Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest systems of healthcare, with origins in traditional Chinese medicine dating back thousands of years. Today, it is widely used as a gentle, natural therapy that supports overall health and wellbeing.
At Shift Natural Medicine, acupuncture is used to support the body’s natural healing processes while creating a calm, restorative treatment experience.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, these points sit along pathways known as meridians. Treatment aims to support the smooth flow of Qi (often described as the body’s vital energy), helping to regulate internal balance and support healthy bodily function.
From a modern perspective, research suggests acupuncture may support the body by:
• Stimulating the nervous system
• Encouraging circulation and tissue repair
• Supporting the body’s natural pain-modulating processes
• Assisting relaxation and stress regulation
Needles are typically retained for 20–30 minutes, depending on your treatment plan and individual needs.
What Can Acupuncture Support?
Acupuncture is commonly used to support a wide range of health concerns and may assist with:
• Musculoskeletal pain and injury
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress, anxiety and nervous system regulation
• Sleep disturbances
• Digestive health
• Women’s health and hormonal balance
• Fertility and pregnancy support
• Fatigue and energy regulation
• General wellbeing and preventative care
Your practitioner will always tailor treatment to your individual presentation and health goals.
Acupuncture as Preventative Care
Many clients choose acupuncture not only when symptoms arise, but also as part of maintaining overall wellbeing.
Regular treatments may help support nervous system balance, stress management and general health maintenance — helping your body stay resilient and regulated.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture is generally very gentle and well tolerated.
The needles used are extremely fine, much thinner than those used for injections. Sensations can vary from person to person, but clients often describe feelings such as mild heaviness, warmth, tingling or a dull ache around acupuncture points.
Many people find treatments deeply relaxing and may even fall asleep during their session.
Your practitioner will always adjust treatment to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your appointment.
Safety and Professional Standards
All acupuncturists at Shift Natural Medicine hold Bachelor-level qualifications in Acupuncture and are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Your safety is our highest priority. We follow strict hygiene and infection control protocols including:
• Sterile, single-use needles
• Professional clinical sanitation procedures
• Safe disposal of all clinical equipment in accordance with AHPRA guidelines
A Calm, Supportive Treatment Experience
At Shift, acupuncture is more than a treatment — it is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your body and receive personalised, supportive care.
We take time to listen, understand your health goals and create treatment plans that feel realistic, supportive and aligned with your needs.
What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment
Starting something new can feel a little uncertain, especially if you’ve never experienced acupuncture before. At Shift Natural Medicine, we prioritise creating a calm, supportive and respectful environment where you feel comfortable, informed and cared for from the moment you arrive.
A Thoughtful, Personalised Consultation
Your first appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your health, lifestyle and wellbeing goals. We take time to understand your current concerns, medical history and any questions you may have.
In Traditional Chinese medicine, we look at health holistically, meaning we consider how different aspects of your body, mind and lifestyle may be connected. This allows us to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Your Acupuncture Treatment
You will be comfortably positioned on a treatment table, fully supported with pillows and towels to help you feel relaxed and at ease.
Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are gently inserted into selected acupuncture points. The number and placement of needles varies depending on your individual treatment plan.
Many clients notice sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness or a mild dull ache around certain points. These sensations are generally gentle and often settle quickly.
Once the needles are in place, you will rest quietly for approximately 20–30 minutes. Many clients find this time deeply relaxing, with some even drifting into sleep.
A Calm and Supportive Environment
Your comfort is always our priority. Treatments are adjusted to suit your preferences and sensitivity levels and your practitioner will check in with you throughout the session.
You are always welcome to ask questions, share feedback or request adjustments at any time.
After Your Treatment
Following your session, many people feel relaxed, calm or pleasantly tired. Others may notice gradual changes over the following days as the body continues to respond to treatment.
Your practitioner may provide simple lifestyle or self-care recommendations to support your results between sessions.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Treatment frequency varies depending on your health goals, symptoms and how your body responds. Some clients attend for short-term support, while others choose ongoing care to maintain wellbeing.
Your practitioner will guide you with a recommended treatment plan that feels supportive and realistic for your needs.
Supporting Women Through Every Stage of Life
Many of our clients seek acupuncture during important transitions such as menstrual health challenges, fertility journeys, pregnancy, postpartum recovery and menopause.
We understand these experiences can feel deeply personal, and we aim to provide a safe, nurturing space where you feel heard, respected and supported in your health journey.
We’re Here to Support You
If you feel unsure or have questions before booking, our team is always happy to help guide you toward the most suitable appointment option.