How Acupuncture Brought Relief and Connection to Rural Queensland

By Dr Teresa Huynh, Chinese Medicine Practitioner at Womb to World

Easter is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection. While traditionally rooted in the story of Jesus’ compassion and resurrection, it’s also a season where many—regardless of religious background—pause to spend time with loved ones and restore their sense of purpose. For me this year, Easter was about giving back through acupuncture at a rural medical fair in Tara, Queensland.

A Community in Need of Care

Tara is a small town located about 300km west of Brisbane. Access to medical and health services is extremely limited—many residents must travel over an hour to reach Dalby or Toowoomba for basic care. That’s why the annual medical fair, organised by the Tzu-Chi Foundation Brisbane, is so vital to the local and surrounding communities.

I was honoured to be invited to join a team of around 120 volunteer clinicians—including doctors, dentists, and allied health practitioners—who travelled to Tara to provide free healthcare. This was my third time attending, and once again, I partnered with Dr Eva, a fellow Chinese medicine practitioner. Together, we offered acupuncture treatments to as many residents and volunteers as possible.

Setting Up: Acupuncture in a Community Hall

The Tara community hall was transformed into a makeshift health centre, divided into 27 partitions. Our acupuncture team was allocated three treatment beds, and from 7am to 9pm each day, we worked tirelessly to support those in need.

We treated 63 patients from the community (not including volunteers), offering acupuncture for a wide range of health concerns. Many were experiencing chronic pain—conditions that were inoperable, unresponsive to medication, or simply left untreated due to long waitlists or the risks of surgery. We also supported individuals struggling with numbness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges.

Some were trying acupuncture for the first time, while others had been eagerly awaiting our return. What struck me most was the quiet strength and resilience of rural Australians. So many had endured years of discomfort with few or no treatment options. Yet they greeted us with warmth, humility, and a genuine appreciation that was deeply moving.

A Weekend of Healing, Hope, and Gratitude

Though we could only offer a small window of care, many patients left their sessions with visible relief—and heartfelt gratitude. Their smiles reminded me that healing isn’t just about curing illness; it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and connection.

It was three long days of intensive work, but I felt renewed by the sense of community, the camaraderie among fellow practitioners, and the joy of sharing the healing art of acupuncture. I am incredibly grateful to have been part of something so meaningful.

Giving truly is a joy—and it fills our own cup in the process.

Keep smiling,

Teresa

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