Acupuncture Bayside Melbourne
Treatments ~ Acupuncture
Acupuncture in Sandringham
Thoughtful Care for Women at Every Stage
Acupuncture treatment at Embrace Complementary Medicine is gentle and holistic, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophies. My acupuncture clinic in Bayside Melbourne is a calm space where you are genuinely listened to, where your whole being, mind, body and soul, is at the heart of your care.
For women and teenagers seeking support with their health and wellbeing through the changes life brings, this is care that meets you where you are.
What is Acupuncture?
A Practice Over 2,000 Years in the Making
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine: a system of care that has supported human health for thousands of years. It involves the precise placement of very fine, single-use, sterile needles at specific points along the body, with the goal of supporting the smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”). According to Chinese medicine principles, Qi is the vital energy that animates and sustains all living systems.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has long understood that where there is no free flow, there is pain. When Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced, the body can feel it. Fatigue, poor sleep and tension can follow. Acupuncture works by encouraging the smooth flow of Qi through the body, removing obstructions, so that balance and ease can return.
At Embrace Complementary Medicine, every acupuncture session begins with a thorough conversation. I look at your health holistically, identifying patterns of imbalance and their underlying causes, not simply managing symptoms in isolation. Afterall, your symptoms are a signal, not the full story.
Not comfortable with needles?
You wouldn’t be the first person to arrive for your first acupuncture appointment a little nervous and leave wondering why you waited so long. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine, very different from an injection needle. Most people feel little more than a mild ache, tingling or gentle warmth at the point of insertion.
As acupuncture targets the nervous system, this regulation process can induce a sense of calm and relaxation in the body. It is very common for my patients to enjoy a well-deserved acu-nap on the treatment table. Many find themselves deeply relaxed during treatment, and falling asleep on the table is more common than you might think.
Electroacupuncture
When a Little More Is Needed
Electroacupuncture is a variation of traditional acupuncture in which a small, gentle electrical current is applied to the needles once they are in place. The sensation is a mild, rhythmic pulse. Most people find it subtle and well-tolerated, whilst some find it more relaxing than a standard acupuncture.
I use electroacupuncture where it is clinically appropriate. It is never the default, and always discussed with you during the consultation process.
What to expect during your Acupuncture appointment?
Walking into a new health appointment, especially one involving needles, can feel overwhelming.
This is what you can expect during your first acupuncture consultation with me.
Step 1: The Conversation
Before your first acupuncture session, you will complete an online New Patient intake form. During your first session, I will ask about what’s brought you in, what you’ve already tried, what your body feels like day to day, and what you will be hoping to feel differently. This isn’t a tick-box exercise, but a conversation that helps me identify patterns of disharmony or imbalance present, which may be underpinning your main health concerns.
Step 2: The Assessment
I will likely ask to view your tongue and feel your wrist pulses. These are two of the primary diagnostic tools in Chinese medicine that offer a broader picture of what’s happening in your body beyond symptoms alone. I am more than happy to explain what I observe as I go along. I'm passionate about Chinese Medicine and love nothing more than educating my patients, if they show an interest. We then discuss what your treatment will involve, provide you with an opportunity for questions and gain your consent to continue.
Step 3: Your Treatment
Fine, single-use, sterile needles are placed at carefully chosen points on your hands, feet, legs, abdomen, neck or back, depending on your presentation. You’ll rest quietly while the needles work, usually for 20 to 30 minutes. Many people find this the most restful part of their week.
Step 4: Checking In
Your comfort and safety are paramount.
I check in on how you are feeling throughout the treatment, and a bell is provided to call me into the room should you need attention at any time whilst on the treatment table. If something doesn’t feel right, I’ll adjust immediately.
Step 5: Leaving with a plan
At the end of your session, I will discuss with you what I found, how we will work towards achieving your health goals and any diet, lifestyle, or movement suggestions that may support your progress between sessions. An email confirming and explaining your diagnoses, recommended treatment plan, plus dietary and lifestyle changes, is sent to you following your initial session, so that you can start incorporating them into your life.
Who is Acupuncture for?
People come to acupuncture for many different reasons. At Embrace Complementary Medicine, I have a particular interest in supporting women and teenagers across all of life’s chapters. Whether you’ve been navigating something for years or you’re noticing changes you can’t quite explain, this is a space where your experience is taken seriously.
Acute and Chronic Pain
Women’s Hormonal Health
Peri-menopause and menopause
Digestive Health
Headaches and Migraines
Insomnia
When I ask my patients what brought them to Embrace Complementary Medicine (and what keeps them coming back), a few things come up consistently:
A practitioner who truly listens
Your experience matters. There’s no minimising, no rushing through symptoms, and no leaving with more questions than you arrived with. I believe that being genuinely heard is part of the healing process.
