Treatment Modalities at Alchemy Healing Arts - Dr Hiền Tran - Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner in
Abbotsford, Melbourne, Australia
Personalised acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, bodywork, energy healing & yoga therapy
I offer a calm, integrative approach to care — blending Traditional Chinese / East Asian Medicine with nervous-system-aware, trauma-informed support.
Every session is tailored to you. I don’t use a fixed “one size fits all” formula — I listen, assess, and then we build a plan together. Too many acupuncturists just apply the needles and walk away - where I observe your body and mental response, and adjust accordingly.
How I Work
Before deciding which modalities to use, I begin with a comprehensive health assessment to understand your current:
physical health
mental and emotional wellbeing
nervous system state and stress load
energy levels, sleep, digestion, and symptoms
broader life context and support systems
This may include:
detailed questions and history
tongue diagnosis and pulse assessment (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
discussion of goals and priorities
a collaborative treatment plan and timeline
Sometimes, if it feels supportive, I may invite a gentle reflective practice — such as choosing a flower essence, or pulling an oracle / tarot card as a non-predictive tool for self-inquiry and intuitive check-in. This is always optional, but helps to relax the mind and open oneself to healing.
Acupuncture, Acupressure & Chinese (East Asian) Medicine
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese / East Asian Medicine. In this system, health is understood as the body’s capacity to maintain balance and flow — often described through concepts like Qi (pronounced “chee”), and the dynamic relationship between Yin and Yang.
In plain terms: acupuncture helps support regulation — especially of the nervous system, circulation, tension patterns, digestion, and stress physiology.
Ways I may stimulate acupuncture points
Depending on your needs, acupuncture points may be supported using:
Needles (acupuncture)
Pressure (acupressure)
Heat (moxibustion)
Suction (cupping)
Scraping (gua sha)
Gentle electrical stimulation using a piezoelectric or laser device. (this is appropriate for those with a fear of needles.
What acupuncture may help with
People commonly seek acupuncture and Chinese medicine support for:
stress, anxiety, overwhelm, insomnia
headaches and migraines
musculoskeletal pain (neck, back, sciatica, arthritis)
fatigue and recovery support
digestive concerns (reflux, gastritis, IBS-type patterns)
menstrual pain, cycle regulation, peri-menopause/menopause support, PMDD, endometriosis
fertility and IVF support
allergic rhinitis, sinus issues, asthma/bronchitis patterns
facial aesthetics / skin tone
Note: I work in a safe, ethical, evidence-informed way. If something needs medical assessment or co-management, I will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional.
Integrative Bodywork & Therapeutic Massage
Releasing tension, restoring circulation, calming the system
My massage approach can include a blend of:
deep tissue and myofascial release (when appropriate)
Swedish-style relaxation techniques
acupressure and meridian-based bodywork
gentle nervous system settling touch
When suitable, I may incorporate:
herbal-infused balms or oils
essential oils
supportive flower essences
This is always discussed with you in advance.
Cupping
For muscular tension, stagnation, and recovery support
Cupping can help release muscular tightness and support circulation and lymphatic flow. In Chinese medicine language, it may also help the body clear external “pathogenic factors” sometimes described as Wind, Cold, Heat, and Damp (traditional terms used to describe patterns of imbalance).
People often enjoy cupping for:
tight shoulders, back, hips
stiffness and restricted movement
post-training recovery
feeling “stuck” or heavy in the body
Gua Sha
Fascia release and circulation support
Gua sha is a bodywork technique found in Chinese medicine and Vietnamese folk medicine. It uses a smooth tool (often jade, ceramic, metal, or buffalo horn) to gently scrape the skin and support:
fascial release
circulation and lymphatic flow
muscle recovery and tension reduction
traditional pattern clearing (Heat/Cold/Wind/Damp concepts)
Moxibustion
Herbal heat therapy using mugwort
Moxibustion is a warming therapy using mugwort (Artemisia argyi). It is traditionally used to support:
aches and pains, stiffness, osteoarthritis patterns
fatigue and depleted energy states
immune and recovery support
digestive weakness or “cold” patterns
pregnancy support (including breech presentation support, when appropriate)
Pranic Healing & Pranic Psychotherapy
Pranic Healing is a non-touch healing modality that works with the body’s energetic field (often described as prana/qi/bioelectromagnetic energy). Some people experience it as deeply settling, clarifying, and restorative — particularly when stress, emotional load, or trauma patterns feel “stuck”.
