Dr Frances Nininahazwe
Dr Frances Nininahazwe
Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist
Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine/HumanBiology)
Master of International Health
Advanced Facial Acupuncture Certification, Cert. Cosmetic Acupuncture
Clinical internship, Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of TCM, CHINA
17 yrs clinical experience
ABOUT FRANCES
'As a practitioner, Frances has adopted a holistic approach to health - recognising that health care is not simply just about patients taking medicine and receiving medical treatments, but also about the relationship each patient has with their own body: the food they ingest, the environment they live in, and the relationships they have with the people around them. During treatments, Frances often explains the underlying Chinese Medicine diagnosis to the patient so that they can begin to understand and manage their own health in their day-to-day life.'
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
She gained her valuable learning experience by undertaking a double bachelor degree in Chinese Medicine and Human Biology at RMIT University, graduating in 2007 with Distinction. As part of her university studies, she also completed a 6 month clinical internship at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in China. Observing and practising Chinese Medicine and acupuncture at its roots and as it is applied in China was invaluable to her current understanding of the strengths and multitude of applications that Chinese Medicine has to offer.
To further her understanding of public health, the social determinants of health, climate change, and epidemiology (the prevention and control of diseases), Frances also completed a Master of International Health at Monash University, also graduating with Distinction.
Having also completed advanced training in Cosmetic Acupuncture, she is renowned on the Surf Coast for her signature Cosmetic Acupuncture & Gua Sha Facials which, in addition to boosting the body’s own natural collagen and elastin production for facial rejuvenation, offer an opportunity for deep rest of the nervous system & healing of the whole body from within. As part of every facial treatment, an individualised selection of body acupuncture points & optional Chinese herbal medicine prescription, are incorporated into the treatment to address internal imbalances. Her bespoke facials are truly natural and holistic, and a much welcomed alternative to botox & fillers. For more information about Cosmetic Acupuncture, please click here.
SPECIAL INTERESTS
As a previous co-ordinator of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Acupuncture Project at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Footscray, Frances has acquired experience treating conditions unique to patients who have an asylum seeker status, and a special interest in treating conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and poor sleep quality.
In addition to the psycho-emotional disorders listed above, Frances has particular interest and years of experience treating cases of women's hormonal imbalances and fertility - combining Chinese herbal medicine, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy, and lifestyle advice according to each individual case. She also frequently employs acupuncture as a conjunct supportive therapy for patients undergoing IVF and western medical fertility treatments.
In line with Chinese Medicine principles, Frances recognises that both the internal body environment and our external environment are continually communicating and we are not separate from nature, rather a living part of it. Passionate about natural health and living, she trusts in the human body’s innate ability to heal itself if provided with the optimum conditions. She also has the strong belief that, in relation to the human body and our ever-changing environment, health practitioners should be forever open to learning.