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Acupuncture is an individualised treatment option that activates the body’s innate healing capacity. It works through the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points specifically chosen to treat your condition. The points also work systemically to re-balance your body & helps increase your capacity to cope with internal and external stressors.

Acupuncture treatments are holistic meaning they  treat body, mind & spirit.

The exact way acupuncture works is still being explored, but research and traditional wisdom offer several explanations for its effects:

1. Endorphin Release: Acupuncture may trigger the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—helping to ease discomfort and promote relaxation.

2. Neurotransmitter Regulation: It may influence the levels of key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood, pain perception, and overall wellbeing.

3. Balancing Qi & Energy Flow: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is seen as a way to restore the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy). By stimulating specific points, it’s believed to clear blockages and support the body’s natural healing processes.

4. Nervous System & Circulation Support: Acupuncture has been shown to affect the nervous system and blood circulation, helping to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair.

While science continues to explore the full picture, centuries of practice and modern studies both point to acupuncture’s powerful ability to support the body’s natural balance and healing.

Most people find acupuncture incredibly relaxing—many even fall asleep! The needles are superfine (much thinner than a regular needle), and you might feel a light tingling, warmth, or gentle energy shift as your body responds.

Acupuncture is a practice within Chinese Medicine (CM) that has been used for centuries to support overall wellbeing. In Australia, registered acupuncturists undergo extensive training to provide safe and professional care.

Many people seek acupuncture to help manage symptoms and enhance quality of life. While it is important to consult with both a qualified acupuncturist and healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, acupuncture is commonly used to support:

1. Pain & Musculoskeletal Conditions

Acupuncture is well-known for its role in pain management, and many people seek treatment for:

• Back, neck, and joint discomfort

• Headaches and migraines

• Arthritis and fibromyalgia

• Sciatica, tendonitis, and sports injuries

• Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

2. Digestive Health

Acupuncture may be used to support digestive function and comfort in people experiencing:

• Bloating, sluggish digestion, or irregular bowel movements

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Nausea and acid reflux

3. Stress, Emotional Wellbeing & Sleep

Acupuncture is often sought as part of a holistic approach to managing stress, anxiety, mental health and sleep disturbances. Some people may find that treatment helps with:

• Calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation

• Mood regulation and emotional balance

• Sleep difficulties, including insomnia

4. Women’s Health & Hormonal Support

Acupuncture is traditionally used to support various aspects of women’s health, including:

• Menstrual cycle irregularities and premenstrual symptoms (PMS)

• Fertility and pregnancy-related discomfort

• Perimenopause and menopause transitions

5. Neurological & Immune Support

Some people incorporate acupuncture into their broader health plan to support:

• Neurological conditions such as migraines, tension headaches, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke rehabilitation, and neuropathy

• Fatigue and energy levels

6. Other Conditions

Acupuncture is also sought by people looking for support in:

• Immune system support and overall wellbeing

• Managing side effects of cancer treatments such as nausea and fatigue

• Skin conditions, including sensitivity and overall skin health

• Healing and integrating traumatic experiences

• General wellbeing and preventative health

Acupuncture is often used as an adjunct therapy alongside conventional medical treatments. If you’re curious about how acupuncture may fit into your health journey, we welcome you to book a consultation or get in touch.

Healing is a journey, and everyone’s path is different. Some people feel shifts immediately, while others notice gradual improvements over a few sessions. Generally, we recommend:

• Acute issues – 4-6 sessions close together

• Chronic conditions – a series of treatments over a longer period

• Ongoing maintenance – regular sessions to keep your body in flow

During your first appointment at Ochre Acupuncture and Wellness, we’ll discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan that feels right for you. This may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicine, or other supportive therapies to enhance your progress.

Your commitment to these recommendations can make a real difference in your healing journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Comfy, loose-fitting clothing is best, but don’t worry—if we need access to certain areas (like arms, legs, or back), we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and covered.

Your first visit is all about you. We’ll take the time to listen, understand your health history, and explore what’s going on beneath the surface. Then, you’ll relax on the treatment table while we gently guide your body back into balance with acupuncture (and sometimes other techniques like cupping, moxa, or gua sha).

Yes! We have a fully stocked high-grade raw powder herbal dispensary to complement your acupuncture treatments. If herbs are a good fit for you, we’ll create a personalised formula to support your healing.

Absolutely. We believe in quality—both for your body and the environment. That’s why we use beeswax candles, organic oils, and eco-conscious products in our clinic.

Yes! Acupuncture is covered by most private health funds. We offer on-the-spot HICAPS claiming, so you only pay the gap. The level of coverage will be dependent on your individual insurance. 

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when applied by a skilled practitioner that is registered with AHPRA and has received the appropriate training which in Australia is a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are single use, and acupuncture should be performed in a highly safe and proficient manner. 

At Ochre Acupuncture and Wellness, we ask patients to allow 60 to 90 minutes for an initial appointment, and 40 to 50 minutes for follow-up treatments. During your session, the needles are typically retained for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and acupuncture channels used by the practitioner.

Your practitioner may also incorporate additional techniques such as cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion to support your healing process.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and registered practitioner. Most people find it a relaxing experience, but as with any treatment, there can be mild and temporary side effects, including:

• A slight sensation at the needle site

• Mild bruising or tenderness in some cases

• Temporary fatigue or lightheadedness

• Occasional emotional release, such as feeling more sensitive after treatment

These effects are usually short-lived and resolve on their own. Your practitioner will always tailor your treatment to ensure your comfort and safety.

Yes, acupuncture is commonly sought by individuals undergoing IVF and fertility treatments. It is often used alongside conventional medical care to support overall wellbeing and help manage symptoms such as stress and tension during the IVF process. Here’s how acupuncture can be beneficial in this context:

• Stress reduction: Fertility treatments can be both emotionally and physically demanding. Acupuncture is well-known for promoting relaxation and helping to manage stress and anxiety, which may be beneficial during this process.

• Hormonal balance: Acupuncture may support the body's natural hormonal regulation, including the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in ovulation and reproductive health.

• Improved blood flow: Research suggests that acupuncture may help enhance circulation to the uterus and ovaries, providing nourishment to reproductive tissues.

• Symptom management: Some people seek acupuncture to help manage the side effects of fertility medications, such as bloating, discomfort, and nausea.

• Supportive care: While more research is needed, some studies suggest that acupuncture, when used alongside IVF, may enhance response to fertility medications, support implantation, and improve overall reproductive outcomes.