Deakin Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Centre Bringing over 20 years of  Experience  in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine to Canberra Inner South Deakin  ACT

About Bernice

Since 1999 Bernice has been dedicated to providing healthcare to Sydney's Inner West community, she now looks forward to the opportunity to help local Canberrans find solutions for their health concerns.

Although her main focus is the use of Chinese medicine to treat fertility, gynaecology, and musculoskeletal pain management, she is also open for general practice, so the whole family is welcome!

Bernice is a registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine doctor with over 25 years clinical experience. She works with patients who have not found help from other healthcare providers. She brings a depth of knowledge, which   enables her to help you to manage  complex disease  and to work together towards your health goals.

After completing a Bachelor in Health Science Acupuncture at University of Technology Sydney, she continued on to post graduate studies in Manaka Japanese Acupuncture Protocols. Her long standing  interest in Japanese acupuncture has evolved, with the last 14 years dedicated to ongoing training in  Kiiko Matsumoto Style  (KMS) acupuncture.

These gentler needling styles of Japanese acupuncture  are well tolerated by sensitive patients, however  stronger needle techniques using motor point acupuncture or  dry needling can be incorporated as required for persistent pain conditions. Her extensive training  allows a scope of treatment approaches from the very gentle to stronger acupuncture techniques, these are adjusted  to each individual needs and sensitivities

Patients who are afraid of needles are pleasantly surprised to discover that  Japanese acupuncture offers a much gentler system. 

Previous clinical experience

Bernice's longstanding interest in women's health began early in her career, while working at The Glebe Healing Centre 2003-2007 in Sydney. The acupuncture team had a special focus on providing treatments for women during all stages of pregnancy and preparation for labor.

Prior to  relocating  to  Canberra Bernice gained a wealth of experience from 12 years (2007-2019) working in one of Australia's leading  integrative  clinics, the  WHRIA Women's Health and Research Institute of Australia. This collaboration between  prominent gynaecologists, pain physicians, endocringoligsts and a dedicated allied health team, provided best clinical practice in women’s healthcare, with a particular interest in chronic pelvic pain and pudendal neuralgia. Bernice understands the impact of chronic pain and provides a holistic approach which addresses musculoskeletal issues, as well as gentle exercises recommendations, postural advice, nutritional supplements and pain management education.

With over 20 years clinical experience at Rozelle Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Centre (RACMC) one of Sydney’s leading natural fertility clinics, Bernice has worked with hundreds of couples at all stages of their fertility journey, helping with natural conception, IVF, pregnancy and postpartum care. 

Continuing professional education  

Bernice is committed to best clinical practice and regularly attends conferences and further educational training seminars to stay abreast in research and health updates. She is currently engaged in post-graduate Kampo studies. Kampo medicine is classical Chinese herbalism that evolved in Japan. It incorporates abdominal palpation "fukushin" this is a practical and valuable diagnostic tool that provides extra insights into a individual's constitution and helps inform a trained Kampo practitioner in choosing a suitable formula. 

Her approach to providing holistic  healthcare is informed by regular attendance at  naturopathic and pain medicine seminars. Bernice continues to  study  many systems of acupuncture, but is dedicated  to ongoing training in Kampo medicine, Japanese acupuncture and stays updated with latest developments. Bernice has studied Tungs distal acupuncture system, motor point (orthopaedic) acupuncture, scalp acupuncture. These ongoing and extensive studies enables Bernice to find a acupuncture style that suits even the most needle phobic.

        "I am passionate about helping you achieve optimum health and wellness. Over two decades in working with my patients, I have seen the impressive results that can be achieved by acupuncture and Chinese medicine and I'm grateful to be able to share the benefit of my extensive education and experience with you. Together we can work toward achieving your health and wellness goals."

Bernice began her career in oriental therapies in 1990 as a shiatsu therapist and has varied and extensive interest in working with the body. For several years she worked as a wholefoods cook and continues her passion for healthy food. She studied tai chi, dance, bodywork, and yoga, and has taught TCM remedial massage at UTS. It is upon this knowledge and experience that is drawn upon to compliment her work as an acupuncturist and Chinese medical practitioner.

She is also an visual artist and was a sculpture teacher at the Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School in Sydney from 2004-2018. Bernice practices yoga and is dedicated to the challenges of an Iyengar Yoga practice.

Qualifications

• BHSc Acupuncture    
• Post Grad Cert in Manaka Protocols   
• Practitioner of Kiiko Matsumoto Style of Acupuncture 
• Certificate in Zen Shiatsu  
• Bowen Therapy level 7   
• Certificate in Sun Ten Chinese Herbs
• Post Graduate Certificate in Kampo (Chinese herbal) Medicine