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Acupuncture for Pregnancy Support – How Chloe Player Helps Expecting Mothers Naturally

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it also comes with challenges. From morning sickness and fatigue to back pain, insomnia, and anxiety, many women look for safe and natural ways to support their health and wellbeing during this important time.

Acupuncture for pregnancy is one of the most researched and trusted natural therapies available today. At Northern Beaches Integrative Practitioners (NBIP), has decades of experience supporting women through every stage of fertility, pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery.

Whether you are in your first trimester or preparing for labour, acupuncture offers gentle, effective support tailored to your individual needs.

Why Choose Acupuncture in Pregnancy?

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), used for thousands of years to balance the body, calm the nervous system, and restore optimal energy (Qi). Modern research supports its benefits in pregnancy care, showing that acupuncture can help with:

• Morning sickness & nausea – acupuncture reduces pregnancy-related nausea, vomiting, and queasiness.
• Back pain, hip pain & sciatica – safe relief for pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Insomnia & anxiety – acupuncture promotes relaxation, regulates hormones, and helps improve sleep quality.
• Digestive support – easing bloating, constipation, and heartburn.
• Fatigue & energy – balancing energy levels and supporting overall wellbeing.
• Labour preparation – specific acupuncture protocols can encourage optimal positioning of the baby, ripen the cervix, and prepare the body for birth.

Chloe Player – Acupuncture Expertise in Pregnancy

With over 10 years of clinical experience, Chloe has supported hundreds of women on Sydney’s Northern Beaches through fertility treatment, IVF preparation, pregnancy care, and postpartum recovery.

Her approach combines traditional wisdom with a modern, evidence-based perspective. Chloe’s special interest in women’s health means every treatment is customised, gentle, and safe for both mother and baby.

“My goal is to help women feel supported, empowered, and cared for during pregnancy. Acupuncture offers a calm space to rebalance the body and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.” – Chloe Player

When Should You Start Pregnancy Acupuncture?

• First trimester: for morning sickness, fatigue, and anxiety.
• Second trimester: to support energy, digestion, and relieve aches and pains.
• Third trimester: to reduce swelling, improve sleep, and prepare for labour.
• Labour induction support: acupuncture is often used from week 36–40 to prepare the cervix and support natural labour onset.

Many women also continue acupuncture post-birth to support recovery, milk supply, hormonal balance, and emotional wellbeing.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes. When performed by a qualified practitioner, pregnancy acupuncture is safe, gentle, and effective. Chloe is highly trained in pregnancy protocols, ensuring treatments are tailored to your trimester and condition.

Every needle is single-use, sterile, and extremely fine, making treatments comfortable and deeply relaxing.

Why Women on the Northern Beaches NBIP

• Combined 75 years of experience in acupuncture & TCM
• Special focus on fertility, women’s health, and pregnancy
• Gentle, supportive, and evidence-based care
• Convenient location in Mona Vale, Sydney

Book Pregnancy Acupuncture in Mona Vale

If you’re seeking natural, safe pregnancy support, acupuncture may be the solution.

Book with the ladies at Northern Beaches Integrative Practitioners today and experience the benefits of pregnancy acupuncture for yourself.

Call 8406 0679 or book online at 

Nourishing Radiant Skin using Chinese Herbs and Facial Acupuncture

In TCM, healthy skin and a glowing complexion aren’t just about what you put on your face—they reflect what’s happening inside the body. When the Qi and Blood are well nourished, it shows on your face. But when Qi or Blood are depleted, signs of imbalance can appear not only in the skin, but also in energy levels, mood, and overall wellbeing.

This is where Facial Acupuncture combined with the support of classic herbal medicine formulas can be so effective.

Facial Acupuncture and Inner Nourishment

Facial Acupuncture improves circulation, reduces tension, and stimulates collagen in the skin, but its effects go deeper. By selecting points that support digestion, sleep, and hormonal balance, acupuncture helps build Qi and Blood from within. Herbs then provide another layer of support—nourishing the body daily, helping to sustain energy and vitality, and in turn improving the skin.

Si Wu Tang – The Four Substance Decoction

Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) is a classic formula designed to nourish the Blood. It contains four key herbs that support the production and circulation of Blood. In the context of Facial Acupuncture, this is important because strong, healthy Blood nourishes the skin and keeps it looking vibrant.

