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
Shaun French holds both a Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) and a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) — one of very few practitioners in Australia qualified to the highest clinical level in both disciplines. 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.
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.
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
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