Dr Mark McAuliffe has worked in allied health since 1980, delivering over 100,000 patient treatments throughout his career. An internationally recognised practitioner and educator, he is a former Senior Lecturer of Acupuncture at the Australian College of Natural Medicine (now Endeavour College) and an authorised instructor in Neoclassical Acupuncture (NCA).
Renowned for his precise, individualised approach, Dr Mark combines detailed palpation-based assessment with refined, minimal-needle techniques, often using just one needle. His treatments focus on identifying underlying patterns of dysfunction and achieving measurable clinical improvement.
As Founder and Clinical Director of Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine, Dr Mark oversees the clinical direction of the practice, mentoring practitioners and maintaining the highest standards of individualised patient care.
In 2027, Dr Mark is expanding his international teaching and mentoring, drawing on more than four decades of clinical experience. His educational work encompasses Neoclassical Acupuncture, Integrated Structural Alignment, BodyMindTune and The Natural State.
He is equally passionate about helping healthcare practitioners achieve clinical mastery while developing efficient, systematised and financially sustainable practices through professional mentoring and business development. His broader educational programs are available through DrMarkMcAuliffe.com, while his Neoclassical Acupuncture training continues through Neoclassical Acupuncture Training.
Dr Mark maintains a limited clinical practice at Morningside, consulting on selected Fridays, approximately once a month, alongside his weekend teaching commitments.
His ongoing clinical leadership ensures that the precision, philosophy and patient-centred approach underpinning his work remain central to the clinic.
Appointments with Dr Mark are limited and available by advance booking.
Bethrene Laurenson is the Practice Director of Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine and works alongside her husband, Dr Mark McAuliffe. As well as operating their Mackay clinic, Bethrene and Mark have officially returned to lead the Morningside clinic, bringing a fresh new stage of professional, clinical-grade care to the local community. She is an integral part of the warm, supportive environment the practice is known for, bringing together professionalism, creativity, and genuine care to every aspect of the patient experience.
Having founded and managed several successful businesses throughout her career, Bethrene has also worked extensively as an interior designer across Australia and internationally. She personally designed our clinic spaces with the explicit intention of creating a calm place to recover—an environment that feels welcoming and restorative, where patients can slow down, settle their nervous system, and begin to relax from the moment they arrive.
For more than four decades, Bethrene has maintained a daily meditation and contemplative practice, which deeply influences the peaceful atmosphere and thoughtful attention to detail throughout the practice.
Patients often comment on the sense of warmth and ease they feel when entering the clinic, something Bethrene helps cultivate through her caring presence and genuine desire to ensure each person feels comfortable, welcomed, and completely looked after.
Dr Marcela Bowie grew up in Morningside and is delighted to return to her local community after many years living and practising in the United States.
Dual-registered with AHPRA and the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia as an Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner, Marcela brings more than 15 years of international clinical experience to Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine. She previously established and operated her own natural medicine practice in the United States.
Marcela holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine qualification from Pacific College of Health and Science in the United States. She also completed a Master of Rehabilitation Counselling at Griffith University, strengthening her expertise in injury rehabilitation, recovery and the relationship between physical and emotional wellbeing.
Marcela has a particular interest in WorkCover Queensland patients, providing acupuncture treatment to support workplace injury rehabilitation, pain management and return-to-work recovery. Her rehabilitation counselling background brings an additional dimension to her understanding of injured workers and their recovery needs.
Her other clinical interests include musculoskeletal and chronic pain, women’s health, stress, anxiety and general wellbeing. Her treatments may incorporate acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion and Tui Na therapeutic massage.
Marcela’s approach is warm, compassionate and patient-centred. She takes time to understand each person’s circumstances, combining her extensive clinical experience with individualised treatment strategies to support lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.
Dr Marcela consults at our Morningside clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Dr Issy Jones is a highly skilled and dedicated Acupuncturist and Naturopath at Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine. With strong connections to the local Morningside community, she has earned a wonderful reputation for her warm, compassionate approach, attentive care and genuine commitment to her patients’ wellbeing.
Combining her extensive knowledge of Chinese Medicine and Naturopathy, Dr Issy brings a comprehensive, holistic perspective to every consultation. She incorporates the principles of Neoclassical Acupuncture (NCA), at an expert level using precise palpatory assessment and minimal-needle techniques to identify areas of imbalance, assess immediate treatment responses and support meaningful clinical outcomes.
Dr Issy has a particular gift for making patients feel comfortable, understood and genuinely cared for. Her thoughtful approach, attention to detail and ability to listen carefully have made her a much-loved practitioner among patients of all ages.
Her clinical interests include musculoskeletal and chronic pain, stress and anxiety, headaches, women’s health, fertility support, hormonal balance, digestive health and general wellbeing. She combines acupuncture and naturopathic care to develop individualised treatments that support both immediate relief and lasting improvements in health.
Dr Issy also offers Cosmetic Acupuncture, bringing her understanding of Chinese Medicine, skin health and holistic wellbeing to facial rejuvenation treatments. Her gentle, natural approach focuses on supporting healthy skin, facial vitality and overall balance, helping patients feel refreshed and confident.
Above all, Dr Issy is known for her kindness, clinical dedication and genuine enthusiasm for helping people feel their best. Her combination of professional expertise, warmth and personalised care makes her a valued member of the Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine team.
Dr Issy Jones consults at our Morningside clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Neck Pain, Headaches, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Elbow Pain, Wrist Pain, Knee Pain, Ankle Pain, Arthritis
Reduce Sagging, Reduce Wrinkles, Lighten Pigmentation
Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Fear, Compulsive Worry, Sadness, Over-thinking, Insomnia
Fertility, Libido, Hypertension
PMS, Menstrual Disorders, IVF Fertility Assistance, Menopause
Colds & Flu, Asthma, Hayfever, Allergies, Fibromyalgia, Hypertension, Hypotension
IBS, Weight Loss, Bloating, High Cholesterol, Dietary Advice
