Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Bondi
Josephine is a registered acupuncturist & Chinese herbal medicine practitioner based in Lane Cove and Frenchs Forest. If you're willing and able to travel from Bondi to either of these locations for TCM consultation, acupuncture and herbal medicine services, Josephine looks forward to meeting with you.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a valuable treatment option. A study published in PLOS Medicine (2013) involving 755 patients with moderate to severe depression found that acupuncture significantly reduced depression severity, with effects comparable to counselling and both outperforming usual care alone.
TCM identifies multiple patterns underlying depression. The most common is Liver Qi stagnation, where constrained emotional energy creates feelings of frustration, irritability, and hopelessness. Another pattern is Heart and Spleen Qi deficiency, which manifests as low motivation, poor appetite, and difficulty experiencing joy. In severe cases, Phlegm misting the Heart can cause mental dullness and emotional numbness. Each pattern requires a different treatment strategy.
For Liver Qi stagnation — the most frequent pattern — LR3 (Taichong) and LI4 (Hegu) are combined as the Four Gates to restore emotional flow. GV20 (Baihui) at the crown lifts the spirit, while HT7 (Shenmen) calms the mind. Acupuncture is thought to influence neurotransmitter levels including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, providing a neurochemical basis for its antidepressant effects.
A 2013 study in PLOS Medicine with 755 patients found acupuncture significantly reduced depression severity, performing comparably to counselling. It works by regulating neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation, and addressing the emotional and physical symptoms of depression simultaneously.
TCM recognises several depression patterns. Liver Qi stagnation causes frustration and emotional suppression. Heart-Spleen deficiency leads to low energy and inability to feel joy. Treatment is tailored to the individual's specific pattern rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Yes. Acupuncture is safely used alongside antidepressant medication and may enhance its effectiveness while helping manage side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. Never adjust medication without consulting your prescribing doctor.
Josephine Zhuo (TCM) is an AHPRA registered health practitioner — acupuncturist and herbalist.
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Root-cause diagnosis for each patient's body constitution and health condition.
All seasons of women's health, from menarche through pregnancy to menopause.
AHPRA registered. Individualised care through acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Acupuncture, cupping, moxa and herbal medicine used in combination.
All information on this website is provided as general health information. While we have exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of the material contained on this website, the information on the site is made available on the basis it does not constitute providing professional medical advice on a particular matter. This website is not a substitute for independent and separate professional medical advice. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used for specific diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any symptoms, diseases or conditions, nor should it be a substitute for your own health professional's advice. We do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
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