Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)

09/08/2026

As winter draws to a close, many Australians find they're no longer acutely unwell but still don't feel like themselves.

Lingering fatigue, a persistent cough, nasal congestion or low energy can continue for days or even weeks after the initial infection has passed. Respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV, rhinovirus and COVID often continue circulating well into the end of winter, making recovery just as important as prevention.

Returning to your normal routine too quickly can make recovery feel slower. Prioritising rest, good nutrition, staying well hydrated and allowing your body time to recover all play an important role in regaining your strength and wellbeing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognises that recovery looks different for everyone. Rather than focusing solely on the illness itself, practitioners consider a person's remaining symptoms, energy levels, sleep, lifestyle and overall health when developing an individualised approach to care.

Some people choose to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine alongside appropriate medical care during their recovery. Research continues to explore the potential role of acupuncture in supporting immune function, regulating inflammation and improving quality of life in some individuals.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening or not improving, it is important to seek medical advice.

Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your health and wellbeing during your recovery.

02/08/2026

Dental Health Week (3–9 August) is a reminder that good oral health involves more than just caring for your teeth. Conditions affecting the jaw, facial muscles and surrounding joints can also have a significant impact on comfort, sleep and everyday activities.

Many people experience jaw pain, clicking or stiffness, while others may unknowingly clench or grind their teeth, particularly during periods of stress. This habit, known as bruxism, can contribute to headaches, facial discomfort, worn teeth and tension through the jaw and neck.

A range of factors may influence these symptoms, including stress, posture, sleep quality, injury and underlying dental conditions. Persistent jaw pain or changes in your bite should always be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional or dentist.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, jaw tension and facial pain are considered within the broader context of a person's overall health and wellbeing. Chinese Medicine practitioners take into account factors such as stress, sleep, lifestyle and muscle tension when developing an individualised approach to care.

Some people choose to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as complementary approaches alongside dental care, physiotherapy and other healthcare treatments. Research continues to explore the potential role of acupuncture in supporting musculoskeletal pain and jaw function in some individuals.

Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your wellbeing as part of an integrated approach to care.

27/07/2026

National Pain Week highlights the impact of chronic pain, a condition that affects millions of Australians and can significantly influence quality of life, mental wellbeing, work and daily activities.

Unlike acute pain, which usually resolves as the body heals, chronic pain persists for longer than three months and often requires ongoing management and support.

Pain is complex and can be influenced by a range of physical, emotional and lifestyle factors. Because of this, many people explore a combination of approaches as part of their care, including exercise, rehabilitation, medical management and complementary healthcare.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain is viewed within the broader context of a person's overall health, movement, stress levels, sleep and wellbeing. Chinese Medicine practitioners take these factors into account when developing an individualised approach to care.

Some people choose to incorporate acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and traditional manual therapies alongside conventional pain management strategies. Research continues to explore the potential role of these approaches in pain management, nervous system regulation and quality of life.

Persistent pain should always be appropriately assessed by a healthcare professional. Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your wellbeing as part of an integrated approach to care.

22/07/2026

LAST CHANCE. ONLINE REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 31 JULY.

More than 500 practitioners have already secured their place at AACMAC 2026, and in-person attendance has officially sold out.

This is your final opportunity to be part of one of the largest Chinese medicine conferences in the Southern Hemisphere.

Join us live from wherever you are for three days of world-class education, practical clinical demonstrations and expert insights, with recordings available until 30 November 2026.

19/07/2026

Fertility challenges affect many individuals and couples, with the World Health Organisation estimating that around 1 in 6 people globally experience infertility during their lifetime.

A range of factors may influence fertility, including age, lifestyle, underlying health conditions and reproductive health factors affecting both men and women.

For women, conditions such as endometriosis, Polymetabolic O***y Syndrome (PMOS) and other reproductive health concerns may affect fertility. For men, factors including s***m health, hormone levels and general health may also play a role.

Lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, managing stress and avoiding smoking can support overall reproductive health.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fertility is viewed within the broader context of a person's overall health and wellbeing. Chinese Medicine practitioners consider factors such as sleep, stress, energy levels, lifestyle and general health when developing an individualised approach to care.

Some people choose to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as complementary approaches alongside conventional fertility care and medical treatment.

Fertility concerns should always be appropriately assessed by a healthcare professional. Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your health and wellbeing during your fertility journey.

