Dr. Alex Joannou is a unique figure in the Australian medical landscape—a GP with over 40 years of experience who eventually traded his prescription pad for acupuncture needles to treat mental health. Based in Coffs Harbour, he is the founder of “Transformational Acupuncture,” a method that blends traditional Chinese meridians with the Indian Ayurvedic understanding of chakras and sacred geometry. His work is primarily focused on a “drug-free solution for depression and anxiety,” treating the body as an energetic system that can be “reset” to alleviate deep-seated emotional pain.

His style is gentle and Japanese-inspired, using extremely thin needles to provide a painless experience that often leads to what he describes as “spiritual releases” for his patients. Rather than just a physical treatment, a session with Dr. Alex is an exploration of the mind-body connection. He is an advocate for “Integrative Medicine,” meaning he still respects his Western medical roots while prioritising the spiritual and energetic health of the individual.