Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. In modern healthcare, acupuncture is understood to influence the nervous system, circulation, and the body’s regulatory processes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views health as a state of balance within the body. Acupuncture is used to support this balance and to help the body respond more effectively to stress, pain, and dysfunction. Contemporary research suggests acupuncture may influence pain pathways, inflammation, and autonomic nervous system activity (Van Hal et al., 2023; Hempen & Hummelsberger, 2025).
References
Hempen, M., & Hummelsberger, J. (2025). The state of evidence in acupuncture: A review of metaanalyses and systematic reviews of acupuncture evidence (update 2017-2022).
Complementary therapies in medicine, 89, 103149.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103149
Van Hal, M., Dydyk, A. M., & Green, M. S. (2023). Acupuncture. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing.
Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532287/
People seek acupuncture for a wide range of health concerns. Research evidence is strongest for conditions such as:
• musculoskeletal pain (including neck, shoulder and back pain)
• headaches and migraine
• osteoarthritis
• some types of nerve pain
• nausea
• sleep disturbance
• stress and anxiety symptoms
Evidence also suggests acupuncture may help with digestive symptoms, fatigue, and menstrual pain, although results vary between individuals (Hempen & Hummelsberger, 2025).
Acupuncture does not replace medical care and is not used to diagnose or cure disease. It is commonly used alongside conventional treatment to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
References
Hempen, M., & Hummelsberger, J. (2025). The state of evidence in acupuncture: A review of metaanalyses and systematic reviews of acupuncture evidence (update 2017-2022). Complementary therapies in medicine, 89, 103149.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103149
When performed by a registered practitioner, acupuncture is considered a low-risk therapy. In Australia, practitioners are regulated by AHPRA and must follow strict infection-control and safety standards.
A large Australian safety review found that serious adverse events are rare, and most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as minor bruising, tiredness, or temporary soreness (Wang et al., 2019).
Most people feel little or no pain. You may notice a brief prick when the needle is inserted, followed by sensations such as tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache. These sensations are considered normal and usually settle quickly.
At Thorpful Touch, only sterile, single-use needles are used, and all treatments follow national safety guidelines.
References
Wang, C. C, Tan, J.-Y., & Williams, A. (2019). Safety and side effects of acupuncture therapy in Australia: A systematic review. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 27, 81–89.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2019.03.004
Dry needling is used mainly by physiotherapists and focuses on releasing muscle trigger points to reduce pain and improve movement. It is based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy.
Acupuncture is a whole-system therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. It uses specific acupuncture points and patterns to support broader physiological regulation, including pain, stress, digestion, and sleep.
Both use fine needles, but they differ in philosophy, assessment, and scope of practice (Fan et al., 2017; Kużdżał et al., 2025).
References
Fan, A.Y., Xu, J. & Li, Ym. Evidence and expert opinions: Dry needling versus acupuncture (I). Chin. J. Integr. Med. 23, 3–9 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-016-2630-y
Kużdżał, A., Trybulski, R., Muracki, J., Klich, S., Clemente, F. M., & Kawczyński, A. (2025). Dry Needling in Sports and Sport Recovery: A Systematic Review with an Evidence Gap Map. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 55(4), 811–844.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02175-9
Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used alongside medical care. You should continue any prescribed medications and medical treatment unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Please let your practitioner know about your medical history and medications so your care can be provided safely. You are welcome to bring along any results from your GP or Specialist.
No referral is required. You can book directly.
Many private health funds offer rebates for acupuncture when provided by a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner. Coverage depends on your individual policy, so it is best to check with your insurer.
Before your appointment, eat lightly and stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine immediately before treatment if possible.
After treatment, try to rest, drink water, and avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day to support your body’s response.
Initial appointment (60 minutes)
Your first visit includes a detailed health history, discussion of your symptoms, and assessment, followed by an acupuncture treatment. This allows your practitioner to develop a personalised care plan.
Return appointments (45–60 minutes)
These sessions review your progress and provide ongoing treatment.
The number of treatments varies between individuals. Some people notice changes after a few sessions, while others may need a longer course of care, particularly for long-standing conditions. Your practitioner will review progress regularly and discuss whether ongoing care is appropriate.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Many acupuncture points are located on the arms, legs, abdomen, and back. Towels and coverings are provided for comfort and privacy.
Some nursing services are available on a limited, booking-only basis, depending on capacity. These may include wound care, medication support, and selected NDIS-related services. Please see nursing page and enquire for availability.