13/07/2026

Acne affects people of all ages, but is particularly common during adolescence and periods of hormonal change. For some individuals, breakouts are occasional, while for others they can be persistent and have a significant impact on confidence and wellbeing.

Factors such as hormones, genetics, stress, skin care products and lifestyle may all contribute to the development of acne. Symptoms can range from blackheads and whiteheads through to inflamed pimples and deeper cystic lesions.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, skin conditions are assessed within the context of the whole person, taking into account factors such as digestion, sleep, stress levels, lifestyle and overall health.

Chinese Medicine practitioners develop individualised treatment approaches based on each person's presentation. Some people explore acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as complementary approaches to support skin health and overall wellbeing.

Acne can be a complex condition and may benefit from professional assessment and management. Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore evidence informed options to support your skin health.

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

05/07/2026

Choosing a healthcare practitioner is an important decision, and qualifications matter. In Australia, registered Chinese Medicine practitioners must complete extensive university level education, including more than 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training, before they are eligible to practise.

AACMA members are registered with APHRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and are required to meet national professional standards, maintain ongoing professional development and adhere to strict codes of ethics and professional conduct.

With a network of more than 2,000 practitioners across Australia, AACMA represents one of the country's largest communities of qualified Chinese Medicine professionals.

When looking for an acupuncturist or Chinese Medicine practitioner, the AACMA logo is a simple way to identify a practitioner committed to professional standards, patient safety and quality care.

28/06/2026

Cupping therapy is one of the oldest techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has gained wider public attention in recent years through its use by athletes and in musculoskeletal care.

The technique involves placing specialised cups on the skin to create gentle suction. Traditionally, cupping has been used in Chinese Medicine to help promote circulation, support the movement of Qi and Blood, and address patterns of stagnation within the body.

In clinical practice, cupping may be used alongside acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches depending on the individual presentation and treatment goals.

Some people explore cupping therapy to support muscle tension, tightness, recovery from physical activity and general musculoskeletal wellbeing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has also traditionally been used during the colder months in presentations involving cough, congestion and upper respiratory discomfort.

The circular marks sometimes left after treatment are generally temporary and are traditionally viewed as part of the therapeutic process within Chinese Medicine practice.

Research is continuing to explore the potential role of cupping therapy in pain management, circulation and musculoskeletal function.

As with all Chinese Medicine treatments, cupping should be performed by a properly qualified and registered practitioner.

Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore whether cupping therapy may be appropriate as part of your individualised care plan.

21/06/2026

Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare support, whether related to muscle tension, headaches, joint discomfort, sports injuries or ongoing chronic conditions.

While medication can play an important role in pain management, many Australians also explore non drug approaches to help support mobility, recovery and overall quality of life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain is often understood as a disruption in the normal flow of Qi and Blood through the body. Factors such as injury, overuse, stress and inflammation may contribute to this imbalance and the symptoms experienced.

Chinese Medicine practitioners assess pain within the broader context of a person’s lifestyle, movement, stress levels, sleep and overall wellbeing when developing an individualised approach to care.

Some people explore complementary approaches such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support standard care such as exercise-based rehabilitation.

Research is continuing to explore how acupuncture may influence pain perception, nervous system regulation and musculoskeletal function in some individuals.

Persistent or severe pain should always be properly assessed by a healthcare professional. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as part of an integrated and individualised approach to care.

Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support pain management and overall wellbeing.

14/06/2026

Many men delay seeking support for issues such as stress, fatigue, poor sleep, persistent pain and mental health concerns, often waiting until symptoms begin affecting work, relationships or daily life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is viewed through the balance of interconnected systems within the body, with ongoing stress, exhaustion and lifestyle pressures believed to influence both physical and emotional wellbeing over time.

Chinese Medicine practitioners consider factors such as sleep, stress, energy levels, digestion, lifestyle and overall wellbeing when developing an individualised approach to care.

Some men explore complementary approaches such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support stress management, sleep, musculoskeletal health, energy levels and overall wellbeing alongside appropriate medical care.

Research is continuing to explore how acupuncture may influence nervous system regulation, pain management and quality of life in some individuals.

Men’s health concerns should always be appropriately assessed and managed by a healthcare professional. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as part of an individualised and integrated approach to care.

Speaking with a registered AACMA practitioner may help you explore safe, evidence informed options to support your health and wellbeing.

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