Como Health Group has provided acupuncture to the Beaumaris and Bayside community for over 40 years. Our AHPRA-registered acupuncturists — Chris Ravesi and Shaun French — bring a rare combination of traditional Chinese medicine training, international clinical education, and advanced integrative techniques to every consultation.
Acupuncture at Como Health Group is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Every patient receives a thorough assessment, a personalised treatment plan, and care that addresses the underlying cause of their health concerns — not just the symptoms presenting on the day.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of medicine originating from Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a clinical history spanning more than 2,500 years. It involves the precise insertion of very fine, sterile stainless steel needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, regulate physiological function, and activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
From a modern biomedical perspective, acupuncture is understood to stimulate nerve fibres, promote the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters, regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. This is why it produces measurable results across a wide range of conditions – from muscular pain to hormonal imbalance, digestive dysfunction, anxiety, and fatigue.
At Como Health Group, our acupuncturists integrate classical TCM diagnosis with current evidence-based research to deliver treatment that is both time-honoured and clinically informed.
Conditions We Treat With Acupuncture
Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Chronic low back pain and lumbar disc conditions
- Neck Pain, cervical stiffness and whiplash
- Shoulder pain including rotator cuff and frozen shoulder
- Knee pain and osteoarthritis
- Hip pain and sciatica
- Headaches and migraines
- Fibromyalgia and widespread chronic pain
- Sports injuries and post surgical recovery
Nervous System, Stress & Mental Health
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Stress and nervous system dysregulation
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Depression support (adjunctive care)
- Post traumatic stress and nervous system recovery
- Burnout and adrenal fatigue
Hormonal & Reproductive Health
- Hormonal balance in women and men
- Menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis
- Perimenopause and menopause support
- Polcystis ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Fertility support (natural and IVF-adjunct)
- Thyroid dysfunction
Digestive Health
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Bloating, reflux and functional digestive disorders
- Nausea including chemotherapy-related and morning sickness
- Constipation and bowel irregularity
Immune and Systemic Conditions
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and post-viral fatigue (including long Covid)
- Autoimmune condition support
- Recurrent respiratory infections and immune dysfunction
- Allergies, sinus conditions and hay fever
- Mould related illness and environmental sensitivity
Integrated Acupuncture & Naturopathy Appointments
At Como Health Group, integrated acupuncture and naturopathy appointments represent the culmination of more than four decades of clinical development. Chris Ravesi — registered acupuncturist and naturopathic physician with 40 years of experience in the Beaumaris community, including advanced training in anti-ageing medicine (USA) and biological medicine (Germany) — has long practised the integration of both disciplines in his clinical work, recognising early in his career that patients with complex or multi-system conditions consistently achieved better outcomes when acupuncture and naturopathic interventions were applied within the same treatment framework. Shaun French now brings this same integrated approach to his consultations at Como Health Group. Shaun holds both a Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) from RMIT University and a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) — one of very few practitioners in Australia qualified to the highest clinical level in both disciplines simultaneously. This means patients can receive a combined acupuncture and naturopathic consultation in a single appointment, with a unified treatment plan addressing structural, physiological, and biochemical health drivers together. For patients managing complex, chronic, or multi-system conditions, this integrated approach delivers a depth of assessment and treatment breadth that is simply not available from a single-discipline practitioner. It is one of the most significant clinical advantages Como Health Group offers — and one that patients who have previously seen separate acupuncturists and naturopaths consistently describe as transformatively different from divided care.
Our Acupuncturists
All acupuncture at Como Health Group is performed by AHPRA-registered practitioners — a legal requirement in Australia for the use of the title ‘Acupuncturist’.
Chris Ravesi — Registered Acupuncturist, 40 Years Experience
Chris has practised acupuncture in Beaumaris for over 40 years and holds advanced training in acupuncture integration with biological medicine (Germany) and anti-ageing medicine (USA). He founded Como Health Group in 1990 with acupuncture and naturopathy at its clinical core.
Shaun French — MAppSc Acupuncture (RMIT) | AHPRA Registered
Shaun holds a Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) from RMIT University — one of Australia’s most respected postgraduate acupuncture qualifications — as well as a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). He has practised under Chris’s direct mentorship for five years and serves as a clinical academic at Torrens University.
Acupuncture for Children — Including Needle-Free Laser Acupuncture
Como Health Group has over 40 years of experience supporting the health of children across all age groups — from infants through to adolescents. Our practitioners understand that children are not simply small adults, and that their assessment, treatment, and communication needs require a different clinical approach, delivered in a calm and child-friendly environment.
Laser Acupuncture — A Needle-Free Option for Children
For children, or patients of any age who prefer a non-invasive approach, we offer laser acupuncture — a low-level laser therapy applied to acupuncture points that produces equivalent therapeutic effects without the use of needles. Laser acupuncture is painless, well-tolerated by children, and particularly effective for conditions including recurrent infections, respiratory issues, allergies, skin conditions, digestive complaints, and anxiety. It is an ideal introduction to acupuncture for younger patients and for families who are new to natural medicine — gentle, quick, and entirely non-threatening for children of any age.
Conditions We Commonly Support in Children
Recurrent ear infections, tonsillitis and upper respiratory infections Allergies, hay fever and sinus conditions Eczema, dermatitis and skin conditions Digestive complaints including constipation, reflux and food intolerances Anxiety, stress and school-related nervous system concerns Sleep difficulties and bedwetting Asthma and respiratory support Growing pains and musculoskeletal complaints Post-viral fatigue and immune support ADHD-related support (adjunctive, non-pharmaceutical)
Parental or guardian consent is obtained for all consultations and treatments involving patients under 18. We welcome parents to be present throughout their child’s consultation and treatment at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine – significantly thinner than a hypodermic needle – and most patients experience little or no discomfort on insertion. Common sensations include a mild heaviness, warmth, or dull ache around the needle point, which indicates correct needle placement and is a positive clinical sign. Most patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine rooted in Chinese medical theory, requiring years of specialised training and AHPRA registration. Dry needling is a technique using needles to release myofascial trigger points, commonly performed by physiotherapists and myotherapists without the same regulatory framework or depth of training. At Como Health Group, our acupuncturists are AHPRA-registered and practise full Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes — acupuncture is safe for children when performed by a qualified, AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with experience in paediatric care. At Como Health Group we have supported the health of children for over 40 years. Treatment for children is always adapted to their age, size, and temperament — including the option of needle-free laser acupuncture for younger children or those who prefer a non-invasive approach. Parental consent and presence during treatment is standard practice at our clinic.
What age can children receive acupuncture?
Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be safely used with children from infancy onwards, with treatment always adapted to the child’s age and individual needs. Laser acupuncture is particularly well-suited to infants and young children as it is entirely needle-free and painless. For older children and adolescents, traditional acupuncture with fine needles is often well-tolerated and highly effective. Our practitioners will always discuss the most appropriate approach for your child at the initial consultation.
