Have you lost your sense of taste or smell after the flu or a COVID-19 infection? You’re not alone. For many people, these senses don’t bounce back right away — and it can be incredibly frustrating. At Almond Wellness Centre in Melbourne, we often see patients navigating this lingering symptom. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal support may offer a helpful and holistic way to encourage your recovery.
Why It Happens: A Chinese Medicine Perspective
In Chinese Medicine (CM), taste and smell loss after a viral infection is viewed as more than just a lingering effect — it points to an internal imbalance.
Here’s how CM explains it:
Lung and Spleen system disruption: Viral infections like flu or COVID are seen as external pathogens attacking the Lungs. The Lungs control the nose and breathing. The Spleen, meanwhile, affects digestion and taste.
Lingering pathogen + Phlegm-Damp: Even after recovery, your body may still hold onto some residual “pathogen,” which combines with weakened digestion to create internal “blockage.” This is known as Phlegm-Damp in CM, and it can clog up the sensory pathways.
Qi and Blood stagnation: The inflammation or stress from illness may slow down circulation and energy flow, reducing function in the nose and mouth.
Qi deficiency: After fighting off a virus, your body’s energy — especially Lung and Spleen Qi — may be depleted, making it harder to bounce back fully.
How Chinese Medicine Supports Recovery
At Almond Wellness Centre, we take a whole-body approach to post-viral recovery. Here’s what support may involve:
Acupuncture
We use acupuncture to support your body’s energy flow and help clear blockages affecting the nose and mouth. This includes:
Local points on the face and nose (e.g. Yingxiang LI20, Bitong, Yintang)
Points to support Lung and Spleen function
Points that help clear Phlegm and improve circulation
Acupuncture may help by improving blood flow, calming inflammation, and stimulating the nervous system.
Research spotlight:
A study in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery found acupuncture may help patients with persistent post-viral smell loss recover more effectively.
A 2022 case report documented improvements in two COVID-related smell loss cases after acupuncture at facial points like LI20 and Yintang.
An article in Journal of Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine highlighted acupuncture as a promising option for long-COVID symptoms, including smell and taste dysfunction.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal support is tailored to your individual pattern. Your practitioner may focus on:
Clearing lingering heat or toxins
Transforming Phlegm and Damp with herbs like Ban Xia, Chen Pi, Cang Er Zi
Opening the sensory orifices using aromatic herbs like Xin Yi Hua, Bai Zhi, Bo He
Supporting Qi and Blood flow with herbs like Huang Qi, Dang Shen, Chuan Xiong
Strengthening the Lungs and Spleen to aid long-term recovery
Other Helpful Techniques
Moxibustion: This gentle warming technique supports energy and circulation, especially when fatigue is present.
Herbal steam or nasal rinses: May assist in clearing nasal passages.
Olfactory training: Smell training using strong scents like clove, lemon, and eucalyptus is often recommended and supported by research in both Western and Chinese medicine circles.
What You Can Expect
Recovery takes time — usually weeks to a few months.
Gradual progress is common. Many people notice small but steady improvements.
Individualised support matters. The right approach depends on your specific pattern.
Medical checkups still important. Make sure your doctor has ruled out other causes like sinusitis or neurological issues.
Final Thoughts
Loss of taste and smell after flu or COVID-19 can be slow to resolve. While it may come back on its own, many people look for extra support to speed things up or feel more in control of the process. At Almond Wellness Centre in Melbourne, we use a blend of acupuncture, herbal support, and whole-body care to help restore your senses and strengthen your recovery.
If you’ve been waiting weeks or months with little change, it may be worth exploring what Chinese Medicine has to offer. Book a consultation to find out more — we’re here to help you through it.
References
Deng X, Zhang Y, Guo X, et al. Acupuncture for the treatment of post-viral olfactory dysfunction: A pilot study.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;142(3):488-493.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2009.12.006
Bai W, Li J, Yang S. Case Report: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for olfactory dysfunction in the post-COVID-19 condition. ResearchGate. 2022.