Signs and symptoms Si Wu Tang may support include:

• Dull or pale complexion
• Dry skin and hair
• Light or painful periods
• Fatigue and low energy
• Dizziness or brain fog
• Restlessness or poor sleep

Ba Zhen Tang – The Eight Treasure Decoction

Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction) builds on Si Wu Tang by adding herbs that strengthen Qi as well as nourishing the Blood. This formula is often recommended when there is a combined deficiency of Qi and Blood. It’s particularly supportive for women juggling busy lives and may feel exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Signs and symptoms Ba Zhen Tang may support include:

• Feeling “worn out”
• Weak digestion, bloating, or poor appetite
• Scant periods
• Mental fog and difficulty concentrating
• Pale skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Low immunity and frequent colds

How These Formulas Relate to Skin Health

In TCM, the skin reflects the state of the Blood and Qi. When these are strong, the skin is well-moisturised, bright, and supple. Circulation is healthy, the complexion is vibrant, and healing is quicker. Women who experience fatigue, irregular or light periods, dry skin, brain fog, or low immunity often also notice their complexion appears dull or tired.

By combining Facial Acupuncture (to increase local circulation and release facial tension) with herbal formulas like Si Wu Tang and Ba Zhen Tang, the skin is nourished from both the outside and the inside.

Together, Facial Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine provide a holistic approach—not just for glowing skin, but for improved energy, balanced hormones, and a clearer, calmer mind.

 

To make an appointment with Katika for Facial Acupuncture combined with Chinese Herbs, book online here: www.nbip.com.au

Katika has experience with Vivian Tan’s system of Facial Acupuncture since 2017 and has been an Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner since 2003. She is available Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

NBIP.COM.AU (02) 8406 0679

 

Understanding Anxiety in Children: What Parents Need to Know

It’s a tough thing to witness, your child struggling with worry, fear, or overwhelm, and not knowing quite how to help. As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your child from anything that causes distress. But when it comes to anxiety, the path forward often starts with understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Anxiety in Children: It’s More Common Than You Think

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in childhood but it doesn’t always look like we expect it to.

Many parents picture anxiety as a child who’s shaking, crying, or expressing obvious worry. But it can also show up as:

• Irritability or anger outbursts
• Avoidance of school or social situations
• Difficulty sleeping
• Physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches
• Clinginess or “meltdowns” that seem out of proportion

These behaviours are often misread as “naughty” or “overdramatic”, when in reality, they’re signs that your child’s nervous system is in overdrive. Anxiety isn’t just a feeling… it’s a body-based stress response.

What Causes Anxiety in Kids?

Children experience anxiety for many different reasons. Some are temperamentally more sensitive. Others may be reacting to change, family stress, school pressure, social challenges, or even internal beliefs about not being “good enough”.

Importantly, children don’t yet have the tools to express or regulate big feelings on their own. That’s where the role of a safe, supportive adult becomes vital.

How to Support an Anxious Child

You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to be emotionally available. Here’s how you can help:

1. Co-regulate First

When your child is anxious, their thinking brain is offline. Stay calm, grounded, and present. Your calm helps regulate their storm.

Try: “You’re safe, I’m right here with you. Let’s take a breath together.”

2. Name What’s Going On

Children often feel overwhelmed by what they can’t understand. Help them make sense of their experience.

Try: “It looks like you’re feeling really worried about going to school today. That’s okay, lots of kids feel that way sometimes.”

3. Validate, Don’t Minimise

Avoid saying things like “There’s nothing to worry about” or “Don’t be silly”. Even with good intentions, this can make a child feel misunderstood.

Instead say: “That sounds hard. I believe you. Let’s talk about it together.”

4. Create Safety Through Routine and Connection

Predictability helps anxious kids feel secure. So does consistent one-on-one connection. Even 10 minutes a day of undistracted time can make a difference.

5. Encourage (Don’t Push) Brave Behaviour

Support your child in facing small challenges at their own pace with lots of encouragement, not pressure. Every brave step deserves celebration.

“I saw how nervous you were, and you still gave it a go. That’s courage.”

When to Seek Extra Support

If your child’s anxiety is impacting their daily life. Avoiding school, withdrawing from friendships, or struggling to enjoy the things they used to love, it may be time to reach out for professional support.

Somatic Therapy and Counselling can offer:

– A safe space for your child to explore their feelings

– Tools to manage anxiety in a way that’s developmentally appropriate

– Support for you, as the parent, in understanding and responding with confidence and care

– Nervous System Regulation

A free 15 minute discovery call is offered to see if we can help support you and your child navigate challenging times. 

You’ve probably heard the term “vagus nerve” thrown around lately, especially when it comes to stress, gut health, and emotional wellbeing. But what exactly is it and how can acupuncture help?

The vagus nerve is like your body’s internal calm button. It helps regulate your nervous system, digestion, heart rate, mood, and even inflammation. When it’s out of balance, you may feel stuck in “fight or flight,” overwhelmed, anxious, or physically drained.

