Cultivate Health Acupuncture is owned and operated by Melea Apps, a registered Dr of Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture) with the Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).
Philosophy
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I am eternally grateful to my parents for choosing to raise my brothers and me in the rainforest near the coast; close to nature with a deep respect for the Earth. I love being outside; greeting and farewelling the sun, exploring new places, swimming, gardening with the moon and her phases and connecting with the creatures. The natural world inspires me to create art, travel and remain curious. I intend to become a clear conduit for healing.
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Ancient Chinese philosophies see the inner landscape as a reflection of the external, the microcosm within the macrocosm. Chinese medicine recognises that dis-ease can arise from both internal and external factors such as emotions and climate. This way of life is intrinsically linked to the natural world, inviting us to follow cyclic patterns and live in harmony with body, mind, spirit, others and the environment. Such a holistic healthcare system focuses on prevention as the most important aspect of wellbeing. Both the root and branch are addressed in treatments, getting to the bottom of where the disharmony begins as well as addressing the symptoms. I absolutely love looking at medicine through this lens and it is so humbling to learn this ancient way of life.
Story
Throughout my adult life, I have been deeply exploring my health and healing with the guidance of many complementary health practitioners. This journey has shaped who I am and, in turn, inspired me to choose a life where I can give back.
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I am passionate about embodiment and have been drawn to study modalities that invite the body home to the present moment. I completed my Certificate IV in Swedish massage in 2012, went to India for a 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2017, and completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) in 2022. ​
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I fell in love with acupuncture the first time that I received it. I was utterly blown away by the instant shifts that took place within my body. I continue to receive this wonderful bodywork and enjoy the incredible benefits of dropping deep into the parasympathetic nervous system.
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Years working in hospitality led me to cook in plant-based kitchens -using local, organic produce to inspire healthy and creative cooking. These skills have allowed me to cater for an annual yoga retreat, and I am eager to implement them through the Chinese dietetics lens for holistic treatments.
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I acknowledge I will be a student forever and will continue following my heart down many paths of learning. At the moment my special interests are mental health, pain relief and women's health. Further studies into trauma, counselling and movement therapies are calling.
Training
Bachelor of Health Science - Acupuncture
Endeavour College of Natural Health
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid Australia
Level One Transformational Acupuncture for Mental Health
Transformational Acupuncture with Dr. Alex Joannou
Certificate IV in Swedish Massage
Byron Bay Holistic Massage Centre
200-hour Yoga teacher training
Association for Yoga and Meditation - Rishikesh
Current First Aid & CPR Certificate
Life Saving First Aid
Food Safety Supervisor
Training online - Food Safety