Qiang W, Kang Y, et al. Acupuncture effects on COVID-19 long-hauler syndrome. Journal of Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine. 2022. Herald Open Access
HealthCMi Staff. Acupuncture for COVID-19 loss of smell and taste. HealthCMi.com.
https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2066-acupuncture-for-covid-19-loss-of-smell-and-taste
HealthCMi Staff. Acupuncture targets long COVID neurological and sensory symptoms. HealthCMi.com.
https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2350-acupuncture-targets-long-covid-neurological-and-sensory-symptoms
Gentle Support for Comfort and Dignity on Your Journey
When facing a serious illness, the focus rightly shifts to quality of life, comfort, and preserving your sense of self. It’s a path that requires immense strength, and we believe you deserve every possible source of comfort and support along the way.
At Almond Wellness Centre, we provide a gentle, compassionate form of care through acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Our role is not to cure, but to comfort—to help ease the physical and emotional challenges that can arise, allowing you to conserve your energy for what matters most.
We are here to walk alongside you and your family.
Book Online Today or Call us at 03 8802 1519 to have a confidential, compassionate conversation about how we can help.
Palliative care in Chinese medicine is fundamentally about support. We work to:
Alleviate discomfort from symptoms and treatment side effects
Support your energy and spirit to help you feel more present and engaged
Provide a sense of agency by offering gentle, natural choices in your care plan
We see ourselves as part of your broader care team, working in harmony with your doctors and nurses to provide a layer of holistic support.
How We Can Help Ease Your Journey
Our therapies are subtle, gentle, and tailored to your unique needs and energy levels. They are designed to work with your body’s own wisdom to promote a greater sense of ease.
Acupuncture: A Gentle Touch for Symptom Relief
Acupuncture can be remarkably effective for providing comfort without the side effects of additional medications. We use very few, very fine needles with a light touch to help:
Manage Pain: Gently encourage the body’s release of its own pain-relieving endorphins.
Calm Nausea & Support Digestion: Soothe an upset stomach and improve appetite.
Ease Anxiety & Lift Spirits: Promote a deep sense of relaxation and emotional calm.
Reduce Fatigue: Help improve energy flow and combat profound exhaustion.
Address Neuropathy: Lessen the tingling, numbness, or pain from nerve issues.
Improve Sleep: Encourage more restful and restorative sleep.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Nourishing from Within
Herbs can provide sustained, gentle support between acupuncture sessions. We create simple, easy-to-take formulas (as granules or capsules) to:
Strengthen Digestion to help maintain nutrition and weight.
Build Vital Energy (Qi) to help combat fatigue and weakness.
Calm the Spirit (Shen) to support emotional equilibrium and reduce distress.
Manage Specific Symptoms like night sweats, dry mouth, or constipation.
All our herbs are sourced from TGA-approved, high-quality suppliers in Australia to ensure purity and safety.
Partnering with You, Your Family, and Your Care Team
We understand that palliative care involves a circle of support. We are experienced in collaborating with:
You, to ensure your comfort and preferences always come first.
Your Family and Carers, to provide them with reassurance and support.
Your Medical Team, including GPs, oncologists, and palliative care nurses, to ensure our care is safely integrated with your overall treatment plan.
Using Your Home Care Package (HCP)
We believe financial concerns should not be a barrier to comfort. We are experienced in working with Home Care Package providers and can assist you and your family with:
Understanding how to use your HCP funds for our services.
Providing the necessary treatment plans and documentation.
Handling communication with your package manager.
We proudly support patients across Melbourne’s eastern and northern suburbs, including Ringwood, Croydon, Box Hill, Doncaster, Coburg, and Preston.
Your Palliative Care Questions, Answered
Q: I am very frail and sensitive. Is acupuncture still safe and appropriate for me?
A: Absolutely. Our approach for palliative care is exceptionally gentle. We use very few needles, often with no or minimal manipulation, and the treatments are tailored to your energy levels. Your comfort and safety are our utmost priorities. Many patients find the sessions deeply relaxing and often fall asleep.
Q: How can something as simple as acupuncture help with complex pain?
A: While the pain may be complex, the goal is simple: to help your body access its own innate ability to find comfort. Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system to release natural pain-modulating chemicals and can help “interrupt” pain signals. It’s not a substitute for strong medication, but it can often reduce the amount needed or provide relief for specific types of discomfort.
Q: My loved one is very tired. Will this treatment be too draining?
A: Quite the opposite. Acupuncture is used to help combat fatigue and support energy. By improving the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body, the treatment aims to help them feel less drained and more resilient. We always keep sessions short and comfortable to conserve their energy.
