Acupuncture Melbourne

Balance your body with natural treatments and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Last updated 11th April 2025

Looking for an acupuncturist in Melbourne?

 

Qi Medicine prides itself on delivering high-quality healthcare to local residents in Melbourne. With some of the most experienced acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners in Melbourne, we offer a natural alternative to treat your health concerns.

Check out our dedicated team of Chinese medicine acupuncturists and practitioners below.

 

• Acupuncture: what is it and how does it work?

• What are the benefits of acupuncture?

• Does acupuncture hurt?

• Acupuncture vs dry needling

• What can I expect in a treatment?

• Chinese herbal medicine

• Book your session

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient medicine developed over 5,000 years ago in China. It continues to be widely used to address a variety of health problems today.

Acupuncture works by balancing the body as a whole, not just focusing on one singular symptom or concern.

This balancing is achieved through activating meridians (energy pathways) throughout the body. If this concept seems a little foreign to you don’t worry, your body will naturally respond to the treatment even if your brain doesn’t fully understand it yet!

Acupuncture can place the body into a meditative state, much like that achieved in mindfulness practices. The latest updated research in January 2020 shows strong evidence to suggest these mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques can reduce stress and depressive disorders [3].

The most up-to-date modern scientific explanation is that needling a point will stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals and hormones in the muscles, the spinal cord, and the brain.

It is thought that this stimulation can change the experience of pain and trigger a natural healing response in the body tissues. Sessions can also have a calming effect, altering our state of mind and reducing stress.

We know you will feel wonderful when you attend your initial session with us. With years of experience, we believe our acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic may help you achieve your health goals.

 

How acupuncture may benefit you 

The registered Chinese medicine practitioners at Qi Medicine may be able to help you to help you with any of the following concerns:

1. Acupuncture for stress, anxiety and well-being

Acupuncture is an excellent treatment option for anxiety and high stress. Anxiety can be tricky to manage without help. Fortunately, the neuro-calming effects of acupuncture may provide numerous positive benefits, including:

• Improved sleep
• Reduce overwhelm
• Reduced stress
• Reduced pain
• A boost in calming neurotransmitters including endorphins and serotonin
• Improved general wellness 
• Reduced pain from headaches and migraines
• Improved energy

2. Acupuncture for Women’s health and Gynecological Issues

Women’s health conditions we love to help you with include:

• Endometriosis: relief of endometriosis pain, plus education support when you are looking to get pregnant.
• The physical stress of polycystic ovarian syndrome and PCO/ PCOS
• Painful periods and the stress of irregular cycles
• The stress of long or short periods

Also we can help you with the pain and stress associated with :

• PMDD, mood swings sore breasts, digestive upset, and fatigue during menses
•  Thyroid issues
•  Hormonal fluctuations
• Acne, pimples, irregular skin issues, breakouts

 

3. Fertility, IVF, and Pregnancy

Are you looking for a Melbourne Chinese medicine clinic to support you whilst undergoing a fertility journey? Then we may be able to support you.

Our acupuncturists in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, are helping couples actively reduce their tension, stress, and fatigue, which may be contributing to their infertility. Our sessions may help you with the overwhelm, confusion, pain and stress associated with:

• Recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure
• Step by step through the IVF process with a clear explanation of what is happening in their body, including fertility drug reactions
• Helping to clarify and explain in plain terms the meanings of western medicine blood tests, cycle changes, and gynecological investigations
• Educating couples on how to best track their fertility windows, understand cycles, ovulation, and sperm
• Advising couples on how to best manage their diet and lifestyle for best fertility outcomes

Find out more about acupuncture and fertility here

4. For pregnancy and Birth

Our Chinese medicine practitioners can assist with:

• Pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
• Nausea, fatigue, and stress in pregnancy and birth preparation
• Pre-labor induction preparation, including reducing stress and muscle relaxation

Find out more about acupuncture in labour here

 

5. Acupuncture for Pain Management

If you are suffering from pain and muscle tightness, you could benefit from visiting Qi Medicine for pain management acupuncture.