Pranic Psychotherapy focuses more specifically on:
emotional regulation and clarity
releasing stress patterns and energetic congestion
supporting wellbeing alongside grounded self-care and nervous system practices
This can be offered in person or distantly, depending on what is needed.
Zero Balancing
Gentle structural bodywork for deep tension and trauma patterns
Zero Balancing is a gentle modality that works with the bones, joints, and structural system using precise fulcrums and light traction. It is known for being both grounding and expansive.
It may support:
stress tension and insomnia patterns
headaches, fatigue, back pain
nervousness, anxiety, low mood
overall ease, clarity, and wellbeing
This work uses a form of “interface touch” that many people find especially supportive when they are navigating trauma or sensitivity.
Dietary & Nutritional Support
Eating in a way that supports your constitution and the seasons
When helpful, I can review your current diet and guide changes that feel realistic and supportive.
My approach blends:
Chinese medicine dietary theory
evidence-informed Western nutrition
Ayurvedic seasonal principles (where relevant)
The goal is not perfection — it’s creating a healthier relationship with food and body, and supporting digestion, energy, and regulation over time. For specific and thorough dietary plans or complex nutritional advise, I can refer you to a dedicated nutritionist or Accredited Pracitising Dietitian.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies are offered to support wellbeing, self-awareness and quality of life. They are not intended to diagnose, treat or replace medical or psychological care. Where appropriate, I encourage collaborative care with your GP and other healthcare practitioners
Flower Essence Therapy
Gentle vibrational support for emotional and energetic balance
Flower essences are a complementary wellbeing practice, traditionally prepared by infusing the energetic imprint of a flower into water and preserving it with a carrier such as brandy, vegetable glycerin, vinegar, or mineral salts.
People may choose to use flower essences during times of:
emotional transition or grief
stress or feeling overwhelmed
changes in life direction
developing greater self-confidence and self-compassion
supporting mindfulness and personal growth
While not a traditional chinese medicine practice, flower essences are generally considered low risk and are not known to have clinically significant interactions with medications. Scientific evidence for their effectiveness is currently limited, and they are offered as an optional complementary support within a holistic framework of care, not as a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. You can learn more about flower essences from Australian Bush Flower Essences.
Integrative Mind–Body Sessions
Compassionate support for insight, nervous system regulation and meaningful change
Sometimes the most supportive part of healing is having a space where you feel deeply heard, understood, and gently guided back to yourself.
Sessions may include:
deep listening and reflective inquiry
nervous system regulation practices
Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed and mindfulness-based approaches
values-aligned goal setting and practical integration
When appropriate, I may also incorporate astrology or tarot/oracle cards as optional tools for self-reflection and meaning-making. These are offered to support personal insight and are not intended as predictive or diagnostic tools.
Yoga Therapy & Therapeutic Yoga
1:1 and group support for regulation, mobility, and resilience
I offer yoga therapy privately and in groups, drawing on:
movement and functional breathwork
meditation and guided relaxation
yogic philosophy (e.g., yamas/niyamas, the eight limbs)
nervous system regulation practices
seasonal harmonising support
Chinese medicine insights (meridians and acupressure points where appropriate)
This can be especially supportive for:
coming back to yourself
sleep and fatigue
gentle strength, mobility, and grounding
reconnecting with your body safely
Tea Medicine Facilitation & Custom Tea Blending
Small group tea ceremony, education, and connection
I offer intentional tea experiences inspired by gong fu cha (Chinese tea ceremony), plus herbal tisane and elixir explorations for small groups — for celebration, connection, rejuvenation, or workplace gatherings.
I also create custom tea blends for individuals, events, or gifts.
Self-Care Support & Resources
Gentle guidance you can integrate between sessions
I believe self-care is not a luxury — it’s how we build resilience, especially during challenging times. I’m in the process of crafting a self-care and self-love guide, which may include:
foods and herbal supports for immunity, digestion, vitality, and mood
yoga, meditation, and breath practices for nervous system regulation
lifestyle guidance from Chinese medicine and seasonal wisdom
If you’d like to receive this guide, please email me.
Suggested donation: $10–$20, and no one is turned away for lack of funds.
Book an Appointment
Areas I Serve
I welcome clients from Abbotsford, Richmond, South Yarra, Kew, Hawthorn, Melbourne CBD, Collingwood, Preston, Northcote, Balwyn, Reservoir, Burnley, and Cremorne.
