About
Learn more about Dr. Stefanie West and Roots of Wellness
Dr. Stefanie West
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) | Diploma of Remedial Massage
With over 13 years of expertise in alternative therapy, Stefanie West is a dedicated and compassionate, and registered doctor of Chinese medicine. Her journey began with a passion for healing through remedial massage therapy, a field where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the body’s complexities. However, her desire to provide more comprehensive care inspired her to expand her expertise, leading her to the transformative path of Chinese medicine.
Stefanie’s commitment to this ancient practice was sparked by her personal experience with the profound benefits of acupuncture and her curiosity to explore the therapeutic power of herbal medicine. She often refers to the “little witch” within her—a playful nod to her passion for crafting herbal remedies and harnessing the natural elements to restore balance and health.
A devoted mum to a lively daughter, Stefanie understands firsthand the fine art of balance in life, a value she brings into her practice. Drawing from her extensive background in remedial therapy and her Chinese medicine studies, she views healing not as a sprint but as a marathon—a journey that requires patience, care, and a holistic understanding of the body.
Stefanie’s special interest lies in musculoskeletal health, a focus deeply rooted in her extensive background as a manual therapist. She takes great pride in helping people of all ages and with varying degrees of pain and physical conditions experience transformative progress in their journey toward health. Stefanie also has a passion for supporting mental health, drawing on her understanding of balance both as a practitioner and in her personal life. She believes that mental health forms the root of our overall well-being, grounding the body in harmony and enabling true healing to take place. Through her holistic approach, Stefanie integrates these elements of manual therapy and Chinese medicine practices to help patients achieve balance and vitality in their lives.
As the founder of Roots of Wellness Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Stefanie’s approach is rooted in balance, much like the philosophy of Chinese medicine itself. Her work emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause of conditions to help patients achieve lasting health and wellness. This ethos inspired the name of her clinic, highlighting her belief in nurturing both the "root of qi" within the body and the healing potential found in nature’s roots.
Stefanie welcomes you to experience the transformative power of Chinese medicine at Roots of Wellness, where every treatment is thoughtfully tailored to support your journey to optimal health.
Frequently asked questions
Chinese medicine is a holistic health system that has been practiced for thousands of years. It focuses on understanding the root cause of health imbalances and restoring harmony within the body. This is achieved through various techniques, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and lifestyle advice. By addressing the underlying issues rather than just the symptoms, Chinese medicine promotes long-term health and vitality.
Acupuncture is a key component of Chinese medicine that involves the gentle insertion of fine, single-use needles into specific points on the body. These points help to regulate the flow of qi (energy), release tension, and promote natural healing. Acupuncture can address a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain to stress and digestive issues, by balancing the body’s systems.
Many people associate needles with intense pain and are not aware that acupuncture needles are extremely thin and flexible. When inserted, they cause little or no discomfort. A feeling of tingling or heaviness may be felt as the needle contacts the Qi.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are generally safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Some patients may experience mild side effects, such as slight bruising at the needle site or digestive changes when starting herbal remedies. These effects are typically short-lived. It's important to discuss any concerns with your practitioner.
Not at all! If you’re not comfortable with needles, there are many other effective techniques we can use. Treatments may include manual therapy, cupping, gua sha, or other non-needle methods to achieve the same goals of relieving tension, improving circulation, and restoring balance.
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as massage, stretching, and joint mobilization to release tension, improve mobility, and support muscular health. At Roots of Wellness, manual therapy complements Chinese medicine techniques to provide a well-rounded and effective approach to care.
Cupping is a technique that uses suction to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and encourage detoxification. Gua sha involves gentle scraping of the skin with a smooth tool to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation. Both methods are safe, effective, and tailored to your specific needs.
At Roots of Wellness, I use herbs that are primarily plant- and root-based, with some formulas including animal-derived ingredients. Rest assured, all herbal products are fully approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. This ensures they meet strict safety, quality, and efficacy standards, so you can feel confident in their use as part of your treatment plan.
Your session is tailored to your unique needs. We’ll begin with a thorough consultation to understand your health history and goals. Based on this, I’ll create a treatment plan that may include acupuncture, manual therapy, cupping, gua sha, or a combination of these techniques. Every step is explained to ensure your comfort and understanding.
Book Your Path to Wellness Today
Take the first step toward harmony and vitality. Schedule your Chinese medicine wellness session today and experience how it supports balance, revitalizes your health, and nurtures your roots of wellness—all with ease through our online booking system.