Medical Acupuncture at The Lindisfarne Clinic

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for thousands of years. It involves placing very fine needles into specific points on the body to help relieve symptoms and improve wellbeing. While it originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), modern medical acupuncture combines this traditional wisdom with current scientific understanding.

In TCM, acupuncture is used to balance the body’s energy flow (called Qi), which is believed to be disrupted in illness. In modern terms, acupuncture may help by improving blood flow, calming nerves, reducing inflammation, and relieving muscle tension.

✅ Acupuncture is not the same as dry needling. While both may use similar points, acupuncture often has broader effects, such as helping with nausea by placing a needle on the wrist.

Why Consider Acupuncture?

Many medical conditions don’t have a single solution, and successful treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Acupuncture can be one helpful part of that team, alongside medications, physiotherapy, psychology, and dietary changes.

There is growing scientific evidence supporting the use of acupuncture for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Anxiety and poor sleep
  • Musculoskeletal pain (neck, shoulders, knees, etc.)
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Pregnancy-related or post-operative nausea and vomiting
  • Prevention of long-term nerve pain after shingles
  • Women’s health issues such as period pain, hot flushes, PMS, and overactive bladder

💡 This is not a complete list — your doctor can discuss whether acupuncture may be suitable for your specific situation.

What to Expect

Appointments

  • First appointment: 45 minutes
  • Follow-ups: Usually 15 minutes
  • Frequency: Typically weekly or fortnightly, though this varies by person

Fine needles are placed while you are lying down and usually left in for about 20 minutes. For those who dislike needles, we offer a needle-free laser acupuncture option, which is painless and safe (no radiation involved).

Some people may feel improvement after one or two sessions, while others may need 4–6 visits to notice a difference. Patients with chronic or nerve-related pain may require more time.

Are There Side Effects or Risks?

Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by trained professionals. However, like any treatment, there are possible side effects:

Common (usually mild and short-lived):

  • Slight bruising or discomfort (1%)
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Temporary flare-up of symptoms (a sign it may be working)
  • Fainting or light-headedness

Rare (very uncommon):

  • Serious complications are reported in less than 1 in 10,000 treatments.

Many people also experience positive side effects such as better sleep, improved mood, and a greater sense of wellbeing.

❗ About 15% of people are considered “non-responders” and may not experience benefit from acupuncture.

Before Your Appointment

To get the most from your session:

  • Avoid caffeine before treatment (it can affect your nervous system)
  • Skip alcohol on the day of your appointment
  • Arrange a lift home after your first session if you’re unsure how you’ll feel
  • Wear comfortable clothing

Important Medical Information

Please inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
  • Bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners
  • Pacemakers, joint replacements, or other implanted devices
  • Lymphoedema or a history of cancer treatment
  • Allergies, including to metal
  • Any past reactions to acupuncture or fear of needles

In some cases, laser acupuncture may be used instead of needles, especially when certain conditions make needling unsuitable.

Do I Need a Referral?

No referral is needed to access acupuncture at The Lindisfarne Clinic.
Because acupuncture is provided by a GP, Medicare rebates apply similar to a standard doctor’s consultation.