, whilst simultaneously working on my own balance & wholeness - it’s continuous I’m realising… always something more to learn, something deeper to feel. Utilising a range of modalities that are centred around embodiment works for me, & is what motivates me to share with you all.

The creative aspect of the rebrand has been fun! Last year I got my colours done, I’m a Deep Autumn so at first I got a bit confused trying to add too many lovely colours into the page. I settled with four (I absolutely couldn’t go less than that!). Beautiful earthy browns, gold, blues & greens like the fresh water in Byfield - pictured above.

I chose retro font & inspiration for the new logo because l think I could have been a flower child from the 70’s pretty happily (that was the dress up theme for my 30th a few years ago - pictured above).

The last picture is a beautiful artwork that was gifted to me after a CI session created by representing the Throat & Heart coming together in Truth, Compassion & Love. A gift that touched my soul & inspires me in my life & business.

Keep an eye out for some new intro posts coming your way so I can tell you a bit more about who I am, how I got to where I did & the why that continues to inspire this business.

Would love to hear what you think!

Warmly,
Melea

08/05/2025

.||. EYES IN CHINESE MEDICINE .||.
~ post inspired by this beautiful art by

In Chinese medicine, the Liver organ system is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. The Liver opens into the eyes.

When Liver Qi or Blood is deficient or stagnant, the eyes may become dry, tired, red, blurry, teary, have black floaters or become overly sensitive to light.

👁️ Common eye signs and their meanings in TCM:

Dry, itchy eyes → Liver Yin or Blood deficiency

Red, burning eyes → Liver Heat or rising Liver Yang

Blurry vision/black floaters → Liver Blood deficiency or Qi stagnation

Puffy eyelids → Spleen Qi deficiency or Damp retention

Dark circles → Kidney deficiency or Blood stasis

Twitching eyelid → Wind or Qi imbalance (often from stress or fatigue)

🌱 How to support eye health in TCM:

Nourish Liver Blood: Eat dark leafy greens, goji berries, black sesame, beetroot

Calm Liver Qi: Try gentle movement like qi gong, yoga, walking, acupuncture or Chinese herbs

Support the Kidneys: Stay hydrated, rest deeply, avoid burnout

Soothe the Shen (spirit): Reduce screen time, practice eye exercises, rest the mind

The Hun (魂) is the ethereal soul that resides in the Liver. It is responsible for:

- Vision—not just physical sight, but life vision
- Dreams - waking and sleeping, creativity, inspiration
- Planning, purpose, and direction in life
- Spiritual awareness and emotional movement
-
If the Liver system is out of balance you may have trouble with any of the physical/non-physical signs/symptoms mentioned above.

Reach out with any questions 💚

01/05/2025

So most of you have heard me talk about choosing warming foods for your Spleen system/Earth element/Digestive centre. The ancient ways of Chinese medicine don’t really recommend frozen smoothies and endless salads I’m sorry to say.

As with everything in this medicine, diagnosis and treatment are individualised, meaning dietary recommendations will vary from person to person. E.g if you run super Hot I’ll advise you to stop overloading on excessive spice, garlic, chilli, chocolate and coffee and bring in cucumbers, some raw veg (always room temp though!) and peppermint tea. If you have a Damp constitution I’ll advise less dairy, processed foods, fried foods and sugar - including sugary fruits like bananas. If you are Yin deficient, advice will be based on healthy fats and oils like avocado and nuts, plus bone broth, eggs and berries.

However, in saying all that Spleen Qi Deficiency (symptoms listed in post above) is so common in the clinic - if this is you, focus on a warming diet to both repair from and prevent becoming imbalanced in your digestive centre.

Just a taste of things considered, and a few meal ideas… If you’ve got more questions let me know 🍲