A calm, private home clinic
Tucked away on a quiet Bayside street in Sandringham, my clinic is a world away from busy shopping strips and noisy waiting rooms. From the moment you arrive, the environment is designed to help you exhale.
Education is part of every session
Understanding why your body is doing what it’s doing, and what you can do to support it between appointments, is something I consider central to my practice. An informed patient makes progress faster.
Why Embrace Complementary Medicine?
About Dr Nikki Hills
I’m an AHPRA-registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner, held to the same nationally recognised professional standards as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists in Australia.
I truly care about my patients, and I am passionate about improving your overall health and wellbeing. No matter your challenge or stage in life, I will listen to you and work with you to create a treatment plan that best supports you and your needs.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine (Southern School of Natural Therapies)
Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy (Sage Massage)
Paediatric certification - Child and Teen Health (Rebecca Avern)
Mental Health Conference (NeedlePro)
Level 2 Senior First Aid
Working with Children Check
Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered for Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner and Chinese Herbal Dispensing
Professional Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
Covered by all major health funds for eligible treatments.
Book your Acupuncture appointment
As a local Bayside mum, I understand firsthand what it is to try to balance a young family, work life, and self-care. That is why I have flexible appointment slots beyond standard business hours, including mornings, evenings and weekends to suit your lifestyle and schedule.
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Acupuncture is not generally painful. You may feel a mild ache, warmth, tingling, or a brief sensation at the point of insertion. This is normal and typically fades quickly.
Many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing and fall asleep during treatment. If anything feels uncomfortable, let me know and I will adjust immediately.
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People describe acupuncture sensations in different ways. Some people describe a dull ache, a feeling of warmth, a gentle heaviness, or a mild tingling at the needle site. Once the needles are in place, most people settle quickly into a deeply relaxed state. It is not uncommon to fall asleep on the table.
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Many of my most regular patients arrived for their first appointment nervous about needles, and they are now among my most loyal patients.
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and feel nothing like an injection. I work at your pace, explain each step, and check in with you throughout. If at any point you want to stop or we need to adjust, just let me know.
For those who prefer to avoid needles entirely, there are needle-free alternatives available such as Cupping, Gua Sha, adhesive seeds, acupressure and Chinese herbal medicine.
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Electroacupuncture applies a mild, gentle electrical current to the needles once they’re in place. The sensation is a subtle rhythmic pulse. I use it where clinically appropriate. It’s never the default and is only administered with your informed consent. It may be incorporated into your session without additional cost.
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Yes. Cupping and Gua Sha can be incorporated into your session where clinically appropriate. Feel free to mention it when booking, or I may suggest it based on your presentation.
Cupping and gua sha are also available as standalone 30-minute sessions.
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The short answer is Yes!
Many women seek acupuncture during pregnancy as a form of supportive care, drawing on its long history of traditional use in women's health.
It is commonly sought during pregnancy for a range of concerns including morning sickness, nausea, heartburn, fatigue, pelvic girdle discomfort, and emotional wellbeing, as well as preparation for labour in the final weeks.
At Embrace Complementary Medicine, I tailor every treatment to your stage of pregnancy. Certain acupuncture points are avoided during pregnancy as a precaution, and I can work collaboratively with your existing maternity care team, especially in the case of high-risk pregnancy or any complications.
If you would like to find out whether acupuncture might be a good fit for where you are in your pregnancy journey, feel free to book an Exploratory Chat with me.
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Yes, if your policy includes acupuncture cover. Check with your health fund for your specific level of cover.
Bring your private health insurance card with you and we can process your claim on-site.
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This is one of the most common questions I hear at Embrace Complementary Medicine, and the honest answer is: it depends.
The number of sessions you need can vary based on your individual health concerns, whether they are acute or chronic, and how your body responds to treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, because you are unique and no-one presents exactly the same way.
As a general guide, a course of three to six sessions is commonly recommended as a starting point, with more acute conditions often responding more quickly than long-standing or complex ones. Many women also find monthly treatments helpful for maintaining their results over time, once their primary concerns are addressed.
What I can promise is transparency. After your first appointment, you will receive a tailored Treatment Plan, and your progress is reviewed as we go. I value honesty and will never recommend treatment beyond what I genuinely believe serves your health.
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Embrace Complementary Medicine is located in Bayside Melbourne, servicing Hampton, Black Rock, Highett, Beaumaris, Brighton, and surrounding suburbs.
I see patients for Acupuncture, Cupping and Gua Sha, Chinese Herbal Medicine appointment and Remedial massage from my private home clinic in Sandringham.
The exact address is provided in your booking confirmation after you book online.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure what’s right for you? I am happy to help.
Your health matters just as much as everything else you carry
Whether you’re navigating something specific or simply know that something isn’t quite right, you don’t have to keep pushing through alone. Embrace Complementary Medicine is a calm, unhurried space where your health is taken seriously and your care is genuinely tailored to you.
I would love to welcome you.