What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves placing very fine, single-use needles at specific points on the body. Practised for thousands of years, it is traditionally understood to encourage balance and support the body’s own capacity for wellbeing. At Melbourne Natural Medicine in South Melbourne, our registered acupuncturist takes a gentle, evidence-informed approach, using acupuncture as one part of a personalised, whole-person care plan.

What acupuncture may help with

People come to acupuncture for many reasons. It is most often chosen as supportive care for stress and tension, sleep, general wellbeing, women’s health and hormonal balance, and simply to feel more relaxed and grounded. Many people also use acupuncture alongside other care for everyday aches and muscular tension. In keeping with our evidence-informed values, we describe acupuncture as supportive and complementary — your acupuncturist will explain what it may and may not help with, and works alongside your GP, never instead of them.

What to expect in a session

Your first appointment begins with a thorough health history and a conversation about your goals. Your acupuncturist then places fine needles at selected points while you rest comfortably, usually for around 20 to 30 minutes. Most people find the experience calming, and many feel deeply relaxed. Acupuncture is traditionally approached as a course of sessions rather than a single visit, and your practitioner will suggest a plan that suits you.

Traditional Chinese medicine at Melbourne Natural Medicine

Our acupuncturist Samoy Guan combines traditional Chinese medicine with a modern, evidence-informed approach. Acupuncture sits within the broader world of Chinese medicine, which may also draw on techniques such as cupping and dietary and lifestyle guidance, tailored to you. If your focus is on trying to conceive, we also offer dedicated fertility acupuncture for support before and during IVF or IUI.

Acupuncture as part of your whole-person care

Acupuncture works well alongside naturopathy, clinical nutrition and functional testing. Many of our patients combine acupuncture with naturopathic care to support their wellbeing while working on the underlying drivers of their health concerns. Because everything happens under one roof in South Melbourne, with telehealth available for your naturopathy consultations, it is easy to build acupuncture into a plan that fits your life.

Book acupuncture in South Melbourne

Ready to feel more balanced? Book an acupuncture session at Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic in South Melbourne with our registered acupuncturist.

Meet Our Practitioners

Samoy Guan

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Acupuncture — frequently asked questions

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that places very fine, single-use needles at specific points on the body. It is traditionally understood to encourage balance and support relaxation and wellbeing. At Melbourne Natural Medicine, our registered acupuncturist uses a gentle, evidence-informed approach and works alongside your GP, offering acupuncture as supportive, complementary care rather than a replacement for medical treatment.

Most people are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. The needles are extremely fine — much thinner than those used for injections — and you may feel a brief, dull sensation as each is placed. Many people find the experience deeply relaxing. Your Melbourne Natural Medicine acupuncturist checks in with you throughout and adjusts to keep you comfortable.

People choose acupuncture as supportive care for stress and tension, sleep, general wellbeing, women’s health and everyday aches. In line with our evidence-informed approach, we are careful not to overstate what it can do — your Melbourne Natural Medicine acupuncturist will explain what acupuncture may and may not help with for your situation, and works alongside your GP or specialist.

Acupuncture is traditionally approached as a course rather than a one-off, so a series of sessions is common. The right number depends on what you are seeking support for and how you respond. Your Melbourne Natural Medicine acupuncturist will suggest a realistic plan at your first visit and adjust it as you go.

When performed by a registered acupuncturist using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is very safe and well tolerated. Side effects are usually minor, such as brief tenderness at a needle point. Let your Melbourne Natural Medicine acupuncturist know if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners or have any health conditions so your session can be adapted appropriately.

Your first visit starts with a detailed health history and a conversation about your goals. Your acupuncturist then places fine needles at selected points while you rest comfortably for around 20 to 30 minutes. You will leave with a clear sense of your suggested plan. At Melbourne Natural Medicine, acupuncture is offered as part of your wider, personalised care.

Acupuncture is one therapy within traditional Chinese medicine, which is a broader system that may also include techniques such as cupping and dietary and lifestyle guidance. At Melbourne Natural Medicine, your acupuncturist draws on this tradition while taking a modern, evidence-informed approach tailored to you.

Some private health funds offer rebates on acupuncture depending on your level of cover and provider recognition, so it is best to check directly with your fund before booking. The Melbourne Natural Medicine team can provide a receipt with the details your insurer needs.

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