Frequently Asked Questions

Please ring the clinic so we can discuss your particular problem so we can match you with the most suitable therapist.

Massage and Acupuncture compliment each other very well for a number of muscleskeletal problems. Sometimes the Acupuncturist will incorporate some massage in their treatments if appropriate or they may suggest that you alternate between Acupuncture and massage. An acupuncture treatment may also include other techniques such as Cupping, Moxa, Gua Sha or Electo acupuncture.

This is unique to the individual and how many treatments you need depends on a number of factors, including how severe your condition is, how long term the problem has been, whether it is a result of a trauma or injury, and other contributing factors, such as continued aggravation through work or lifestyle.

When you have completed your intake information and received a treatment, your therapist will discuss with you the recommended course of treatment you will require.

Yes. Most people find Acupuncture very relaxing and it is not uncommon to feel a little drowsy after the treatment. Please take care before driving or operating any machinery.  A short walk will help to clear the head.

In Chinese Medicine (CM) theory, there is a complex network of channels named the meridian system that travel throughout the body, to every gland, organ and system. Meridians also connect to the surface of the skin and acupuncture points are found along each meridian. The 14 main meridians are named after the organs they most influence. For example, we have channels named after the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys.

An acupuncture session involves the gentle stimulation of several points along these channels after careful assessment and selection. Once chosen, acupuncture points can be stimulated by light pressure and fine needles.

Generally speaking, no. Some people may feel a slight sting on insertion of the needle, which passes quickly. Some also feel sensations such as tingling, dull ache or movement at the location of the needle or up and down the area the needle has been inserted. This is all perfectly normal.

Other people feel nothing at all, which is also perfectly normal. The effectiveness of an acupuncture treatment is not dependent on the sensation you feel from the needle.

In all cases, however, if at any stage you feel uncomfortable or in pain, let your therapist know so they can assist and make you comfortable.

Acupuncture is considered to be very safe during pregnancy and side effects are very rare. There are treatments and procedures that would not be appropriate in pregnancy. Please inform your therapist if you are pregnant or if there’s a possibility that you could be pregnant.

In most cases not very far at all.  Most commonly the needles go through the skin and into the soft tissue or muscles just below the skin with the depth varying between a couple of millimetres to 1-2 centimetres.  When addressing problems where there are large muscles as in the hips the needles may need to be inserted further to reach the affected or problematic tissue.

No. All needles used are single use and sterile.  They are unwrapped immediately prior to treatment and disposed of immediately after treatment.

Acupuncture is considered to be very safe with little or no side effects. Some patients may experience redness or itching at the site of needle insertion.  Occasionally, bruising may appear the following day.  Some patients may experience a temporary increase in discomfort that will disappear within 6-48 hours.

If you have any concerns please contact us at any time.

Everybody responds to Acupuncture differently, however the main sensation people comment on is a feeling of relaxation during the treatment and increased energy and wellbeing after the treatment. Generally you will feel less pain and discomfort, and may have better movement.

It is not uncommon to feel a little tired after a treatment. In some instances, you may feel nothing initially, however in the following days, changes may be noticed.

Acupuncture is not a “miracle” treatment and conditions are not “cured” immediately.

It may take a few treatments to notice any major changes not just to your condition, but with your overall health and wellbeing.

No it is not.  Unless the physiotherapist you saw is a registered Acupuncturist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) who oversees all registered health practitioners in Australia , you did not receive Acupuncture from a qualified Acupuncturist. 

What is most likely is that you received dry needling.  Dry needling was originally developed in Western based methodologies using hypodermic needles (known as wet needling), but as patients undergoing this treatment method found these needles to be very painful, practitioners switched to using the solid stainless steel acupuncture needles instead. Practitioners who utilise dry needling use acupuncture needles, but do not use the underlying Chinese Medicinal theories behind acupuncture to provide a holistic treatment, as dry needling is insertion of a needle only into the point ‘where it hurts’, typically only providing short term relief.

You are welcome to bring with you any reports or scans. The more the therapist knows about your problem the better they are able to formulate the best treatment strategy for you.

Depending upon where the needles will be inserted, you may be asked to disrobe to a certain extent to allow access to the skin.  You will be provided with towels for draping. Your privacy and personal boundaries will be respected at all times, and if at any time you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to let us know.

No referral is needed from your GP. However we encourage an integrative approach so it’s useful to have contact details of your doctor and any relevant medical records.