Most people are surprised by how little they feel. The needles are really fine, nothing like a blood test or injection. You might notice a brief dull ache, warmth, or tingle as it goes in.
Depending on what we’re treating, I also often work with sinew and luo channel techniques, these can feel a little different, sometimes more sensation or pressure, and I’ll always explain what I’m doing before we start. A lot of people find the whole thing deeply relaxing, some even fall asleep.
If anything feels off, I’ll adjust straight away.
Fewer than you’d think, usually around 3 or 4. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Classical Chinese Medicine involves using different needling techniques, for different complaints and channel systems, which will be explained to you before your treatment.
Usually 20 to 40 minutes, and that’s your time to just rest.
A lot of people say it’s the most relaxing part of their week.
Yes. Acupuncture is well-established and widely studied. I use single-use, sterile needles (disposed of straight after your treatment) and strict hygiene practices.
Like any treatment there are minor risks, occasional light bruising or a bit of soreness, which I’ll explain before we start. I’ll also ask about your health history first, to make sure it’s right for you.
Most people feel calm, a little spacey, in a good way.
Occasionally you might feel tired, that’s normal too, it just means your body’s doing its thing. I’d avoid doing anything demanding straight after, if you can.
Some report experiencing more energy after their treatment.
Depends what you’re coming in with and how long it’s been going on. Some people notice a shift after just one session.
Longer-standing stuff usually takes a few treatments before it really starts to hold.
There’s no single answer, but a course of treatment is usually around three months.
I suggest weekly for the first month while we build momentum, fortnightly for a month or two after that, then monthly once things settle. We’ll check in and adjust as we go.
What I will say is that the people who get the most out of this are the ones who stick with it long enough to let it build.
Very occasionally, yes, for a day or two. It’s a known response and settles quickly, it’s not a sign anything’s wrong.
I’ll tell you what to expect, and you can reach out anytime if you’re unsure.
Most often stress and anxiety, hormonal changes, sleep issues, digestive problems, chronic pain, fatigue, and that general sense of not feeling like yourself.
Not sure if what you’re dealing with fits? Just reach out, happy to have an honest chat before you book.
No. Longer-standing stuff can take more time, but that doesn’t mean it can’t shift.
Some of the biggest shifts I see are in people who’ve been carrying something for years and had quietly stopped expecting it to change.
Yes. Acupuncture works alongside conventional medicine, not against it.
I’ll ask what you’re currently taking or doing, so we make sure everything’s working in the same direction.
I might suggest a few simple adjustments, not because healing means doing more, but because small, specific changes can sometimes help, when they’re the right ones for you.
Nothing overwhelming. This isn’t about overhauling your life.
Comfortable, loose clothing. Depending on what we’re treating I might need access to your arms, legs, back, or abdomen, so layers that are easy to adjust help.
I’ll always explain what I need first, and we can work around whatever you’re comfortable with.
Yes, don’t come on an empty stomach. A light meal or snack an hour or two before is ideal. Just don’t eat a big meal right before.
It is also important that you come well hydrated.
A GP works within a system built for diagnosing and treating specific conditions, usually with limited time.
I start from a different place, I look at the whole picture: your patterns, your history, how it all connects. I’m not replacing your GP, but I look at what the conventional system sometimes doesn’t have time for, the deeper pattern underneath the symptoms.
It’s a full appointment. A thorough conversation about what’s going on, plus your first acupuncture treatment. I’ll ask about your health history, symptoms, sleep, digestion, energy, and how you’re living day to day.
By the end you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s going on, and what working together could look like.
The initial consultation, which includes your first treatment, is $195. Follow-up sessions are $130.
If you’re ACC-funded, the initial consultation is $115 and follow-ups are $50.
No, you can book directly.
If another practitioner has referred you, I’m happy to liaise with them if that’s useful.
Yes. I treat ACC-funded patients for accident-related pain, injury recovery, birth injuries, and sensitive claims.
You’ll need an ACC claim number to access funded treatment, which you can get from your GP, physio, or osteopath before your first appointment.
Not sure if you qualify or how it works? Just reach out, I can point you in the right direction.
No. What I practise is acupuncture within Classical Chinese Medicine, a distinct system built on channel theory and whole-body pattern diagnosis, which I trained in over several years.
The needles look the same, but the training, thinking, and approach behind where they go are different.
Yes, via video call. It suits people who are too unwell to come in, who can’t easily travel, who live outside New Plymouth, or who are away. Some people just find it fits their life better.
If you’re curious whether it’d work for your situation, get in touch and we can talk it through.
Reach out. I’d rather have an honest conversation before you book than have you wondering if you’re in the right place.
If I’m not the right fit, I’ll tell you, and point you toward someone who might be better.