• Endometriosis pain ( find out more about acupuncture for endometriosis pain here)
• Feeling stressed and under pressure
• Needing help to overcome difficult stages in life
• Chronic lower back pain and tension
• Acute lower back pain and neck pain
• Hip and Sciatica pain
• Shoulder impingement pain

Plus, we love to work with…

• The pain associated with headaches and migraines
• Period and menstrual pain
• Knee osteoarthritis pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headache and migraine pain
• Joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Find out more about acupuncture for pain relief here

 

6. Cosmetic Acupuncture 

Are you looking for a cosmetic acupuncturist? We can provide:

• Collagen induction therapy with dermal rolling and skin needling
• Support with the pain of acne, pimples, scarring, hormonal breakouts
• Cosmetic acupuncture to help reduce stress and tension in facial muscles.
• understanding and educating how hormonal imbalances leading to skin problems such as dryness, crepey skin, and acne.
• Combining stress-busting, rejuvenating acupuncture, and skin treatment into one.

Find out more about cosmetic acupuncture here

In addition, acupuncture may be useful in the treatment of:

• Fatigue and low energy
• The pain associated with endometriosis
• Pain and stress associated with menstrual cramping, heavy bleeding or PMS
• The pain and stress associated with irritable bowel syndrome and constipation
• Underlying stress that may be leading to acne breakouts and hormonal imbalances
• Elevated stress levels that may be associated with melasma or skin pigmentation

 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Our Melbourne acupuncturists love taking first-time clients. We will gently ease you through the whole process step by step (Meet our team here). We promise you will feel as comfortable as possible throughout your treatment as we conduct your private consultation and treatment.

Because we pride ourselves on providing quality acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine care, our sessions are often not painful as very fine needles are used to stimulate the points. Acupuncture can be quite relaxing as the body is given a chance to stop, relax, and heal itself. Other sensations felt during treatment include a slight tingling in the body, which is actually quite a pleasant experience.

Acupuncture vs dry needling ( or medical acupuncture)

The question about acupuncture vs dry needling is a commonly asked one. Acupuncture and dry needling are two distinct treatment techniques that involve the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the body. (see more about our myotherapy and dry needling services here).

While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two practices.  This includes their origins, underlying philosophies, and application methods.

Vs Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that dates back thousands of years.

Acupuncture points are believed to be connected to different organs and body systems. The needles used in acupuncture are typically very thin and are inserted at varying depths, depending on the condition being treated and the practitioner’s approach.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wider variety of conditions and can be utilised to assist with the pain and stress of fertility, pregnancy management, skin, gut and hormonal issues, pain and headaches, mood and emotional disorders, and much more.

 

Vs Dry Needling

Dry needling, on the other hand, is a more recent technique developed within Western medicine.

It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points within muscles, tendons, or fascia to relieve pain and restore proper muscle function.

Dry needling is primarily focused on addressing muscular trigger points, which are tight knots or bands of muscle fibers that can cause pain, restricted movement, and referred pain to other areas of the body.

The goal of dry needling is to release these trigger points and promote healing and improved muscle function.

 

What can you expect in treatment from our acupuncturists?

Your session will consist of a consultation and treatment, along with dietary and lifestyle advice and supplements and herbs if needed.

During your session, your Chinese medicine practitioner will ask you several questions about your current and past state of health to gain a deep understanding of what is causing imbalances in your health.

Once your Chinese medicine doctor has a whole picture of your health they can individualise treatment to your specific needs – whether that’s acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, or a combination of treatments. 

During your session, you will be able to fully relax in a private, comfortable room.

Our acupuncture clinic is designed to let you fall into a deep state of relaxation, without interruption from the outside world. This is part of what we feel makes us the best acupuncture in Melbourne. You will be encouraged to close your eyes and rest, allowing the treatment to promote healing in the body.

