If you have any questions not answered below, please contact us.

How can I prepare for my appointment?

It’s best to receive acupuncture when you aren’t overly tired or hungry. Please try to have a small meal or snack before the appointment and wear comfortable clothing. If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, please let us know so that we may make the most informed decisions regarding your treatment. Please also make sure to bring along a list of any medications you are on and, if applicable, any imaging that has been taken.

Do the needles hurt?

Generally, no, most acupuncture treatments involve no discomfort. Occasionally you may feel a tiny prick when the needle goes in and a sensation of heat or heaviness during the treatment. Acupuncture needles are significantly smaller, and more finely machined than typical hypodermic needles. Upon insertion, needles are retained for 20-35 min.

How are the acupuncture points chosen?

Acupuncture points are located all over the body and, generally, reside on channels that run to and from the core of the body and the extremities. All points have specifically defined functions and indications that serve as the basis, along with each individual’s health history, current complaint and symptoms, upon which points are chosen.

What will I feel after the treatment?

Acupuncture treatments often result, in the near term, with a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. Its typically best to avoid vigorous exercise or other activity for a couple hours after your treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Each person and each condition is unique and the number of acupuncture treatments one will need is variable. Important factors include the duration and severity of your health condition, the consistency of treatment and how diligent one is in adopting lifestyle changes and/or physiotherapy regimens where applicable. As a general rule, an acute condition may be resolved after only two or three treatments whereas a chronic condition may require a series of eight to fifteen treatments. Importantly, the adoption of lifestyle changes and/or physical therapy can serve to expedite one’s recovery or hamper by not making positive change.

Are the herbal treatments necessary?

Some conditions are best treated with herbal medicine, others with acupuncture alone and still some, with a combination. Herbal formulas are prepared to treat each individual’s specific condition and constitution and are based on traditional Chinese formulations and western medical research. Most herbal formulas sold by Acupuncture Works were made in-house with the highest grade raw herbs and locally sourced grain alcohol available.

Do you accept ACC?

Yes

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that sometimes things come up that are completely unexpected and out of our control and that on a rare occasion, one may need to cancel or reschedule their appointment on short notice.  While this isn’t ideal for anyone, it isn’t something that we will ever penalize you for.  For non-emergency reasons, we do ask that any appointment changes be made more than 24 hours in advance.  If regular cancellations/reschedules occur with less than 24 hours notice, we ask you to pay in full for the missed appointment.  Likewise, if for some reason Acupuncture Works Aotearoa cancels more than one of your appointments with less than 24 hours notice, your next treatment is free.