About Me
Hello, and thank you for visiting my website.
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by Asian culture, philosophy and traditional approaches to health and wellbeing. I began practising martial arts at the age of six, which sparked a lifelong interest in Asian traditions and eventually led me towards Chinese and Japanese medicine.
In my twenties, I became an ambulance officer, marking my introduction to the field of medicine. Working in emergency medicine, together with my studies, gave me a strong foundation in biomedical knowledge, clinical assessment and hands-on healthcare experience.
After moving to Australia in my late twenties, I completed a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), graduating in 2003. As part of my training, I undertook a six-week clinical internship at a hospital in Beijing, gaining valuable experience in the practical application of Chinese medicine.
After practising TCM for five years, I discovered the Japanese Toyohari style of acupuncture. I was immediately drawn to its refined, highly responsive and gentle approach to treatment. I found that Toyohari offered a way of practising acupuncture that was both subtle and effective, and it has since become the primary style of acupuncture I practise.
I continue to develop and refine my skills through regular training with senior Japanese Toyohari teachers in Tokyo, together with ongoing study and clinical exchange with experienced colleagues in Australia.
In my practice, I combine acupuncture with moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine and cupping. Where appropriate, I also provide guidance on lifestyle and diet, and may recommend and demonstrate simple Yoga, Qigong and meditation exercises to support patients between treatments.
I enjoy treating people of all ages, from babies and children through to older adults. I particularly enjoy treating children using the Japanese Shonishin method, a very gentle form of Japanese paediatric acupuncture that is especially suited to young patients.
I am passionate about my chosen path in traditional medicine and value the opportunity to work with people at every stage of life. I have been practising on the Central Coast since 2003 and am currently based at The Traditional Medicine Centre in Booker Bay.
I look forward to welcoming you to my practice.
Stefan
Stefan Hafner has been in clinical practice since 2003. The former ambulance officer, studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at UTS in Sydney. He completed his studies with a six week hospital internship in Beijing.
He completed a certificate course in Japanese Toyohari acupuncture and trained at the Toyohari association in Tokyo.
He also studied Shonishin, a Japanese form of pediatric acupuncture.
As part of his professional development, Stefan regularly updates his skills by attending seminars and acupuncture training sessions throughout the year.
Stefan works from his own business, The Traditional Medicine Centre, in Booker Bay, on the N.S.W. Central Coast . He enjoys treating a broad range of conditions using acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, ear acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and paediatric acupuncture (Shonishin).
Stefan is a government registered acupuncturist and herbalist (AHPRA # CMR0001709165), a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS). He is a member and teacher at the Australasian branch of the Toyohari Association.
Education
University of Technology, Sydney
Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Toyohari Medical Association, Tokyo Certificate in Japanese Toyohari Meridian Therapy Advanced Toyohari teacher training
Additional
Studied Shonishin pediatric acupuncture
Affiliations
Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
Member of the Australasian branch of the Toyohari Association (ABTA).
Member of the teaching faculty of ABTA
AHPRA - Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Registration # CMR0001709165
Get in Touch
There are many good reasons for seeking Traditional Chinese Medicine. Stefan will walk you through your needs and provide you with the right treatment plan.