Q: Are Chinese herbs safe to take with all my other medications?
A: Safety is our primary concern. We conduct a thorough review of all medications and supplements you are taking and will only prescribe herbs that are known to be safe and non-interfering. We are happy to communicate with your pharmacist or doctor to ensure complete coordination of your care.
Q: Can you help with the emotional and spiritual distress that comes with a serious illness?
A: Yes. In Chinese medicine, we do not separate the physical from the emotional and spiritual. Treatments are designed to calm the heart and mind (what we call the “Shen”) as well as the body. The quiet, focused space of a treatment session can itself be a profound source of comfort and peace.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Simply give us a call. We’ll have a gentle conversation to understand your situation, answer your questions, and explain the process. We can also coordinate with your family or case manager to make everything as easy as possible for you.
Why Choose Almond Wellness Centre for Palliative Support?
Compassionate Expertise: Our practitioners are not only clinically trained but also possess the deep empathy this work requires.
A Truly Gentle Approach: We modify every treatment to meet you where you are, both physically and emotionally.
Multilingual Care: We can provide care in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Taiwanese to ensure clear and comfortable communication.
Trusted for Over 20 Years: We have been a trusted part of the Melbourne healthcare community for more than a decade and a half.
HCP-Friendly: We simplify the process of using your Home Care Package so you can focus on your well-being.
You Are Not Alone on This Path
In the midst of great challenge, small comforts can make a significant difference. Our goal is to provide a sanctuary of care—a place where you are heard, supported, and treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Let us help you find more moments of comfort and peace.
Call us at 03 8802 1519 to schedule a conversation or appointment.
Finding Comfort Naturally: Acupuncture Points for Morning Sickness Relief
That queasy feeling that follows you from morning until night… The worry about keeping food down… The exhaustion that comes with constant nausea. If you’re experiencing morning sickness, you know it’s anything but “just in the morning”—and it can make those precious first months of pregnancy feel overwhelming.
As practitioners who specially interested in pregnancy care at Almond Wellness Centre, we want you to know that there are safe, natural ways to find relief. While professional acupuncture treatment offers the most comprehensive approach, there are specific points you can use at home to help ease those waves of nausea.
Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new treatment during pregnancy. These techniques are meant to complement, not replace, professional care.
The Science Behind Acupuncture for Morning Sickness
Before we dive into the specific points, you might be wondering: does this really work? The research is encouraging. Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, often without the side effects that can come with medications.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, morning sickness often relates to changes in the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and imbalances in the Stomach and Spleen systems as your body adjusts to pregnancy. Acupuncture helps to harmonise these systems and settle what we call “rebellious Stomach Qi.”
Your Two Most Powerful Allies Against Nausea
1. PC6 (Nei Guan) – The Inner Gate
Location: On the inner forearm, about three finger widths up from your wrist crease, between the two tendons.
Why it works: PC6 is arguably the most famous anti-nausea point in the entire body. It’s located on the Pericardium meridian, which has a direct relationship with calming the Stomach and settling rebellion. This point is so effective that it’s used in hospitals post-operatively to reduce nausea and vomiting.
How to use it:
Apply firm but gentle pressure with your thumb
Massage in small circles for 1-2 minutes
Breathe deeply while stimulating the point
Repeat on both arms as needed throughout the day
Perfect for: That sudden wave of nausea when you smell something triggering, or when you feel queasy but don’t want to vomit.
2. ST36 (Zu San Li) – Leg Three Miles
Location: On the front of your leg, about four finger widths below the kneecap, just to the outside of the shin bone.
Why it works: ST36 is the master point of the Stomach meridian. While PC6 addresses the symptoms of nausea, ST36 works to strengthen your entire digestive system. It’s like giving your stomach a supportive hug – helping it function better so it’s less likely to rebel in the first place.
How to use it:
Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor
Locate the point and apply steady pressure
You can use your knuckles or thumbs
Massage for 2-3 minutes on each leg
Perfect for: Ongoing digestive discomfort, poor appetite, or when you feel generally weak and nauseated.
Creating Your Anti-Nausea Routine
For best results, we recommend using both points together:
Morning Protocol: Start your day by stimulating ST36 on both legs to set a calm tone for your digestive system.
As-Needed Relief: Use PC6 whenever you feel a wave of nausea coming on, or every few hours as preventive maintenance.
