Acupuncture
Bentleigh

BLUE WREN Acupuncture Bentleigh

ALL SERVICES

Acupuncture can help with:

Back Pain

Chronic Pain

Supporting
Fertility & IVF

Migraines

Pregnancy

Stress &
Depression

Women’s Health

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ACUPUNCTURE BENTLEIGH

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncturists believe that illness and pain occur when the body’s Qi, or vital energy, cannot flow freely. There can be many reasons for this with physical or emotional stress, poor nutrition, overwork, infection or injury being amongst the most common.

To restore the natural flow of Qi, ultra-fine sterile needles are inserted into acupuncture points. There are hundreds of acupuncture points in the body, and the careful selection of point combinations is of vital importance to the success of the acupuncture treatment. In doing so, an acupuncturist seeks to assist a patient with management of symptoms and pain by re-establishing the free flow of Qi to restore balance and trigger the body’s natural healing response.

As acupuncture treatments are designed to affect your whole being as well as your symptoms, you may notice other health problems also resolve and feel an increased sense of wellbeing.

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More Information

Adjunctive acupuncture for fertility & IVF support

Traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and continued modern research has shown that acupuncture may be a great adjunct support treatment for those undergoing fertility treatments.

Numerous health practitioners recommend the use of adjunctive acupuncture for fertility and IVF patients. Using acupuncture and Chinese medicine to support patients undergoing IVF is different for every individual, whether the goal is outcomes or management of the stress and anxiety that comes with the challenging journey.

Research about the effectiveness of IVF and acupuncture treatments continues to be conducted and it is recommended that you consult your practitioner about how acupuncture may be able to help you.

Acupuncture is a gentle treatment that influences physiology over time. For many women, using acupuncture for fertility as an adjunctive support for IVF can help to improve pregnancy outcomes.

References:

Jo J, Lee YJ. Effectiveness of acupuncture in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupunct Med. 2017 Jan 11.

Liu Yun, Wu YiQun, Wu Chunxiao, Lu Liming, Yi Wei (2018) Acupuncture for infertile women without undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART): a systematic review and metanalysis. Medicine, 98:29.

Qian Y, Xia XR, Ochin H, Huang C, Gao C, Gao L, et al. Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2016 Dec 19.

Smith CA, Armour M, Shewamene Z, Tan HY, Norman RJ, Johnson NP (2019) Acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online, 38(3): 364-397.

Zhang X, Soo Lee M, Smith CA, Robinson N, Zhou Y, Ying W, et al. (2018) Effects of acupuncture during in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Euro Journ of Int Med. Oct 2018.

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Acupuncture and Pregnancy

In addition to supporting women with adjunctive acupuncture for fertility and IVF treatments, Blue Wren acupuncture clinic also has a particular interest in helping women during their pregnancy.

Acupuncture during pregnancy may potentially help patients manage the range of symptoms they are experiencing such as pain, stress and pregnancy-related symptoms like morning sickness. Acupuncture has been shown in research to help with post-operative nausea and chemotherapy-related nausea. For those suffering from pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, more commonly known as morning sickness, acupuncture could be considered alongside conventional treatment.

Ask our practitioners about how pregnancy acupuncture in Melbourne could assist you to manage your pregnancy journey.

 

References:

Ezzo J, Richardson MA, Vickers A, Allen C, Dibble S, Issell BF, Lao L, Pearl M, Ramirez G, Roscoe JA, Shen J, Shivnan JC, Streitberger K, Treish I, Zhang G. Acupuncture‐point stimulation for chemotherapy‐induced nausea or vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD002285. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002285.pub2.

Garcia, M. K., McQuade, J., Haddad, R., Patel, S., Lee, R., Yang, P., Palmer, J. L., & Cohen, L. (2013). Systematic review of acupuncture in cancer care: a synthesis of the evidence. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 31(7), 952–960. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2012.43.5818.

Matthews A, Dowswell T, Haas DM, Doyle M, O’Mathúna DP. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Sep 8;(9):CD007575. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007575.pub2. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;3:CD007575. PMID: 20824863; PMCID: PMC4004939.

McKeon, C., Smith, C. A., Hardy, J., & Chang, E. (2013). Acupuncture and acupressure for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A systematic review. Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, 8(1), 2–27. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.406108164587345.

Smith, C., Crowther, C., & Beilby, J. (2002). Acupuncture To Treat Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 29(1), 1–9. http://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-536X.2002.00149.x

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-morning-sickness (accessed 25 Nov 2021).

pregnancy acupuncture melbourne

Acupuncture for Stress and Depression

The mind-body-spirit connection is fundamental to the practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. When a person is experiencing chronic pain or other physical health conditions, the stress they are experiencing can have adverse effects on their mental wellbeing.

Mental health concerns are sometimes not the root cause of an issue, but rather a symptom stemming from other conditions such as chronic pain or sleep disturbance. Management of the individuals’ pain, stress or chronic pain through the application of Chinese medicine or acupuncture may be beneficial in improving the wellbeing of both the mind and the body.