You will often feel very relaxed after a session. It is best to drink plenty of water and do not undergo intense physical or mental activity for a few hours after your session, to let the internal healing continue after you leave the clinic.

At our medical acupuncture clinic, we work in accordance with the registration standards of the CMBA ( AHPRA- Chinese Medicine Registration Board Australia division) which all registered Chinese Medicine practitioners are obliged to meet standards of safety and efficacy. 

Qi Medicine prides itself on following strict safety guidelines, ensuring your session is as safe and comfortable as possible.

There is much ongoing research into the effectiveness and uses of acupuncture for a variety of conditions, as explored in this article in Medical News Today.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Benefits

• May provide ongoing symptomatic relief of some conditions ( such as pain and stress) without drugs
• Allows healing within your body without suppressing immunity
• May be used by people of all ages
• Sessions can be relaxing and rejuvenating and can leave you feeling calm and happy
• Rebates available in-house for private health insurance members

Acupuncture does not replace all other treatments available, and your current healthcare provider should be consulted before you discontinue any other forms of treatment. A Chinese Medicine treatment will often complement Western medicine treatments by encouraging natural recovery.

During your Melbourne acupuncture session

We use a holistic approach to combat your health issues. In your session, you may be asked if you would like one of the following adjunct therapies to assist in your natural recovery. These treatments include:

1. Chinese herbal medicine

As a part of the traditional Chinese medicine treatment, you may be prescribed a specific high-quality herbal medicine formula to complement your acupuncture treatment.

We prescribe you either a pill or powdered raw herbal medicine formula for your best Chinese herbal treatment, adhering to the strict Australian therapeutic medicines guidelines (TGA).

2. Moxa therapy

Moxa (or moxibustion) is an important part of many treatments.

This treatment consists of a dried herb or a charcoal-like substance compressed into a stick or cone and smoldered close to the skin, which is designed to warm up the skin and acupuncture channels for a specific therapeutic effect. This therapy is not intended to burn, only warm the area.

3. Cupping therapy

Traditional cupping can be an effective tool for reducing back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Generally, cupping therapy is not very painful but may leave some marks on the skin. These marks generally fade within one week. Upon request, cupping can easily be included in your treatment for a deeper release of tight muscles and tendons.

 

Advice about Acupuncture’s Potential Side Effects and Results

On the whole, acupuncture is considered gentle, but like with any form of therapeutic intervention, there may be some unwanted side effects. These include:

• Bruising, some bleeding, and tenderness at the site of treatment
• Feeling tired after treatment
• Some pain and redness at the insertion site
• Some swelling at the insertion point
• Acupuncture is not a miracle treatment.

It is important to understand that, like any form of therapeutic intervention, results are never guaranteed, even by the best acupuncturist. So, please take the time to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider before undergoing treatment. It is important to discuss your treatment options with your registered acupuncturist first if you have any:

• Bleeding disorders
• Contagious blood diseases
• Easy bruising
• Metal allergies

Like any type of healthcare approach, It is common to need to undergo a series of sessions to achieve therapeutic benefit with acupuncture, so please be mindful of this when considering treatment.

Acupuncturists Near You: Distance and Location

We are within 5km, and just a short drive from the following suburbs:

Acupuncture cost

See our pricing page here

Acupuncture Melbourne: Book an appointment

Book online here or phone the clinic on (03) 8394 7665 to book your acupuncture treatment today.

Find acupuncturists near me here: Find us on Google maps here

Qi Medicine Acupuncture Moonee PondsOur clinic offering acupuncture is located at Suite 4, Level 1, 151 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds Vic. (Please ensure you take the ground floor elevator to reach us or level one.)

We provide acupuncture to the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne. 

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Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Megan Lam 1, Rose Galvin, Philip Curry, 2013 Nov 15

[3] Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Psychological Symptoms and Telomere Length: A Randomized Active-Controlled Trial
Shian-Ling Keng, et al. 25 January 2020 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005789420300137