​Thank you all for the support and taking us to the Top 10 in the ‘Best Health, Wellbeing and Fitness’ category in the Pumicestone Small Business Awards. We’re grateful for our Bribie Acupuncture community!

The short answer is that acupuncture affects the immune system and reduces the allergic inflammatory response to allergens, and therefore symptoms, and also improves people’s tolerance to would-be allergens
Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis is one of the many conditions that have been extensively studied by western medical science - in fact some studies have found acupuncture to be more effective than medication, and that symptoms continued to improve for up to 3 months after treatment. Acupuncture has also been recommended in the allergic rhinitis (hay fever) clinical practice guideline of the Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery Foundation in the US as a treatment option for those who prefer a nonpharmacological treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, estimated to affect 10% of people over the course of their lives. Symptoms are typically sharp, stabbing pain with pressure, or when standing after periods of rest. In some cases, pain can radiate up the leg causing discomfort in the ankle and calf. Pain is typically worse in the morning and the first steps of the day, and usually worse after exercise but not during exercise. Plantar fasciitis is common in runners, those that are overweight, those who stand or walk for long periods, and those with foot alignment issues. Tight calves are also known to increase risk of developing plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia, which is the part of the foot that’s inflamed with plantar fasciitis, is a tendon that attaches to the base of the heel bone and extends into five bands that attach to each toe on the bottom of the foot. It is affected by overuse through repetitive strain due to both too much or too little movement and exercise. Small injuries to the tendon over time causes inflammation and pain. Often a spur, which is a little bony growth, develops on the heel bone as well. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

​

Cancer is a diagnosis that no one wants to hear. It can throw you into a rollercoaster of overwhelming feelings and fears. If you or a loved one is facing cancer it is important to note that there are options available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life while you are undergoing treatment. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of conditions. It is commonly used to manage cancer-related symptoms, treat side effects induced by anticancer therapies, and boost white blood cell and natural killer cell activity in the immune system. Commonly treated symptoms include cancer pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomitingand other symptoms that affect a patient’s quality of life, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ​Insomnia
• Poor appetite
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Hot flushes
• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
• ​Gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and diarrhoea​

The Acupuncture Evidence Project is an extensive review of published scientific literature, particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses, on the effectiveness of acupuncture. The intent of the project was to set a benchmark to inform acupuncturists, the public, researchers, health departments, governments, and other health providers that acupuncture has a valuable contribution to make to global healthcare and to assist in reducing the global burden of disease. 
​
Completed by two of Australia’s own Chinese Medicine doctors (who also have western medical backgrounds) based in Brisbane in 2017, the Acupuncture Evidence Project is now a resource used around the world. It concluded that acupuncture has been demonstrated with strong evidence to be effective in the treatment of:​

Stress and anxiety are extremely common in today’s society. The pressure of our everyday lives can often be overwhelming. The effects of stress can cause imbalances such as digestive issues, sleep issues, and decreased immunity. At Bribie Acupuncture we often support clients during stressful periods and help them manage the effects of stress. Stress releases negative chemicals in our body and impairs the body's ability to recover and impairs the immune system. It can contribute to a wide range of symptoms such as weight gain, headaches, digestive disturbances, palpitations, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances and substance abuse. 
Acupuncture can be used alone or alongside other methods to naturally calm your mind and body. Acupuncture switches the body from the ‘fight or flight’ mode (sympathetic nervous system), into ‘rest and digest’ mode (parasympathetic nervous system). ​

We treat a wide range of conditions and clients at our clinic - so far the youngest client we’ve had was 4 years old and our oldest was 91! For many, acupuncture is their go-to treatment but we also see many new clients each week that have never had acupuncture before but are keen for a different approach for their health.

So what happens at your first acupuncture appointment? During your first appointment we like to get a thorough understanding of your condition, the severity, how long you’ve had it, and how it impacts your quality of life. 

​

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system, the vehicle that allows communication from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body (arms, legs, face). It often causes weakness, numbness, and pain - usually in the hands or feet. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins (including medications). Common conditions that lead to peripheral neuropathy include diabetes and chemotherapy. Regardless of the cause, poor blood circulation and inflammation are factors in all cases of peripheral neuropathy.