Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional therapy used in Chinese medicine that involves the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. It works by supporting the body’s natural ability to regulate, heal and restore balance. By influencing the nervous system, circulation and the body’s internal regulatory systems, acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve function and support overall wellbeing.
At Altona Acupuncture, located in Melbourne’s inner west, treatments are tailored to each individual, with the aim of addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of imbalance. Acupuncture is suitable for people seeking support with a wide range of health concerns, including pain, stress, hormonal imbalances, fertility, digestive issues and general health maintenance.
Conditions we see
In Chinese medicine, treatment focuses on identifying the underlying pattern of imbalance in the body, which means acupuncture can often be used to support many different types of health concerns. It is commonly sought for:
- Pain conditions including back pain, neck pain, shoulder tension and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Stress, anxiety and nervous system regulation
- Hormonal and menstrual concerns including irregular cycles, painful periods, PMS and menopause
- Fertility support for women and men
- Digestive issues including bloating, reflux and IBS
- Sleep difficulties and insomnia
- Fatigue and low energy
- General wellbeing and health maintenance
What to Expect
First Appointment
Your first appointment begins with a warm welcome from your practitioner and a detailed consultation about your health history, current symptoms and goals for treatment. This helps us understand the full picture of your health so we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
After the consultation, you will lie comfortably on the treatment table while acupuncture is performed. Very fine, sterile needles are gently placed at specific points on the body. Most people find the treatment deeply relaxing, and the needles are typically left in place for around 20 to 25 minutes while you rest.
Depending on your individual needs, your practitioner may also include additional techniques such as cupping or moxibustion. Cupping uses gentle suction on the skin and can feel similar to a massage. Moxibustion involves warming specific acupuncture points with a therapeutic herb to support circulation and healing.
At the end of your appointment, your practitioner will discuss a personalised treatment plan, including the recommended treatment frequency and any supportive lifestyle or dietary guidance to help you achieve the best results.
An initial appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition. This allows time for a thorough consultation, assessment and treatment. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, and you may wish to bring any relevant blood tests or medical reports to your consultation.
What to Expect
After Treatment
After an acupuncture treatment, many people feel deeply relaxed and calm. Some patients notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms, while others experience gradual changes over the following days as the body continues to respond to treatment. It is also normal to feel slightly tired or experience a sense of deep relaxation after your session. Occasionally, mild soreness at needle sites or temporary symptom shifts may occur as the body begins to rebalance.
To support the benefits of your treatment, we recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day where possible. Staying well hydrated, eating nourishing food and avoiding strenuous exercise immediately after treatment can help your body integrate the effects. Your practitioner will also provide any personalised aftercare or lifestyle recommendations to support your progress between treatments.
Treatment Details
Return acupuncture treatments are usually 45 to 60 minutes in length. The number of sessions recommended will depend on your individual condition, how long symptoms have been present, and your overall health.
For many conditions, a short course of treatment is recommended to begin with. This often involves weekly sessions for 3 to 6 weeks so the body has the opportunity to respond and build momentum with treatment. Acute conditions may improve more quickly, while longer-standing or complex conditions may require a longer course of care.
After the initial phase of treatment, appointments may be spaced further apart as symptoms improve. Some patients also choose to continue with periodic maintenance treatments to support ongoing health and wellbeing. Your practitioner will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you during your first appointment, including the recommended treatment frequency and expected duration of care.
Benefits
Acupuncture is used to support the body’s natural ability to regulate, heal and restore balance. By influencing the nervous system, circulation and internal regulatory systems, treatment can help improve both symptoms and overall wellbeing. Clients may experience benefits such as:
- Reduced pain and muscle tension
- Improved stress resilience and relaxation
- Better sleep quality
- Support for hormonal balance and menstrual health
- Improved fertility support alongside medical treatment
- Better digestive function
- Increased energy and overall sense of wellbeing
While some people notice improvements quickly, acupuncture often works best as a course of treatment, allowing the body time to rebalance and respond.
Safety and Suitability
Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. All practitioners at Altona Acupuncture are registered with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and are members of their relevant professional associations.
Acupuncture is suitable for most people, including during pregnancy (with appropriate point selection) and alongside other medical treatments. If you have any concerns about whether acupuncture is appropriate for you, this can be discussed during your initial consultation.
Why Choose Us
Located in Altona in Melbourne’s inner west, Altona Acupuncture offers a calm, professional environment where care is attentive, thorough and tailored to the individual. Appointments allow time to properly understand what is happening in your health so treatment can be precise and effective.
Our clinic is committed to high clinical standards and ongoing professional development, ensuring patients receive thoughtful care informed by both traditional knowledge and contemporary understanding of health conditions. Patients choose Altona Acupuncture for the quality of care, the depth of clinical attention given to each case, and the supportive environment that allows treatment to be both comfortable and effective.
FAQs
Most people find acupuncture very comfortable. The needles used are extremely fine, much thinner than those used for injections. You may feel a brief sensation as the needle is inserted, followed by feelings such as warmth, heaviness or a subtle ache. Many people become deeply relaxed during treatment.
The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated, how long it has been present, and your overall health. Some people notice improvement quickly, while more complex or long-standing conditions may require a series of treatments. Your practitioner will discuss a recommended treatment plan during your consultation.
An initial appointment usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes to allow time for a detailed consultation and treatment. Follow-up treatments generally take around 45 to 60 minutes. Once the needles are inserted, they are typically retained for around 20 to 25 minutes while you rest and relax. If additional therapies such as cupping are included in your treatment, this may require a little extra time.
Acupuncture can be used to support a wide range of health conditions. It is commonly sought for pain conditions, stress and nervous system regulation, hormonal and menstrual concerns, fertility support, digestive issues, headaches, sleep difficulties and general wellbeing. In Chinese medicine, treatment focuses on identifying the underlying pattern of imbalance in the body, which means acupuncture can often be used to support many different types of health concerns.
It is helpful to eat something before your appointment rather than arriving on an empty stomach, and if possible wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. After treatment, most people feel relaxed, so allowing some time to rest and hydrate can be beneficial. Your practitioner may provide specific advice depending on your treatment.
Please visit our bookings page for current pricing. Initial consultations are longer and may be priced differently to follow-up treatments. If you have private health insurance with extras cover for acupuncture, you may be able to claim a rebate on your treatment. We have HICAPS available for on-the-spot claims.