Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is generally a painless and relaxing experience. You may feel a slight prick or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted, but most people find acupuncture to be very comfortable. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin and flexible, and the insertion process is gentle and quick. Some people may experience a dull ache or slight soreness at the site of the needle, but this is usually mild and temporary. Our skilled practitioner will work with you to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout the entire session. If you have any concerns or questions about acupuncture, please don't hesitate to ask us. We're here to help you feel your best.

Acupuncture sessions typically last between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the individual needs of the patient. During the first visit, your practitioner will conduct a thorough evaluation of your health history, current symptoms, and any underlying conditions to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. The actual acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, which are selected based on your individual symptoms and diagnosis. After the needles are inserted, a variety of other techniques - like electro-stimulation - may be applied depending on the treatment plan. The number of needles used will also vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual needs of the patient.

The number of acupuncture treatments needed varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. For acute conditions, such as recent injuries, you may only need a few treatments to experience relief. Chronic conditions, such as ongoing pain or a long-term health issue, may require more treatments over time. During your initial consultation, our skilled practitioner will evaluate your condition and provide you with a recommended treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This plan may include the number and frequency of treatments necessary to achieve the best results. Our goal is to help you feel better as quickly and effectively as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan, please don't hesitate to ask us. We're here to help you achieve your health goals.

The frequency of acupuncture treatments will vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual needs of the patient. For most conditions, we recommend a series of weekly treatments to start, followed by a reassessment to determine any ongoing treatment requirements. However, at SOAQ, our goal is to get you the best results as quickly as possible to get you out of pain as quickly as possible, reduce the number of visits you need, and get you back to doing the things you love. If you have any concerns about the number of treatments you may need or the effectiveness of acupuncture for your specific condition, please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your options. We are here to support you every step of the way.

At SOAQ your first visit will involve a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with our skilled practitioner, Anita. During this time, Anita will take the time to get to know you and your health history, and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. You can expect to discuss your symptoms and goals, as well as any concerns or questions you may have about acupuncture or our clinic. Depending on your condition, Anita may perform a physical examination or additional diagnostic tests to help determine the best course of treatment. Your first acupuncture session will follow the consultation and will involve gentle insertion of thin needles into specific points on your body. Most patients find the experience to be relaxing and painless. If you have any questions or concerns about your first visit, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness.

After your first visit at our clinic, you may experience some soreness or discomfort in the areas where the acupuncture needles were inserted. This can feel similar to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) you would experience from a workout, and is a normal and expected response to the treatment that last for up to 72 hours. However, this soreness can be alleviated by taking some simple steps. It's important to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and to keep your blood flowing through light exercise or stretching. You may also find relief by using heat packs, heat lotion like deep heat, or even visiting a sauna if that is accessible to you. Once this feeling has worn off, you will generally feel less pain, improved joint mobility and flexibility, and an increase in activity ability. If you have any concerns about the soreness you are experiencing, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our skilled practitioner is here to help you achieve optimal results, and we can work with you to develop a personalised plan that meets your individual needs.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe and has few side effects. However, some people may experience minor side effects, such as soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the site of the needle insertion. Other possible side effects include fatigue, dizziness, or nausea. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and should resolve within a few hours to a few days. At SOAQ, our practitioner is highly trained and experienced in providing safe and effective acupuncture treatments. If you have any concerns about the potential side effects of acupuncture, please don't hesitate to discuss them with your practitioner before your treatment. We will work with you to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout your acupuncture journey.

At SOAQ your health and safety are our top priorities. We adhere to strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene to ensure that our clinic is a safe and sterile environment for all patients. All acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, and disposed of after each treatment, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA). Our experienced practitioner is fully qualified and licensed in acupuncture and takes great care to ensure that every treatment is performed safely and effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety or sterility of acupuncture, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care and ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout your treatment.

If you are afraid of needles, it's understandable to feel hesitant about trying acupuncture. However, we assure you that our skilled practitioner has a gentle touch and is trained to help patients who are nervous or anxious about needles. They will work with you to create a comfortable and safe environment for your treatment. At SOAQ we use fine, sterile needles that are designed to minimise discomfort during insertion. You may feel a slight prick or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted, but most patients report feeling little to no pain during treatment. If you have concerns about your ability to tolerate acupuncture needles, please let us know. We are happy to discuss alternative treatments that may be more suitable for you, or to explore other ways to help you feel comfortable during your acupuncture session. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal results and to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout your treatment.

Yes, acupuncture can be combined with other therapies, such as massage, chiropractic, or physiotherapy. Our practitioner will work with you and your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all of your needs.

Yes, acupuncture is safe and effective for many pregnancy-related conditions, such as morning sickness, back pain, and anxiety. At SOAQ, we have experience and training in treating pregnant patients, and we take great care to ensure your safety and comfort during your treatment.

It's important to note that some acupuncture points and techniques - such as electro-stimulation - are contraindicated during pregnancy. Our practitioner is trained to avoid these points and use only those that are safe and effective for pregnant patients.

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, please let us know before your treatment so we can tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. We may also recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to support a healthy pregnancy and help alleviate any symptoms you may be experiencing. As always, if you have any concerns or questions about receiving acupuncture during pregnancy, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and your growing family throughout every stage of pregnancy and beyond.

At SOAQ, we do not use electro-stimulation on patients who have pacemakers. However, we offer a range of other acupuncture treatments that can be safely and effectively used for patients with pacemakers. Our practitioner is highly experienced and knowledgeable in acupuncture techniques, and will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and medical history.

If you have a pacemaker and are interested in receiving acupuncture treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our practitioner. We will conduct a thorough intake and assessment to determine the best treatment options for you, taking into account your medical history, current medications, and any other health conditions.

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to your acupuncture appointment. This allows for easy access to acupuncture points and ensures that you can fully relax during your treatment. During your acupuncture treatment, you may be asked to remove some clothing in order to access certain acupuncture points. Rest assured that our practitioner is trained in proper draping techniques to ensure your comfort and privacy at all times. If you have any concerns or preferences regarding draping or clothing, please let your practitioner know. If you have any questions or concerns about what to wear to your acupuncture appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Yes, our clinic has wheelchair access through the back entrance where there is gated parking for accessible access. Please call the clinic ahead of time to advise and we will arrange access. At SOAQ we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all of our patients. If you have any specific accessibility needs or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure that you can receive the care you need.