Evening Wind-Down: Spend a few minutes with both points before bed to help settle your system for the night.
Enhancing Your Acupuncture Point Therapy
While these points can provide significant relief, they work even better when combined with other natural approaches:
Ginger: Sip ginger tea
Chew fresh ginger slices with a spoon of honey
Small, Frequent Meals: Keep something in your stomach—empty stomachs often feel worse
Vitamin B6: Discuss appropriate supplementation with your doctor
Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband: These wristbands apply constant pressure to PC6
Cold Foods: Often better tolerated than hot foods (smoothies, chilled fruit)
When to Seek Professional Help
While these self-care techniques can be incredibly helpful, there are times when professional support makes all the difference. Consider booking an acupuncture session if:
You’re vomiting multiple times per day
You’re losing weight or becoming dehydrated
Home remedies aren’t providing enough relief
You’d like a comprehensive treatment plan
At Almond Wellness Centre, our pregnancy acupuncture treatments are gentle and specifically tailored to your needs. We can also provide custom herbal formulas (when appropriate) and additional lifestyle recommendations.
Your Morning Sickness Questions, Answered
Q: Is it safe to stimulate these points during the first trimester?
A: Yes, both PC6 and ST36 are considered safe throughout all trimesters. However, we always recommend checking with your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy during pregnancy.
Q: How quickly will I feel relief when using these points?
A: Many women feel some relief within minutes of stimulating PC6. ST36 works more gradually to improve your overall digestive resilience. For lasting results, consistency is key—try to incorporate these points into your daily routine.
Q: Can I use these points if I have severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum)?
A: While these points may provide some relief, hyperemesis requires medical supervision. Please consult your doctor or midwife, and consider professional acupuncture as part of your comprehensive care plan.
Q: How often should I use these points?
A: You can use PC6 as often as needed – whenever you feel nauseous. ST36 is best used 1-2 times daily as a preventive measure. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Q: I’m trying these points but not getting much relief. What else can help?
A: Sometimes morning sickness requires a multi-faceted approach. Professional acupuncture can use additional points and techniques that aren’t practical for self-care. We’re here to help when you need more support.
You Deserve to Enjoy Your Pregnancy
Remember, morning sickness is a sign that your pregnancy hormones are working, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. These simple techniques can help you reclaim some comfort and peace during these special months.
If you’re in the Melbourne area and would like professional support, we’re here to help at our Coburg and Ringwood clinics.
Book Online or call us at 03 8802 1519 to schedule your pregnancy acupuncture consultation.
Ever had that unsettling feeling like a lump stuck in your throat, even though you know there’s nothing actually there? If you’ve experienced this, you might be dealing with what we call Plum Pit Syndrome, or 梅核气 (Méihéqì) in traditional Chinese medicine. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are ways we can help you manage it.
What’s Behind That Lump-in-Throat Feeling?
In Chinese medicine, Plum Pit Syndrome is often linked to emotional stress—things like anxiety, frustration, or even long-held sadness. These emotions can cause your Qi (the body’s vital energy) to get stuck, especially in the liver. When Qi stagnates, it can create phlegm that seems to block your throat, causing that all-too-familiar sensation.
But here’s the good news: by addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of this condition, you can find relief and get back to feeling like yourself again.
Manage That Stuck Feeling with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a gentle yet powerful way to help your body relax, move the Qi, and clear out the phlegm that’s causing discomfort. Here’s how it works:
Releasing Stuck Qi: If stress is affecting you, you might feel it in your body, especially in your throat. Acupuncture points like Liver 3 (Taichong) can help release the tension and get your Qi flowing smoothly again.
Supporting Digestive Health: Your digestive system plays a huge role in how your body handles stress and phlegm. Points like Stomach 36 (Zusanli) can help balance your stomach and spleen, reducing the buildup that might be causing your symptoms.
Opening the Throat: Using points like Ren 22 (Tiantu), we can help open up the throat area, making that lump-in-throat feeling fade away over time.
Calming the Mind: Emotional well-being is crucial. Points like Heart 7 (Shenmen) are chosen to calm your mind and help you feel more at peace, reducing the stress that often contributes to Plum Pit Syndrome.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Your Ally in Healing
Alongside acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine offers a powerful way to support your healing journey. We might suggest specific formulas that match your symptoms:
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction): This classic formula is often our go-to for Plum Pit Syndrome. It helps clear phlegm and move Qi, addressing the root causes of that lump-in-throat feeling.
Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder): If emotional stress is at the core of your symptoms, this formula can help by smoothing the flow of Liver Qi and easing tension.
Er Chen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction): For those dealing with a lot of phlegm, this formula works to clear it out, helping you feel more comfortable and at ease.
What You Can Do to Support Your Healing
We believe in taking a holistic approach, which means there are things you can do at home to support your treatment:
Stress Management: Incorporate practices like meditation or deep breathing into your daily routine to help manage stress. Physical exercises such as walking, jogging, or yoga can also be incredibly beneficial in keeping your body and mind balanced.
Build Positive Connections: Engaging in more positive social interactions can boost your emotional well-being. Try to limit time spent on social media, especially avoiding negative content that might increase stress levels.
Healthy Eating: Choose a diet that’s light and easy on your digestion. Avoiding heavy, greasy foods can reduce phlegm and keep your Qi flowing smoothly.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and warm herbal teas can help your body clear phlegm and stay balanced.
We’re Here to Help You Feel Better
You don’t have to face that lump-in-throat feeling alone. Our approach is all about supporting you physically and emotionally as you work towards feeling better. Together, we’ll help you find relief and regain your sense of well-being, one step at a time.
Struggling with itchy, uncomfortable eyes can be really frustrating. If you’ve been searching for relief, you’re in the right place. Traditional Chinese medicine offers a simple yet effective solution with two amazing herbs: Dandelion (蒲公英) and Tribulus terrestris (白蒺藜).
herb pu gong ying – dandelion
Why Dandelion and Tribulus terrestris Work Wonders
Both of these herbs have been cherished in Chinese medicine for their ability to soothe eye discomfort. According to the “Pharmacological Rhymes” (《药性赋》), dandelion helps with issues like breast abscesses and promotes the smooth flow of Qi, while Tribulus terrestris is known for treating skin sores and improving eye health.
These herbs are recommended together for their gentle yet powerful effects on eye problems such as itchiness, dryness, and irritation. People love this combination for its natural approach to eye care.
herb bai ji li – Tribulus Terrestris
How to Use These Herbs
Using these herbs is straightforward. Here’s how you can prepare the remedy:
Ingredients: Combine 50 grams of dandelion with 50 grams of Tribulus terrestris.
Preparation: Blend the herbs and grind them into a coarse powder.
Dosage: Take 10 grams of the herb powder and steep it in boiling water to make a tea. Drink this tea twice daily.
This formula has been beneficial for many people. Since dandelion grows abundantly in the wild, it is an easily accessible remedy.
Additional Benefits
Dandelion’s benefits extend beyond the eyes. It can also assist with other conditions such as pneumonia, esophagitis, cholecystitis, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. Its mild nature makes it a valuable remedy. When paired with goldenfruit cornlily, dandelion enhances treatments for chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers.
A Trusted Formula
The well-known Chinese medicine expert Zhang Xichun praised dandelion for its role in treating various eye issues, including swelling, pain, pterygium, red veins, eye pressure pain, photophobia, and excessive tearing. Whether taken internally or used as a wash, dandelion provides noticeable relief, especially for dry, itchy eyes in elderly individuals.
Zhang Xichun also shared an effective dandelion decoction formula:
Ingredients: Four taels of fresh dandelion (including root, leaves, stem, and flower) or two taels of dried dandelion if fresh is not available.
Preparation: Boil the herbs to make two large bowls of decoction.
Usage: Drink one bowl of the warm decoction and use the remaining bowl for hot compresses and eye washing.
This formula has been beneficial for many people. Since dandelion grows abundantly in the wild, it is an easily accessible remedy.
Final Advice
Traditional Chinese medicine offers many natural solutions for common health issues. If you’re dealing with itchy eyes, consider trying dandelion and white tribulus. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
At Almond Wellness Centre in Melbourne, we offer not only raw dried herbs but also convenient herbal granules. These granules are extracted and concentrated, so you get the benefits of traditional Chinese herbal medicine without the hassle of preparation. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to simplify their wellness routine.
Disclaimer:
This post shares knowledge about traditional Chinese medicine. The herbal formulas mentioned are for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Location: On the inner forearm, about three finger widths up from your wrist crease, between the two tendons.