At Blue Wren Acupuncture Brighton East, our goal is to support and encourage better physical and mental health. Most often, these two goals are inextricably woven together, and the beauty of the holistic approach is that we take the time to see and understand the individual and design treatments that suit you from head to toe. At Blue Wren Acupuncture Clinic, acupuncture treatments are tailored to each unique individual.

References:

Amorim D, Amado J, Brito I, Fiuza SM, Amorim N, Costeira C, Machado J. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for anxiety disorders: A systematic review of the clinical research. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.01.008. Epub 2018 Jan 31. PMID: 29705474.

Armour M, Smith CA, Wang L-Q, Naidoo D, Yang G-Y, MacPherson H, Lee MS, Hay P. Acupuncture for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2019; 8(8):1140. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8081140

Bo Dong, Zeqin Chen, Xuan Yin, Danting Li, Jie Ma, Ping Yin, Yan Cao, Lixing Lao, Shifen Xu, “The Efficacy of Acupuncture for Treating Depression-Related Insomnia Compared with a Control Group: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”, BioMed Research International, vol. 2017, Article ID 9614810, 11 pages, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9614810

Lee & Warden, The effects of acupuncture on serotonin metabolism, European Journal of Integrative Medicine, Volume 8, Issue 4, 2016, Pages 355-367, ISSN 1876-3820, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.06.022.

Goyatá SL, Avelino CC, Santos SV, Souza Junior DI, Gurgel MD, Terra Fde S. Effects from acupuncture in treating anxiety: integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm. 2016 Jun;69(3):602-9. English, Portuguese. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167.2016690325i. PMID: 27355312.

Zhang-Jin Zhang, Hai-Yong Chen, Ka-chee Yip, Roger Ng, Vivian Taam Wong, The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy in depressive disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 124, Issues 1–2, 2010, Pages 9-21, ISSN 0165-0327, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2009.07.005.

acupuncture for depression

Acupuncture for Migraines & Chronic Pain

There is a classic saying in Chinese medicine that says, “if there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is no free flow, there is pain”. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine seek to re-establish the flow of Qi for the reduction and management of symptoms and pain from various health conditions. These principles apply to acupuncture for migraines and chronic pain, as well as all different types of pain including back neck, shoulder, muscle or joint pain and many other musculo-skeletal problems.

Over the past 60 years, extensive research has been conducted on acupuncture’s efficacy, effectiveness and safety. There is still much to be understood about how acupuncture works, but several mechanisms are now better understood. For example, acupuncture activates fine nerves, triggers tissue fibroblasts to release adenosine, an anti-inflammatory and neurotransmitter with both local and systemic effects. Adenosine is responsible for some of acupuncture’s pain reduction effects. The anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture involve numerous mediators, receptors and signalling pathways. In addition, acupuncture treatments improve neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. (references 64, 65)

At Blue Wren Acupuncture in Brighton East, we predominantly use distal acupuncture, which means placing needles away from the affected area. This is important to some people who may not like the idea of needles or pressure in already painful or sensitive sites. If the pain isn’t always present, then it can be helpful to mark the skin with a pen before the treatment when the pain does occur, so the location can be more precisely addressed with acupuncture. Other techniques may also be used, including dry needling, to best suit individual needs.

References:

MacPherson H, Vertosick EA, Foster NE, Lewith G, Linde K, Sherman KJ, Witt CM, Vickers AJ; Acupuncture Trialists’ Collaboration. The persistence of the effects of acupuncture after a course of treatment: a meta-analysis of patients with chronic pain. Pain. 2017 May;158(5):784-793. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000747. PMID: 27764035; PMCID: PMC5393924.

Vickers, A. J., Cronin, A. M., Maschino, A. C., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., et al. (2012). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654

Xiang A, Cheng K, Shen X, Xu P, Liu S. The Immediate Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture for Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:3837194. doi: 10.1155/2017/3837194. Epub 2017 Oct 25. PMID: 29234385; PMCID: PMC5676441.

Yin C, Buchheit TE, Park JJ. Acupuncture for chronic pain: an update and critical overview. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2017 Oct;30(5):583-592. doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000501. PMID: 28719458.

acupuncture for migraines

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is a safe treatment option when performed by a qualified, registered acupuncturist.

Acupuncturists are highly regulated in Australia, with practitioners required to complete tertiary qualifications including over 900 hours of clinical observation and practice, engage in ongoing professional development, and adhere to strict codes of conduct in relation to safe and ethical practice.

If you would like to learn more about acupuncture and how it can benefit you, get in touch with us. Our practitioners also provide appointments for Chinese cupping, gua sha massage, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and dry needling.

Note: Although acupuncture and Chinese medicine are generally considered to be safe treatment methods, occasionally (as with all health treatments) they may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases.

References:

Lao L, Hamilton GR, Fu J, Berman BM. Is acupuncture safe? A systematic review of case reports. Altern Ther Health Med. 2003 Jan-Feb;9(1):72-83. PMID: 12564354.

