Harmony Acupuncture Centre

22/08/2026

18/08/2026

I am very excited to be returning to Japan for another immersion into Toyohari training with my incredible teachers. I look forward to bringing my upgraded skills back to clinic. See you in September.
Remember you can always book appointments online at www.harmonyhealing.com.au

07/07/2026

🍫 World Chocolate Day! 🍫

As today is world chocolate day I thought I would share information I have found about the health benefits of chocolate from both a Western and Chinese medicine perspective. Unfortunately for milk chocolate lovers that is not where the health benefits lie – there is too much sugar and other additives but high quality dark chocolate is a different matter!

Dark chocolate is packed with cocoa flavanols, antioxidants, magnesium and other beneficial plant compounds that research has linked to an impressive range of health benefits, including:

❤️ Supporting heart and blood vessel health
🧠 Enhancing memory, focus and cognitive performance
😊 Helping reduce stress and supporting a positive mood
🩸 Supporting healthy blood sugar regulation
🔥 Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
🌱 Nourishing beneficial gut bacteria
✨ Supporting healthy skin
🌿 Promoting healthy ageing

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also offers an interesting perspective on cacao.
Although cacao is not one of the classical Chinese medicinal herbs, many modern TCM practitioners view high-quality cacao as a bitter, slightly warming food that nourishes both body and mind.

In TCM, bitter foods are believed to:

❤️ Support the Heart, helping to calm the Shen (our mind and spirit), promoting emotional balance and a sense of wellbeing.
🌿 Encourage the smooth flow of Liver Qi, helping to ease stress, frustration and emotional tension.
🩸 Invigorate Blood circulation, supporting healthy blood flow throughout the body.
🌾 Support the Spleen by providing nourishing minerals and energy when enjoyed in moderation.

The key is quality over quantity.
✔️ Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa (the higher the better).
✔️ Look for products with minimal added sugar and unnecessary additives.
✔️ Enjoy around 10–30 grams a day—just one to three squares is enough to obtain many of cocoa's beneficial compounds.

25/06/2026

🍷 Participating in Dry July?
CONGRATULATIONS on making this commitment.

Dry July is not only a chance to raise funds for people affected by cancer—it's also an opportunity to check in with your own health and create positive habits that can last beyond the month.

Giving up alcohol for just one month can have a surprising impact on your health and wellbeing. Many people notice improvements in their mood, sleep, hydration, energy levels, weight management and overall sense of wellbeing.

While there are many benefits to removing alcohol from your life there may be challenges, especially if you have been drinking a lot or regularly.

As your body adjusts, acupuncture may help support you along the way.
There are also a number of Australian Bush Flower Essences that can assist with stress and support you in keeping the commitment to this challenge.

Have you signed up for Dry July? If you haven’t but would like to join it is not too late.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.dryjuly.com/

18/06/2026

Men's Health Awareness Week 15th-21st June 2026
Last week I was delighted to present to the OM:NI men's group at Outlook community centre, Pakenham.
The discussion was designed to give the group an insight into the health concerns of older men, the prevalence of some long term health conditions in men and the leading risk factors for their age group. We then discussed how they can empower themselves and I suggested some lifestyle changes they could implement that could make a real difference to their health such as: substituting the biscuit at morning tea with a piece of fruit, increasing exercise, meditating, breathwork and grounding.
I followed this discussion with reassurance that if they struggle to make changes on their own or have health issues that are impeding their progress such as pain, fatigue, or emotional stress that acupuncture and the other techniques I offer in session may be able to assist.
It is great to see initiatives such as Men's Health Week which aims to raise awareness about the health challenges faced by men and promote strategies for better physical and mental well-being. It encourages men of all ages to prioritize their health, seek preventive care, and engage in conversations about important health issues.
If you or a love male in your life has any health concerns and you would like to have a discussion with me please don't hesitate to call on 0409 416 005

11/05/2026

Sorry guys. Couldn't resist the cringe worthy Acupuncture joke. Hope it brings a smile to your day.😆😁🤣

04/05/2026

Moxibustion is a traditional therapy used in Chinese medicine, often alongside acupuncture. It involves burning a dried herb called mugwort (known as moxa) on or near specific acupuncture points on the body.
The technique in the video is called Chinetskyu or cone moxa. This technique is suitable for a range of uses including general supplementing/strengthening of qi, moving qi in blocked channels and as a complement to other acupuncture techniques.
Moxa is also used in various other ways such as burning on top of the inserted acupuncture needles to send heat deep into the point and as small pieces the size of half a rice grain burnt on specific points which can be used to assist with acute or chronic problems.[1]

28/04/2026

Work shouldn’t hurt.

On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, it’s good to remember that health isn’t just about avoiding injuries on the job — it’s also about how your body feels at the end of each day.

Long hours at a desk, repetitive movements, and ongoing stress can show up as:
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Headaches
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue and poor sleep

These issues often build up —until they start affecting your energy, focus, and overall wellbeing.

If work is leaving you feeling tight, tired, or out of balance, it might be time to give your body some support.

Acupuncture may help manage a range of symptoms including pain, stress and fatigue.

Please feel free to call or message me for further information on how I may be able to support you and your specific needs.

Ph: 0409 416 005

23/04/2026

PAEDIATRIC ACUPUNCTURE - SHONISHIN
Today is World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day so I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you a little bit about Shonishin. 💚
Shonishin literally means “children’s needling”.

It is a specialized, non-insertion acupuncture treatment option for infants and children, focusing on patient comfort and dose regulation (ie: giving the correct amount of treatment according to each individual’s needs).

There is some speculation as to the exact origins of its use but its more widespread use started in the late 20th century in Japan.

Shonishin uses special tools to gently press, tap, scratch, rub and stroke the child’s skin without the need to insert needles.

Treatments are very quick which is ideal given that infants and children don’t stay still for long!

Shonishin may support the management of many conditions in children and infants, including symptoms associated with behavioural, emotional or sleep issues.