Three Lanterns

It’s Book Week, and all over Melbourne, kids are stepping into somebody else’s story for the day.

It got us thinking about the stories we tell about ourselves.

“I’ve always been a terrible sleeper.”
“My body just doesn’t cope with stress.”
“I’m too old to start now.”
“My hormones have always been a mess.”
“I just have to put up with it.”
“This is what getting older feels like.”

Some of those stories may have started with something very real. But repeat them for long enough and they can quietly become part of our identity.

The interesting thing about the body is that it isn’t a finished story.

It adapts. It responds. It heals. It changes with age, environment, movement, nourishment, stress, rest and care.

That doesn’t mean we can think our way out of illness, or that every health problem is within our control.

But perhaps every now and then it’s worth asking:
Is the story I’m telling myself about my health still true?

And if it isn’t — what might the next chapter look like?

Happy Book Week. 📚

It’s a very bittersweet week at Three Lanterns as our beautiful Bernadette heads off on maternity leave. 🤍

We are going to miss her SO MUCH.

Bernadette is one of those very special people who is just incredibly easy to love - and we know from the way her clients talk about her that they feel exactly the same way. She is warm, kind, funny, caring, enormously talented and has become such an important part of our Three Lanterns family.

Over the years she has cared for so many of you through acupuncture, massage and bodywork, and we know there are going to be a lot of people missing those magic hands while she’s away!

But as sad as we are to see her go, we are also ridiculously excited for her as she gets ready to become a mum. 🥰

And if her little daughter turns out to be a carbon copy of her mum, she is going to be one very gorgeous, kind-hearted and much-loved little girl. 💕

Saturday is Bernadette’s last day with us before she heads off to prepare for her new arrival, so please join us in sending her all the love in the world for this next chapter.

We love you Bernie. We’re going to miss you terribly - but we are SO excited for you and cannot wait to meet your beautiful little girl. 🤍

Fertility ageing is about more than your eggs.

We talk a lot about declining egg quality as women move through their 30s and 40s -but fascinating new research presented at ESHRE 2026 is a reminder that the egg is only part of the fertility picture.

Researchers examined 2,760 single blastocyst transfers using donor eggs. Because donor eggs can largely overcome the issue of age-related decline in the recipient's own egg quality, the researchers wanted to know: does the age of the woman carrying the pregnancy still matter?

It appears that it does.

Pregnancy rates progressively decreased as recipient age increased. The researchers also found changes in the endometrium with age, suggesting that the uterine environment and other aspects of reproductive ageing may also influence implantation, pregnancy and ultimately the chance of a live birth.

This is something we find particularly interesting from a Chinese medicine perspective.

When we're supporting fertility, we don't just think about producing a "good egg". We look at the health of the whole person and the environment that egg will eventually need to grow in.

We think about menstrual health, circulation and blood flow, the endometrium, inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition and overall vitality and resilience.

Of course, preserving and supporting egg quality as we age is enormously important, particularly for women hoping to conceive with their own eggs. But it's only one part of the picture.

We can't make someone chronologically younger. What we can do is work towards supporting healthy reproductive ageing and helping the body function as well as it possibly can at the age it is.

That's why our fertility treatments at Three Lanterns may incorporate acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, naturopathy, nutrition and lifestyle advice - with treatment tailored to the individual woman and where she is in her fertility journey.

Whether you're thinking about your future fertility, trying naturally, preparing for IVF or using donor eggs, the goal is bigger than simply focusing on the ovaries.

Healthy eggs matter. But so does the body they're growing in.🌿

It's August Already... How Are You Really Feeling?

Somehow we're already into August.

It's a good time to pause for a moment and ask yourself...

✨ Am I feeling as well as I'd hoped?
✨ Am I looking after myself, or just getting through each week?
✨ What do I want the rest of this year to look like?

The good news is that there's still plenty of time to make a positive change.

Whether you're dealing with stress, poor sleep, pain, hormonal changes, digestive issues, fertility concerns, or you simply know you're overdue for a little self-care, you don't have to wait until next year to start feeling better.

Small steps taken now can make a real difference by the time December arrives.

If you've been meaning to book an appointment, we'd love to help. We currently have appointments available this week with members of our wonderful collaborative team.

💙 Here's to feeling healthier, calmer and more like yourself for the rest of 2026.

📍Three Lanterns | Williamstown
Book online via the link in our bio or contact the clinic.

Has your period changed since starting a GLP-1 medication?

A recent study has identified a possible association between some GLP-1 medications - including semaglutide and tirzepatide - and menstrual changes such as heavier bleeding, spotting between periods and menstrual clots.

It's important to remember that this research cannot prove these medications are responsible, but it does raise an important question and highlights an area that deserves further research.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, changes in your menstrual cycle are never dismissed as insignificant. Your cycle provides valuable information about your overall health and can reflect changes in digestion, nourishment, circulation and hormonal balance.

Major changes to body weight, appetite or metabolism can influence the balance of Qi and Blood. Depending on the individual, this may contribute to menstrual changes such as heavier bleeding or clotting.