Acupuncture is one of the few therapies that directly stimulates and supports vagus nerve activity. Let’s explore how it works and what the science says.

What is the vagus nerve and why does it matter?

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, running from your brainstem all the way down to your heart, lungs, and digestive organs. It’s the main component of your parasympathetic nervous system, your rest, digest, and heal mode.

When your vagus nerve is functioning well, you’re more likely to feel calm, grounded, and resilient. When it’s underactive or overwhelmed, symptoms can show up as:

• Anxiety or chronic stress
• Bloating, nausea, or digestive issues
• Irregular heart rate or palpitations
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Sleep issues
• Heightened inflammation or autoimmune symptoms

Who benefits from vagus nerve support?

Because the vagus nerve influences so many bodily functions, acupuncture can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions linked to autonomic dysregulation, including:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, or emotional dysregulation
• IBS, bloating, reflux, and other digestive disorders
• Sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue
• Palpitations or nervous system sensitivity
• Autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammation
• Post-COVID symptoms, including brain fog and dysautonomia

How acupuncture supports the vagus nerve

Acupuncture uses fine needles to activate specific points on the body and ears that stimulate the vagus nerve directly or through connected neural pathways. It helps “switch on” the parasympathetic nervous system and calm overactive stress responses.

The result? A better-regulated nervous system, improved digestion and circulation, reduced inflammation, and a more balanced emotional state.

Many patients describe a sense of deep calm after acupuncture, a clear sign that the vagus nerve is engaged.

What the research says

Growing clinical and neuroanatomical research supports acupuncture’s ability to stimulate the vagus nerve and regulate autonomic function:

1. “Neuroanatomic and Clinical Correspondences: Acupuncture and Vagus Nerve Stimulation” explains the significant overlap between acupuncture points – especially on the ear and body—and vagus nerve pathways. The paper suggests acupuncture can modulate vagal tone through shared neural circuits, offering therapeutic effects similar to electrical vagus nerve stimulation.

2. “Auricular Acupuncture and Vagal Regulation” (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/786839) reviews the impact of ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) on vagal activity. It highlights how auricular points, particularly those innervated by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, can improve heart rate variability, regulate stress responses, and support recovery from emotional and physiological stress.

3. “Acupuncture Effect and Central Autonomic Regulation” (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/267959) explores how acupuncture modulates brain regions tied to autonomic control. The findings suggest that acupuncture can influence central autonomic networks including the hypothalamus and brainstem leading to improved vagal activity and reduced sympathetic (stress-related) output.

Together, these studies provide compelling evidence that acupuncture can gently activate and regulate the vagus nerve, helping to restore balance across multiple systems in the body.

Your body knows how to heal, with the right support

Acupuncture offers a gentle, non-invasive way to reset your nervous system and support vagus nerve function. Whether you’re managing chronic stress, dealing with gut issues, or simply feeling out of sync, vagus nerve-focused acupuncture may help you feel calmer, clearer, and more resilient.

Curious to see how acupuncture could support your nervous system? Book a treatment and let’s bring your body back into balance one session at a time.

Co-dependence is one of those patterns that can quietly shape the way we relate — not just to others, but to ourselves. It often begins as care, loyalty, or a strong sense of responsibility… but over time, it can become exhausting, confusing, and disempowering.

If you find yourself constantly putting others’ needs ahead of your own, feeling responsible for how other people feel, or struggling to make decisions without external reassurance, you may be experiencing co-dependent patterns.

What is Co-Dependence?

Co-dependence refers to a relational dynamic where one person’s sense of identity, self-worth or stability is overly tied to someone else. This can happen in romantic partnerships, friendships, parent-child relationships — even at work.

You might:

• Feel guilty for saying “no” or setting boundaries
• Struggle to identify your own needs or feelings
• Find yourself ‘fixing’, rescuing, or caretaking others — often at your own expense
• Feel anxious or empty when alone or not needed
• Prioritise peace-keeping to avoid conflict, even when it costs you

Often, co-dependence stems from early experiences where your needs may not have been met consistently — or where love and approval were earned through care-taking, compliance, or emotional attunement to others. You may have learned to be “the helper”, the “easy one”, or the “strong one” — roles that helped you feel safe or valued, but which now limit your sense of self.

