Acupuncture
What has brought you to acupuncture?
Maybe you're looking for support with something specific.
Maybe your periods have changed, you're preparing for pregnancy, you're moving through IVF, or you're dealing with pain, digestive concerns, stress or changes in your overall wellbeing.
Or maybe you've been curious about acupuncture for a while and simply want to understand whether it might be appropriate for you.
At Diamond Creek Natural Medicine Centre, we don't start with a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
We start by listening.
Your practitioner will take the time to understand what is happening for you, your health history and what you'd like support with. From there, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be tailored to your individual circumstances.
Whether acupuncture is the main focus of your care or forms part of a broader approach, our aim is to provide thoughtful, individualised care that makes sense for you.
What can acupuncture support?
People come to acupuncture for many different reasons.
Sometimes there is a clear concern you'd like help with. Sometimes several things have been changing at once, and you're not quite sure where to start.
Depending on your circumstances, acupuncture may form part of care for:
Hormonal and menstrual health
PMS and painful periods
Fertility and preconception
IVF and assisted reproductive treatment
Pregnancy and postpartum care
Digestive concerns
Pain and musculoskeletal tension
Headaches and migraines
Stress and wellbeing
Skin concerns
General health and wellbeing
Acupuncture can be considered at different points in your health journey — whether you've been dealing with something for a while, noticed a recent change, or are going through a particular stage of life and would like additional support.
Your treatment isn't based simply on the name of a condition. We consider your individual symptoms, health history and what else may be happening for you when deciding how acupuncture may fit into your care.
If you're already seeing a GP, specialist, fertility team, physiotherapist or another healthcare practitioner, acupuncture can also form part of your care alongside the treatment and advice you're already receiving.
What does acupuncture treatment involve?
Your first appointment isn't just about lying down and having needles placed.
We'll begin by talking about what has brought you in, your health history and anything else that may be relevant to your care.
Your practitioner may also ask about things such as your sleep, digestion, energy, stress, menstrual cycle or other symptoms, depending on what you're coming in for.
From there, we'll develop an individualised treatment approach.
Acupuncture uses very fine needles inserted into specific points on the body. Most people find the needles very small and the treatment comfortable, although you may notice a brief sensation as a needle is inserted.
You may also be offered other aspects of Chinese medicine as appropriate to your care, such as Chinese herbal medicine, dietary or lifestyle advice, or other treatment techniques.
Your treatment can change over time as your symptoms, circumstances and priorities change.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine
Acupuncture is part of a broader system of care.
At DCNMC, your acupuncture treatment may be used alongside Chinese herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle guidance or other Chinese medicine approaches where appropriate.
Chinese medicine looks at the individual rather than treating every person with the same symptoms in the same way. Your practitioner may consider patterns across your health, including things like digestion, sleep, energy, stress, menstrual health and other symptoms that may be relevant to you.
Sometimes acupuncture is the main focus of your treatment. Sometimes it forms part of a broader approach.
We'll talk through what may be appropriate for you and why, rather than assuming you need every aspect of Chinese medicine.
What happens at your first acupuncture consultation?
Your first consultation is a chance to slow things down and talk through what has brought you in.
We'll ask about your current symptoms, your health history and anything else that may help us understand the bigger picture.
Depending on what you're coming in for, we may also talk about your menstrual cycle, digestion, sleep, energy, stress, medications, previous investigations or other aspects of your health.
Your practitioner will then discuss their assessment with you and explain what they think may be relevant to your care.
If acupuncture is appropriate, you'll usually have your first treatment during this appointment.
There's time to ask questions, talk through your treatment and make sure you feel comfortable with what's being recommended.
Your care can then be reviewed and adjusted as you go, depending on how things change and what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and most people find treatment comfortable. You may notice a brief sensation as a needle is inserted, but your practitioner will check that you're comfortable throughout your treatment.
How often will I need acupuncture?
This depends on what you're coming in for, your individual circumstances and how your care progresses.
Some people begin with more regular treatments and then reduce the frequency as appropriate. Others may have acupuncture at particular points in their health or treatment journey.
Your practitioner will discuss a treatment plan with you after your initial consultation.
Can I have acupuncture during IVF?
Yes. Acupuncture may form part of complementary care during IVF.
We work alongside your fertility specialist and IVF team, and your treatment is tailored around your individual circumstances and treatment schedule.
For more information, see our IVF Support page.
Can I have acupuncture during pregnancy?
Acupuncture may be appropriate during pregnancy, depending on your individual circumstances and stage of pregnancy.
Your practitioner will discuss your health history and current pregnancy before determining what treatment is appropriate.
Do I need to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
You don't need to understand Chinese medicine or have used acupuncture before coming to see us.
If you're curious about whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you, your first consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, understand our approach and decide whether it feels right for you.
Can acupuncture be used alongside other treatment?
Yes. Acupuncture can be used as complementary care alongside appropriate medical or allied health treatment.
It's important that your practitioners know about the care you're receiving so that your treatment can be considered in the context of your overall health.
Curious whether acupuncture may be right for you?
You don't need to know exactly what you need before you come in.
If something has changed, you're dealing with a concern you'd like to explore, or you're simply curious about whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you, we're happy to talk it through.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute discovery call with our practitioners — a chance to ask questions, tell us a little about what's going on and decide whether our approach feels like the right fit for you.
Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to have it all figured out before you begin.