One of the strengths of Chinese medicine is that treatment is always individualised. We don't simply treat a diagnosis or a medication, we assess the unique pattern each person presents with. Two women taking the same medication may have very different underlying imbalances and therefore require different treatment approaches.

If you've noticed changes in your cycle since starting a GLP-1 medication, don't ignore them. Speak with your doctor, especially if the bleeding is heavy, prolonged or causing concern. From a TCM perspective, these changes can also provide important clues that help guide personalised care.

Your menstrual cycle isn't just something to get through each month - it's one of your body's most valuable health indicators.

Have you noticed changes to your cycle after starting a GLP-1 medication? We'd love to hear your experience in the comments.

Not all massage is the same.

Many people think every massage is simply about relaxation, but remedial massage has a different purpose.

It's a targeted, evidence-informed treatment that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of muscle pain, tightness and restricted movement. Your therapist assesses what's happening in your body and tailors each treatment to your individual needs.

Remedial massage may be beneficial for:
• Persistent neck and shoulder tension
• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Headaches related to muscle tension
• Postural strain from work or driving
• Sports injuries and recovery
• Muscle tightness that's limiting movement
• Stress that has built up physically in the body

Although the treatment is focused on improving function and relieving pain, many people also leave feeling deeply relaxed.

At Three Lanterns, our experienced remedial massage therapists take the time to understand your concerns and create a treatment that's personalised to you. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing ongoing aches or simply wanting to move more comfortably, we're here to help.

We're currently welcoming new clients.

Book online via our website or get in touch if you'd like to find out whether remedial massage is the right fit for you. We'd love to help.

What does a naturopath actually do? More than most people realise. 🌿

Naturopathy is about understanding why you're experiencing symptoms, not simply finding ways to manage them.

Your naturopath takes the time to look at the bigger picture, considering your health history, nutrition, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, digestion and other factors that influence your overall wellbeing. The goal is to identify underlying contributors and create a personalised treatment plan that supports your body's natural ability to heal.

At Three Lanterns, our naturopath Natalie can help with a wide range of concerns, including:

• Fatigue and burnout
• Gut health and digestion
• Skin conditions
• Hormonal health, including thyroid concerns, PCOS and perimenopause
• Immune resilience
• Anxiety, stress and mood support

Treatment may include nutrition and lifestyle guidance, alongside individualised herbal medicine carefully formulated to suit your unique needs rather than relying on generic supplements.

Naturopathy also complements conventional medical care, making it a valuable option for people looking for a more comprehensive approach to their health.

If you've been feeling like something is off or not quite right but haven't found the answers you're looking for, we'd love to help you explore what may be going on.

📍 Three Lanterns | Williamstown

Could Gentle Be Exactly What Your Body Needs?

One of the questions we hear most often is, "Is it really that gentle?"

The answer is yes.

Craniosacral osteopathy is one of the gentlest forms of osteopathic treatment. Rather than using manipulation or firm pressure, it uses light, skilled touch to help reduce tension, improve mobility and support your body's natural ability to regulate and heal.

Every appointment begins with an assessment, allowing Heather to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. During treatment you'll remain fully clothed, and many people find the experience so relaxing that they drift off to sleep.

Craniosacral osteopathy may be helpful for:
• Headaches and migraines
• Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction
• Stress, burnout and sleep difficulties
• Babies who may benefit from assessment following pregnancy or birth-related strains
• Persistent pain that hasn't responded well to other treatments

Heather's calm and compassionate approach means every treatment is tailored to the individual. Whether you're seeking relief from ongoing symptoms or simply looking to support your wellbeing, she'll work with you to determine the most appropriate care.

If you've been curious about craniosacral osteopathy or would like to know whether it may be suitable for you or your child, we'd love to help.

Send us a message or book an appointment to learn more. 💙

Need a reset before the weekend? 🌿

We've had a few late cancellations this week, which means some rare appointment times have become available on Friday, Saturday and into next week.

Current availability includes:
✨ Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
✨ Osteopathy
✨ Remedial Massage
✨ Kinesiology

Whether you're dealing with aches and pains, stress, fatigue, feeling out of balance, or simply need some time to recharge, now is a wonderful opportunity to book in.

At Three Lanterns, we bring together a range of complementary health services under one roof in Williamstown, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, remedial massage, kinesiology, osteopathy and naturopathy.

Appointments can be booked online via our website, or feel free to send us a message if you'd like help finding a suitable time.

We'd love to see you. 💛

What exactly is kinesiology? 🌿

Many people have heard of kinesiology but aren't quite sure what happens in a session.

Kinesiology is a gentle, holistic therapy that uses muscle monitoring to identify areas where your body may need support - physically, emotionally, nutritionally, or energetically.

Every session is unique. Alongside muscle monitoring, your kinesiologist may use tools such as essential oils, flower essences, and tuning forks to support balance, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. 🌿✨

It can be particularly helpful for:
✔ Stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm
✔ Ongoing physical complaints
✔ Feeling stuck or out of balance

At Three Lanterns, our kinesiologist, Sherin, provides a calm and supportive environment for clients of all ages here in Williamstown.

If you're curious about whether kinesiology may be right for you or your family, we'd love to have a conversation.

💚 Book a discovery call or your first appointment via the link in our bio.