Why It’s Worth Exploring

Co-dependence isn’t about blame — it’s about understanding the unconscious patterns we carry into adulthood. When left unaddressed, co-dependence can lead to:

• Burnout and resentment
• Chronic anxiety or people-pleasing
• Difficulty with self-trust and self-worth
• Cycles of unhealthy or one-sided relationships

The good news? These patterns can shift. Healing co-dependence doesn’t mean becoming distant or unfeeling — it means building a stronger, steadier relationship with yourself so that your connections with others are more authentic, mutual, and fulfilling.

How We Begin to Rewire Co-Dependent Patterns

Gently addressing co-dependence starts with awareness — recognising when you’re abandoning your own needs, voice, or boundaries in order to maintain connection.

Some supportive steps include:

• Identifying your own needs — and allowing them to matter
• Building emotional regulation tools, so that others’ discomfort doesn’t become your emergency
• Practising saying “no”, or “not right now”, without guilt
• Exploring your identity outside of how you support others
• Developing secure internal safety, rather than seeking it only through others

Therapy can offer a safe space to explore where these patterns come from, how they show up, and what new ways of relating feel more aligned and sustainable. Together, we can gently untangle the beliefs that are keeping you stuck and begin to rebuild your sense of self from the inside out.

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A Gentle Reminder:

You are allowed to take up space.
You are allowed to disappoint someone in order to honour yourself.
You are allowed to choose connection that feels mutual — not one-sided.

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If this resonates, and you’re ready to begin shifting long-held patterns, I’m here to support you. Whether in-person or online, we can work together to create steadier, healthier relationships — starting with the one you have with yourself.

For many men on the fertility journey, there’s a silent struggle that isn’t often talked about — the difficulty of getting or maintaining an erection when the pressure to conceive becomes overwhelming.

Even in loving, supportive relationships, the weight of fertility timelines, clinic appointments, and “fertility windows” can trigger a mental spiral that disrupts the body’s natural response. A man may feel deep desire and commitment, yet his body doesn’t cooperate — leaving him feeling frustrated, ashamed, or even disconnected from his partner.

This phenomenon is far more common than most couples realise, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a response to stress, not a reflection of desire, masculinity, or love.

Why This Happens

Erections are controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system — our “rest and digest” mode. But pressure, performance anxiety, disappointment, and mental looping trigger the opposite system: the fight-or-flight response. When cortisol and adrenaline are flooding the body, it’s not in a state to perform sexually.

It’s not that the body is failing — it’s protecting. But this protective response, in the context of fertility, can feel like betrayal.

How Psychotherapy Helps

In sessions with men experiencing this kind of performance anxiety, psychotherapy provides a safe, confidential space to:

• Unpack the layers of pressure, grief, and fear that have built up
• Release self-blame and shame
• Explore deeper emotional or relational patterns that may be contributing
• Rebuild confidence and connection — with both the body and the partner

These are not conversations most men get to have often. But they’re profoundly healing.

The Role of Fertility Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy offers a unique tool for gently rewiring the subconscious mind and calming the nervous system. In fertility-focused sessions, I guide men through deeply relaxing hypnotic states where we can:

• Anchor new, positive associations with intimacy
• Desensitise past negative experiences (e.g. previous “failed” attempts)
• Instil confidence and relaxation for future encounters
• Train the body and mind to stay in a parasympathetic (arousal-supportive) state

Even a few sessions can lead to noticeable improvements — not only in sexual performance, but in emotional wellbeing and relationship closeness.

You’re Not Alone — and You’re Not Broken

At Northern Beaches Integrative Practitioners, we understand that fertility isn’t just a medical process — it’s a deeply human one. We support men and couples through every step, emotionally and physically.

If you’re struggling with performance anxiety or erection difficulties during your fertility journey, please know this: you are not alone, and you are not broken.

With the right support, you can move through this chapter with more ease, connection, and confidence.

To book a confidential session with Kate Walton, or to learn more about psychotherapy and hypnotherapy for fertility, visit nbip.com.au or call our friendly reception team.

What is Dang Gui Shao Yao San?

Dang Gui Shao Yao San is a traditional Chinese herbal formula dating back to the 3rd century AD. It was first recorded in Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet) by Zhang Zhongjing, one of the founding scholars of Chinese Medicine.

This formula combines six herbs but the key ingredients are:

1. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)
2. Bai Shao (White Peony root)
3. Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) – invigorates Blood and moves Qi

What is it used for in Women’s Health?

Traditionally, Dang Gui Shao Yao San is used to:

• Regulate menstrual cycles
• Reduce period pain (dysmenorrhea)
• Support women experiencing fatigue, dizziness, and bloating related to Spleen Qi and Blood deficiency with Damp accumulation
• Nourish Blood while moving stagnant Qi and fluids – making it beneficial for conditions involving water retention and swelling

In modern clinical practice, this formula is often prescribed for:

• Irregular or painful periods
• Symptoms related to PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
• Fluid retention or bloating, especially around menstruation
• Supporting fertility in women with underlying Blood deficiency and dampness patterns

Is there any evidence to support Dang Gui Shao Yao San?

