ACUPUNCTURE
IN WEST AUCKLAND

Your first acupuncture appointment is up to 60 minutes - time for a full health history and your first treatment. Follow-up sessions are typically 45-60minutes.

Your acupuncturist will ask about your main complaint and a wider range of questions you might not expect: sleep, digestion, energy, stress, cycle (where relevant), diet. Traditional Chinese medicine reads patterns from across the whole body, outside of asking lots of questions we will look at your tongue, take you pulse. The more we know, the more accurate the treatment.

You'll lie comfortably (clothed, with the relevant area accessible) eight to ten very fine, single-use sterile needles are gently inserted at carefully chosen points - sometimes around the area but also often nowhere near the area. Needles stay in for 20 to 25 minutes while you rest, often with warm of heat lamps, sometimes with slight electrical stimulation. Many people fall asleep. As needed you might also receive cupping, guasha, auricular needling or ear seeds, and some distal needling while moving your injured area.

Calm, often noticeably so. Some people feel a little spaced out for an hour or two - fine to drive but worth taking it easy. A short-lived flare of symptoms can occasionally happen as the body re-balances; this usually settles within a day. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy alcohol on treatment day.

Generally, acupuncture does not hurt at all. The needles are very thin and flexible, not like hypodermic needles. Most people do not even feel it penetrating the skin. Once they are inserted we stimulate the Qi. People report this to have various sensations such as heaviness, tingling, warmth, pulling, a dull ache or a drawing sensation. Usually, people feel a deep sense of relaxation as their body goes into an alpha state to start healing. Many people fall asleep. Afterwards, you can feel tired and want to rest, people sometimes report they can still feel the needles working. It is good to plan a restful night after treatment.

For acute pain, many people feel a meaningful change within 1–3 sessions. Chronic conditions, fertility support and emotional concerns usually benefit from a course of 8–12 weekly treatments before reviewing. Your acupuncturist will give you a clear plan after your first visit.

ACC is available for acupuncture, but unlike other modalities it is valid for 12 sessions to be used within 12 weeks.

We have a community clinic available in our studio. This gives us the ability to help more people for a reduced price. It is perfect for those who have fallen through the gaps of the health system and only having additional medication to address their pain, stress, or mental health. Call us for more information or see the research on our evidence page.