South Coast Acupuncture and Herbs has opened its doors in Kiama Downs, offering residents a new avenue for holistic health treatments. The clinic, owned by Amber Pickering, aims to bring the ancient practices of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to the local community. Amber’s journey into this field began in her early 20s, but it was not until her 30s that she fully committed to studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, eventually earning a Bachelor of Health Science.
Amber initially established a clinic in Kiama in 2020, which thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic slowed business. During this period, she expanded her expertise by working at an Acupuncture Pregnancy and Fertility clinic in Sydney, learning from a mentor who transitioned from a scientific background to Chinese medicine. This experience deepened her understanding of fertility and pregnancy acupuncture, focusing on optimizing egg quality and supporting implantation during IVF cycles.
Expanding Expertise in Fertility and Pregnancy
Amber’s work in Sydney exposed her to protocols that assist not only those undergoing IVF but also couples trying to conceive naturally. These treatments extend to pregnant women dealing with side effects such as nausea, fatigue, high blood pressure, heartburn, and back pain. The University of Melbourne’s recent findings support these practices, stating that “acupuncture may increase blood flow to reproductive organs including the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and the ovaries.”
Amber emphasizes the importance of reducing stress for those on the journey to parenthood. “A major thing is to reduce stress because these are people who want to be parents, and the whole process of IVF or trying to conceive after many attempts becomes very stressful,” she explains. “A lot of it is just preparing the mind and body.”
Return to Kiama Downs
With her enriched knowledge and experience, Amber has re-opened her clinic in Kiama Downs, eager to reconnect with former clients and meet new ones. Her practice now includes treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and general wellbeing, alongside her specialized focus on fertility and pregnancy.
Amber notes, “I have gained a lot of experience in treating musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, fertility and pregnancy acupuncture, general wellbeing and from my own personal experience, stress and anxiety.” She also highlights the benefits of acupuncture and cupping for detoxification and promoting circulation, especially as the year draws to a close. “It’s a good time to reset for the new year,” she adds.
Community and Accessibility
Amber’s clinic accepts all health funds for rebates, with some extras resetting at the end of the year, making her services accessible to a broader audience. She encourages those feeling fatigued and in need of rejuvenation to consider acupuncture as a means to enhance their overall health.
For more information, South Coast Acupuncture and Herbs can be found on Instagram at @South.CoastAcupuncture, Facebook, or contacted directly at 0424 635 245. The clinic is located at Shop 7, 11-13 Johnson St, Kiama Downs, and operates from 9:30 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.
Please note that this article contains paid content.