Yes. Research has investigated Dang Gui Shao Yao San for various women’s health conditions:

 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A systematic review (Zhang et al., 2019) found that combining Dang Gui Shao Yao San with conventional treatment improved ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with PCOS compared to conventional treatment alone.

 Dysmenorrhea (Period Pain): Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing pain intensity and improving associated symptoms such as fatigue and bloating.

 Pregnancy Support: Traditionally used to support women with threatened miscarriage due to Blood deficiency and dampness. However, herbal use in pregnancy should always be guided by a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner.

How are Chinese herbs like Dang Gui Shao Yao San prescribed?

After coming in for your initial herbal medicine appointment or even during your Acupuncture consult, our practitioners can discuss with you the best way for you to take your herbs. At NBIP we offer clients:

• Pills or capsules – convenient and easy for daily dosing
• Powdered extracts (granules) – mixed with hot water for quick absorption

Always consult with a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner to ensure this formula is right for your unique constitution and health goals. Our TCM practitioners,  are AHPRA registered and degree- qualified.

If you’re experiencing irregular periods, bloating, or fatigue around your cycle, or would like to explore herbal support for fertility, feel free to book an appointment to discuss if Dang Gui Shao Yao San may be beneficial for you.

www.nbip.com.au

If you’ve had shingles before — or you’re going through it now — you’ll know it’s more than just a rash. The pain can be sharp, burning or stabbing, and for some people, it sticks around long after the rash has gone. Not fun.

At Northern Beaches Integrative Practitioners (NBIP), we’re all about supporting your healing naturally and holistically. One way we do that is through acupuncture — and it’s been showing up as a really helpful option for many people navigating shingles and its lingering sidekick, postherpetic neuralgia (that’s the nerve pain some people experience after shingles clears).

Let’s explore how it works.

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What Is Shingles, Really?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus doesn’t actually leave your body — it goes quiet and hangs out near your spinal cord. Then one day (usually when your immune system is under stress), it reactivates as shingles.

It often starts with tingling or pain, followed by a rash — usually on one side of the body. For some people, once the rash goes away, the pain sticks around. That lingering nerve pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (or PHN for short), and it can be really frustrating to live with.

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Where Acupuncture Comes In

Acupuncture is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that works with your body — not against it. It’s all about helping your system come back into balance.

For shingles and post-shingles pain, acupuncture may help to:

1. Ease Pain Naturally

By stimulating the nervous system and promoting the release of endorphins (your body’s feel-good chemicals), acupuncture can dial down pain signals — both during an active shingles outbreak and afterwards.

2. Reduce Inflammation

Shingles flares are all about inflammation. Acupuncture helps calm that internal fire so your body can focus on healing.

3. Support Nerve Repair

If you’re dealing with lingering nerve pain (PHN), acupuncture encourages circulation and nerve regeneration, which can make a real difference in how your body recovers.

4. Improve Sleep & Mood

Shingles can mess with sleep, energy and your emotional wellbeing. Acupuncture helps regulate your nervous system so you can feel calmer, more rested, and a little more like yourself again.

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What to Expect in a Session

Your treatment will be completely tailored to you — no one-size-fits-all here. We’ll chat about your symptoms, health history and what’s going on for you right now.

In a typical acupuncture session for shingles or PHN, you can expect:

• A safe, nurturing space to relax
• Ultra-fine needles placed gently on targeted points (no, it doesn’t hurt!)
• Optional extras like cupping, moxa, or gentle herbal support
• A focus on calming the nervous system, improving circulation, and relieving pain

Most people find acupuncture deeply relaxing — sometimes even sleepy-making. You might start noticing a difference within a few sessions, with regular treatments offering cumulative benefits.

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Is It Safe?

Yes — acupuncture is safe when done by trained, qualified practitioners (like our team here at NBIP). If you’re currently taking medication or have a compromised immune system, we’ll take all that into account. We’ll also make sure not to needle directly over any active shingles blisters.

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Let’s Wrap It Up

Shingles can take a toll on your body and your spirit — especially if the nerve pain hangs around. If you’re looking for a gentle, supportive approach to ease the discomfort, acupuncture could be a beautiful part of your healing journey.

We’d love to support you.

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Want to learn more or book a session?

Come in for a chat or book an appointment online.
Let’s get you back to feeling more like you.

More details can be found on our website www.nbip.com.au