ZONELEADER ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MEDICINE CLINIC
Treatment That Gets to the Point
Acupuncture
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the best-known practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a traditional healthcare system with a long history in China. It involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles at selected acupuncture points.
At Zoneleader Acupuncture, we take an individual approach to care. Your treatment is not based on a single symptom alone. We take the time to understand your health history, what you are experiencing now, your lifestyle and what you would like support with.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is an integral part of TCM and is traditionally understood through concepts such as Qi, Blood, meridians and acupuncture points. These concepts form part of the TCM framework used when assessing your individual health and planning treatment.
TCM takes a holistic view of health. It considers the relationship between physical wellbeing, emotions, lifestyle and other aspects of your health. These factors, together with your health history and current concerns, may all be considered when planning your acupuncture care.
What Does Acupuncture Involve?
Your first acupuncture appointment begins with a conversation about your health and what has brought you in. We will ask about your main concerns and may also discuss your sleep, digestion, energy, lifestyle and other aspects of your wellbeing. As part of a traditional Chinese medicine assessment, we may look at your tongue and feel your pulse at both wrists. These are traditional assessment methods that can provide additional information about your overall health picture.
After your assessment, your practitioner will select acupuncture points according to your individual needs. Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are then gently inserted at the selected points. The needles are usually left in place for around 20–25 minutes. Treatment may vary from one person to another depending on your needs and the approach discussed with you. Where appropriate, acupuncture may also be combined with other Chinese medicine therapies, such as Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, or Tui Na massage.
What Can Acupuncture Be Used For?
Acupuncture may be considered as part of an individualised approach to a range of health and wellbeing concerns.
People come to us for many different reasons. Acupuncture is commonly used as part of care for pain and musculoskeletal concerns, and may also be considered for women’s health, fertility support, stress and emotional wellbeing, sleep, headaches, digestive health and general wellbeing.
Acupuncture may be considered for:
Pain and musculoskeletal concerns
Sports injuries and recovery
Women’s health and fertility support
Stress and emotional wellbeing
Sleep concerns
Headaches and migraine
Digestive health
General wellbeing
Acupuncture and Other Chinese Medicine Therapies
Chinese medicine offers a range of traditional therapies that may be incorporated into your care where appropriate. Depending on your individual needs, these may include:
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Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine may be prescribed as part of your care, based on your health history and individual
needs.
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Cupping Therapy
Cupping uses specially placed cups to create gentle suction on the skin and is traditionally used as part of a holistic approach to muscular tension and discomfort.
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that uses gentle heat from burning moxa, a dried herb made from mugwort, on or near selected acupuncture points. It may be used alongside acupuncture where appropriate.
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Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage technique using a range of manual techniques tailored to
your individual needs.
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Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy
Traditional Chinese medicine dietary principles may be discussed as part of a broader approach to wellbeing and lifestyle.
Your practitioner will discuss any additional therapies with you and explain how they may fit into your individual care.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
Initial Consultation
Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your health, your main concerns and what you would like support with. We will also take time to understand your health history and discuss any relevant lifestyle factors.
Acupuncture Treatment
Following your consultation, your practitioner will develop a treatment approach based on your individual needs. You can then relax while the acupuncture treatment is carried out.
An initial appointment may take up to one hour, or longer when more time is needed to discuss your health history and individual needs.
Follow-up Appointments
Follow-up appointments provide an opportunity to review how you have been feeling, discuss any changes since your previous treatment and adjust your care where appropriate. Follow-up appointments are generally around 45 minutes, although the length may vary depending on your individual needs.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
Acupuncture needles are very fine, so the sensation is usually quite mild. You may feel a brief prick or sensation when a needle is inserted. Once the needles are in place, some people notice a feeling of warmth, heaviness, tingling or a mild ache around certain points, while others notice very little. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently. If you feel uncomfortable at any point during treatment, let your practitioner know so we can make adjustments as needed.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
Acupuncture should be performed by a properly qualified and registered practitioner using appropriate hygiene and infection-control procedures. We use sterile, single-use needles for every treatment. Some people may experience minor effects such as temporary tenderness, slight bruising or light-headedness. These effects are usually short-lived.
Before treatment, please let your practitioner know about any relevant health conditions, pregnancy, medications or other healthcare treatments. This helps us determine whether acupuncture is appropriate for you and tailor your care accordingly.
How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?
There is no set number of acupuncture treatments that suits everyone. The number and frequency of treatments may depend on your individual concerns, how long you have been experiencing them, your health history and your treatment goals.
Some people may choose to have acupuncture regularly, while others may attend for a shorter period of time. Your treatment plan can be reviewed as your needs change. Your practitioner will discuss the recommended frequency of treatment with you and review your progress along the way.
Acupuncture and Your Individualised Care
Everyone’s health and circumstances are different, so your acupuncture care should reflect that. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your health history and consider the factors that may be relevant to your wellbeing. Your care may be reviewed and adjusted over time as your needs change. We will discuss your treatment with you and make adjustments as needed.
Chinese medicine care can also be provided alongside your existing healthcare when appropriate. If you are receiving medical treatment or have an ongoing health condition, we encourage you to keep your GP or other healthcare professionals informed.
Interested in Acupuncture?
If you would like to find out more about acupuncture or discuss whether it may be suitable for you, please get in touch.
Service Areas
📍Located in Coombabah, we provide care for clients across the Gold Coast, including Runaway Bay, Biggera Waters, Labrador, Paradise Point, Helensvale, Hope Island, Oxenford, Arundel, Southport, Parkwood, Coomera, Pacific Pines and surrounding suburbs. We also welcome clients who visit from interstate and overseas.