Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves stimulating precise points on the body, usually with very fine, sterile needles, to activate the body’s own pain-control and healing mechanisms. It is commonly used to help manage pain and a range of other conditions, and can be used alongside conventional medical treatment.
How does acupuncture work?
Modern research shows that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release of the body’s own natural chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These changes can help reduce pain, ease muscle tension and support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Acupuncture originated in Chinese medicine, where it has been practised for more than 2,000 years. Traditional theory describes energy pathways (meridians) through the body, with treatment aimed at restoring normal flow. Today, acupuncture is practised worldwide and is increasingly integrated with conventional medical care.
What is medical acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is acupuncture performed by a qualified medical doctor who has completed additional specialist training in the field. Because your doctor is trained in both conventional Western medicine and acupuncture, they can draw on either approach — or combine the two — to manage your condition.
Dr Jeffrey Ong and Dr Adrian Wong are both Fellows of the Australian Medical Acupuncture College and have extensive experience in providing medical acupuncture.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully in veterinary medicine to treat cats, dogs and horses — animals that hold no beliefs about the treatment. A positive attitude may support your progress, and a sceptical or neutral one (“I’m not sure I believe in this”) will not block it.
Do the needles hurt? What about laser?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than the needles used for injections. Most patients feel minimal discomfort as they are inserted — many feel nothing at all — and once the needles are in place, no pain is felt. All needles are sterile and single-use, so there is no risk of infection, and bruising or skin irritation is uncommon.
Your doctor may also use laser to stimulate acupuncture points, either on its own or in combination with needles. Laser treatment is painless and completely needle-free.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies from person to person and depends on your condition. Long-standing or complex conditions are typically treated once or twice a week, while acute problems may initially need up to three sessions a week.
The effects of acupuncture are cumulative — most people need several sessions before the benefits become established. A typical course is five to twelve sessions, followed by a break of around a month to assess your response.
Are there any side effects?
Serious side effects are rare. Some patients notice mild, short-lived effects such as a temporary flare in symptoms for a day or two, small changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urinary habits, or mood. It is also common — particularly after the first one or two sessions — to feel deeply relaxed or slightly light-headed immediately after treatment. These effects settle quickly, but please tell your doctor about anything that concerns you.
How much does it cost?
Acupuncture consultations are privately billed, which means there is an out-of-pocket cost. Medicare pays a rebate to patients who hold a current Medicare card at the time of consultation. Payment is required on the day.
With a valid Medicare card the fees are as below:
Non concession card holders: $85 (rebate of $43.21, out of pocket $41.79)
Concession card holders: $75 (rebate of $43.21, out of pocket $31.79)
How do I book an appointment?
Acupuncture appointments are available Monday to Friday, with Dr Jeffrey Ong and Dr Adrian Wong. Please call Reception on (07) 3480 0111 or click below to book.