Acupuncture Clinic Melbourne
Acupuncture in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs
Coburg Chinese Medicine provides acupuncture from an independent clinic on Sydney Road in Coburg, welcoming patients from across Melbourne's northern suburbs.
I’m Michael, an Ahpra-registered acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner with 15 years of clinical experience. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture and a Master of Applied Science in Chinese Herbal Medicine. My practice draws on traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean acupuncture approaches alongside contemporary techniques, including dry needling and electroacupuncture.
As a generalist, I've worked with people presenting with a wide range of health concerns. I see that breadth of experience as a strength, allowing me to take a practical and flexible approach that considers your medical history, circumstances and preferences rather than following a fixed treatment routine.
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What is acupuncture?First visitTechniquesHealth concernsSafetyLocation & fees
What is acupuncture?
“If there is free flow, there is no pain;
If there is no free flow, there is pain.”
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles at selected points on the body. It has a long history in East Asian medicine, where different traditions and techniques have developed over time.
Traditional Chinese medicine describes acupuncture using concepts such as qi and meridians. Contemporary research also explores the physiological responses to needling, including interactions with the nervous system. The mechanisms and potential clinical applications of acupuncture continue to be investigated.
Different styles of acupuncture vary in their approach to point selection, needle placement and stimulation. These differences allow for a range of techniques that can be discussed and adapted during your consultation.
New to acupuncture? It's fine to have questions.
I've worked with many people attending acupuncture for the first time, and I understand that the idea of needles can make some people nervous. You don't need any previous experience with acupuncture, and you're welcome to discuss whatever concerns you might have.
As part of your consultation, we'll talk about what treatment involves, possible sensations, relevant risks and any questions you have. This forms part of the informed consent process, giving you the opportunity to understand and discuss the proposed treatment before deciding whether to proceed.
People have different preferences. Some would rather not see the needles at all, while others prefer to see one beforehand and know exactly what's happening. We can discuss these preferences and, where appropriate, make adjustments to the approach, positioning or acupuncture points selected.
You're always welcome to ask me to pause, make changes or stop treatment. My aim is to ensure you feel informed and comfortable expressing your preferences throughout your appointment.
For more information, including what to wear and what happens during your first visit, see the Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions page.
Book an acupuncture appointment
Acupuncture techniques used at the clinic
My practice incorporates several acupuncture traditions, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean approaches. These can differ in their methods of examination, point selection and needling. Depending on your circumstances, I may use techniques from more than one tradition.
I also practise dry needling, which commonly involves needling muscular and related structures using anatomical approaches, and electroacupuncture, where a device provides controlled electrical stimulation through inserted needles.
Other techniques, including cupping and moxibustion, may be discussed as part of your consultation where appropriate.
Experience with a broad range of health concerns
Working in Melbourne's northern suburbs has given me experience with a wide variety of patients and clinical presentations. People attend the clinic with concerns including musculoskeletal pain, back and neck discomfort, headaches and migraines, stress, digestive symptoms and menstrual or reproductive health concerns. I've also worked with people undergoing IVF treatment and those managing several health concerns at once.
Having experience with these presentations doesn't mean acupuncture is necessarily suitable or effective for every condition. Each person's circumstances are different, and we'll discuss the available evidence and whether acupuncture may have an appropriate role alongside their other healthcare.
If you have questions about whether acupuncture is suitable for your circumstances, give the clinic a call on (03) 9041 6569.
Individual attention and continuity of care
Coburg Chinese Medicine is a single-practitioner clinic where I see one patient at a time. You'll see me at each appointment, providing continuity of care and the opportunity to discuss your concerns directly with the practitioner responsible for your treatment.
I also recognise that cultural, religious and personal considerations can influence how people prefer to receive healthcare. Whether your concerns involve modesty, clothing, positioning or personal boundaries, we can discuss appropriate adjustments or alternative approaches before treatment begins.
Acupuncture safety and informed consent
Like all treatments, acupuncture carries potential risks. These can include temporary discomfort, minor bleeding, bruising or light-headedness. Less common but more serious complications are also possible.
I use sterile, single-use needles and follow infection-control procedures. Before treatment, we'll discuss relevant aspects of your medical history, medications and any circumstances that may affect the suitability of acupuncture.
I'll explain relevant risks and precautions, and you can ask questions or decline any part of the proposed treatment. Acupuncture should not replace medical assessment or other necessary healthcare.
Acupuncture in Coburg and Melbourne's northern suburbs
If you're looking for acupuncture near you in Melbourne's northern suburbs, Coburg Chinese Medicine is located at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg.
I welcome patients from Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South, Preston, Thornbury, Northcote, Reservoir, Fawkner, Glenroy and surrounding suburbs.
The clinic is accessible by public transport, including the Route 19 tram and the Upfield railway line. Evening appointments are available during the working week, with current times shown in the online booking calendar.
Book an acupuncture appointment
Your initial acupuncture appointment includes a consultation and, where appropriate and with your consent, acupuncture treatment during that same visit.
You can find consultation costs on the Fees & Opening Hours page or contact the clinic if you have any questions before booking.
Coburg Chinese Medicine
197 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058
Telephone: (03) 9041 6569