Park, J., Sohn, Y., White, A. R., & Lee, H. (2014). The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acupuncture in Medicine : Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, 32(3), 257–266. https://doi.org/10.1136/acupmed-2013-010480

White, A. (2006). The safety of acupuncture – evidence from the UK. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(Suppl), 53–57. https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.24.Suppl.53

acupuncture for anxiety

Is Acupuncture Right For You?

Chinese medicine and acupuncture have been documented and practiced for centuries.

Despite the long-running documentation of the wide-ranging number of conditions and symptoms that can be addressed with these treatments, there are only a limited few conditions that AHPRA’s research has approved for practitioners to use in their advertising materials.

If you wish to discuss the treatment of a condition or symptom not listed on our website, click below to get in touch with us

pregnancy acupuncture melbourne

To book an appointment at Blue Wren Acupuncture call the clinic on 03 9556 0299 or visit our bookings page.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

Can acupuncture help with stress and anxiety?

Yes. Many patients come for support with stress, overwhelm, tension, poor sleep, and anxiety-related symptoms. Treatments are tailored to the individual and aim to help the nervous system settle, support better sleep, and improve overall wellbeing.

Acupuncture is often used to help shift the body out of that constant “fight or flight” state that so many people get stuck in during periods of stress. Many patients notice they feel calmer, more grounded, sleep more deeply, or find it easier to cope after treatment. It can also help release physical tension that builds up in the body — things like tight shoulders, jaw clenching, headaches, digestive upset, or that feeling of always being “on edge.”

For many people, acupuncture treatments become precious opportunities to slow down properly and switch off. We have created a space where patients feel comfortable, supported, and able to properly exhale for a while from the minute they step inside.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

The number of treatments recommended depends on your individual health concerns, how long symptoms have been present, the severity, and your treatment goals. Some people notice improvements quickly, while others require a longer-term treatment plan with ongoing support. 

During the initial consultation, we’ll discuss the recommended plan of how many visits and how frequent the sessions should be based on your specific circumstances, with the plan adjusted treatment as needed to give you the best possible chance of achieving meaningful, lasting results.

What should I expect during my first acupuncture appointment?

Your first appointment includes a detailed consultation where your practitioner will discuss your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals before creating a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may include acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, or herbal medicine, depending on your needs.

For acupuncture appointments, please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes (especially pants!) to each appointment if you can. It’s important to have something to eat before you come, and you should make sure you are well hydrated both before and after your visit.

During your appointment, in most cases once your needles are in place, you are left for a period of time, commonly 20-30 minutes to rest and relax. During that time if you wish you are welcome to use your headphones, airpods or similar to listen to music of your choice or a meditation. We do highly recommend that you take this opportunity to wind down and avoid checking your messages etc, and instead enjoy the rest or even have a brief nap.

Please plan ahead so you can take it easy after your treatment. You can exercise afterwards, but make it a lower intensity session, and give yourself some time to enjoy the sense of relaxation and peace before re-immersing in any stressful work or situations.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and expertly used, and most people experience very little discomfort during treatment. The experience is deeply relaxing, and promotes a sense of calm and wellbeing afterwards.

Can acupuncture support women’s health concerns?

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used to support women through different stages of life, including menstrual health, fertility support, pregnancy care, and menopause-related symptoms. Treatments are always tailored to the individual and designed to support overall well-being.

Is acupuncture considered safe during pregnancy?

Yes. At Blue Wren Acupuncture, pregnancy acupuncture is performed by a trained practitioner who understands the appropriate techniques and treatment approaches for each stage of pregnancy. Treatments are carefully tailored to support comfort, well-being, and pregnancy-related concerns throughout the journey.

Can acupuncture be combined with IVF or fertility treatment?

Yes. Many patients choose to use acupuncture alongside IVF and other assisted fertility treatments as part of their pre-conception and fertility plans. Acupuncture is often used to support relaxation, stress management, and overall health during the fertility journey.

Can I have acupuncture if I’m nervous about needles?

Yes, absolutely. Treatments can often be adapted for patients who are unsure about needles by incorporating acupressure, cupping, gua sha, TENS therapy, or herbal medicine where appropriate. For children, teens and even some sensitive adults we often utilise acupuncture ‘stickers’ that are completely painless and yet still remarkably effective.

How soon before IVF transfer should I start acupuncture?

Many patients begin acupuncture several weeks or months before embryo transfer as part of their fertility support plan. However, treatment timing varies depending on individual circumstances, so it’s best to discuss your goals with your practitioner.

Can acupuncture help with migraines and headaches?

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used by people seeking support for migraines, tension headaches, and headache-related stress or muscular tightness. Treatment plans are personalised based on symptom patterns and overall health history.

Are your acupuncture practitioners fully qualified and registered?

Yes. All treatments at Blue Wren Acupuncture are provided by Shannon Gibson, who is registered with AHPRA and has more than 10 years full-time experience in delivering personalised acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments.