Treatment & Conditions
Can acupuncture or TCM help with migraines or tension headaches?
Yes. Many headaches are linked to stress, tight neck/shoulder muscles, poor sleep, dehydration, or hormonal changes. At Qi Flow Wellness, we may use acupuncture, Tui Na massage, cupping, and lifestyle guidance to help relax the nervous system, release muscle tension, and support better circulation. Your plan is tailored after a quick assessment.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Often, yes — with the right approach. Our practitioners use pregnancy-appropriate techniques and avoid certain acupuncture points at specific stages. Treatment is always customized to support comfort (e.g., back/hip pain, swelling, stress, sleep) while prioritizing safety for both mum and baby. Please tell us how far along you are and any medical considerations.
Can acupuncture or massage help with sciatica or nerve pain?
Yes, it can help in many cases. Sciatica symptoms are often influenced by muscle tightness, inflammation, and irritation along the lower back/hip pathway. We may combine acupuncture, deep tissue or remedial massage, myofascial release, and cupping to reduce tension and improve mobility. If needed, we’ll suggest simple home care to help prevent flare-ups.
Can you help with posture or desk-related back/neck pain?
Definitely. Desk work commonly leads to tight chest/neck muscles, restricted upper back movement, and overloaded shoulders. We’ll focus on releasing the areas that are overworking and supporting the areas that are underactive using a mix of acupuncture and hands-on therapies (Tui Na, remedial, deep tissue, myofascial). The goal is not just short-term relief, but longer-term resilience.
Can children receive acupuncture or massage?
In some cases, yes. We can offer gentle, age-appropriate care, and we’ll always assess whether treatment is suitable for your child’s age, comfort level, and needs. If acupuncture isn’t appropriate, we may recommend non-needle options such as acupressure or gentle massage techniques.
Do you have treatments for sports injuries?
Yes. Athletes and active clients often come in for tightness, strains, and recovery support. Depending on your needs, we may use deep tissue/remedial massage, myofascial release, cupping, and acupuncture to help reduce soreness, improve range of motion, and support faster recovery between training sessions.
Can you help after a car accident or whiplash?
Yes — many people seek care for neck/upper back tightness, headaches, and reduced range of motion after accidents. We’ll start gently and tailor treatment to your stage of recovery. Options may include acupuncture, soft tissue work, cupping, and mobility-focused treatment to help you feel looser and more comfortable over time.
Can acupuncture or massage support recovery post-surgery or during rehabilitation?
Often, yes — as supportive care. Once your surgeon/physio has cleared you, acupuncture and massage may help with pain management, muscle tightness, circulation, and stress during recovery. We can work alongside your existing rehab plan, and we’ll refer you back to your medical team if anything feels outside scope.
Important note*
Our treatments are designed to support your wellbeing and comfort. Results vary by person, and we’ll always recommend the most appropriate option after an assessment. If you have severe symptoms, neurological signs, or a medical emergency, please seek urgent medical care.
What to Expect / Safety
Are acupuncture needles painful?
Most people find acupuncture very manageable. You may feel a brief pinch or a dull/heavy sensation when the needle is placed, then a relaxed, warm, or “tingly” feeling. Some points feel stronger than others, but we always adjust to your comfort level.
What happens in a first appointment?
We’ll start with a detailed consultation to understand your main concerns, health history, and goals. Then we’ll recommend the most suitable treatment (e.g., acupuncture, Tui Na/remedial massage, cupping, moxibustion). You’ll have time to ask questions, and we’ll explain what we’re doing as we go.
What is acupuncture, and what does it involve?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that uses very fine, single-use sterile needles placed at specific points. The goal is to support balance in the body and help reduce pain, tension, and stress responses. Needles typically stay in for a short period while you rest.
Why do I sometimes feel a “release” during treatment?
During acupuncture or hands-on therapy, it’s common to feel muscle softening, warmth, tingling, or a sense of pressure changing. With massage or cupping, you may also feel tight areas gradually “let go.” These are normal responses and don’t mean anything is being damaged.
Is it safe to have acupuncture or massage if I have osteoporosis, arthritis, or heart conditions?
In many cases, yes — with appropriate modifications. We’ll review your health history first and adjust techniques to suit your needs (for example, gentler pressure, avoiding certain areas, or choosing non-needle options). If you’re unsure, bring any relevant medical notes and we can discuss what’s appropriate.
How quickly might I feel relief, and how many sessions are usually needed?
It varies. Some people feel lighter or more relaxed after the first visit, while others notice gradual improvement over a few sessions. The number of sessions depends on how long the issue has been present, your overall health, and your goals (short-term relief vs. long-term maintenance).
Do you have treatments for sports injuries?
Yes. For sports and training-related issues, we often combine deep tissue/remedial massage, myofascial release, cupping, and acupuncture to support recovery, mobility, and pain management. We’ll tailor the approach to your sport, workload, and recovery timeline.
Important note*
Our treatments are designed to support your wellbeing and comfort. Results vary by person, and we’ll always recommend the most appropriate option after an assessment. If you have severe symptoms, neurological signs, or a medical emergency, please seek urgent medical care.
Appointments / Payments / Insurance
Do you accept private health insurance, and which providers are covered?
We accept many private health funds for eligible services (commonly remedial massage / Traditional Chinese Medicine, depending on your cover). Coverage varies by insurer and policy. If you’re unsure, message us with your fund name and level of cover and we’ll help you check what may be claimable.
Can I walk in or do I need an appointment?
Appointments are recommended so we can reserve the right practitioner and time for you. If you’d like to walk in, you’re welcome to try — and we’ll do our best to fit you in if there’s availability.
What is your cancellation policy?
We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This helps us offer the time to other clients who may be waiting.
How long are typical appointments?
Most treatments are 60 minutes. Your first visit may include a short consultation so we can understand your goals and recommend the right approach. Follow-up visits are usually the full treatment time you’ve booked.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, EFTPOS, and cashless payment options including Afterpay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
Do you offer payment plans?
For multi-session programs or packages, we can discuss options depending on the program and your needs. Please contact us and we’ll recommend the most suitable way to get started.
Why do you ask for credit card information when booking online?
We ask for card details to secure your appointment time — not to charge you at the time of booking. Your payment details are securely processed by Stripe, and the information is deleted after your appointment.
Other Common Questions
Do I need a referral from a medical doctor to book?
No — you can book directly with us. If you have scans for your issue, please bring them in for our practitioner as a reference.
If you’re using private health insurance, your fund may have its own rules about what’s claimable, so it’s always worth checking your policy.
Can I combine acupuncture with chiropractic, physiotherapy or massage?
Yes. Many clients combine acupuncture with chiro, massage or physio.
Acupuncture can help support pain management, stress regulation, and recovery, while hands-on therapies (like remedial massage/Tui Na) can help release tight muscles and improve mobility. If you’re already seeing another provider, tell us what you’re doing and we’ll tailor your session to complement your plan.
What can I do to maintain benefits between visits?
Simple habits make a big difference. Depending on your condition, we may suggest:
Gentle stretching or mobility work
Heat/cold guidance
Posture and desk setup tips
Breathing/relaxation for stress and sleep
Hydration and recovery tips after treatment
Are there any risks or side effects with acupuncture or cupping?
When performed by qualified practitioners, acupuncture is generally very safe.
Common short-term effects can include mild soreness, temporary fatigue, light bruising, or small marks (especially after cupping). These usually settle quickly.
Please tell us if you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or have any medical concerns so we can modify treatment appropriately.
What happens if treatment doesn’t help my condition?
If you’re not improving as expected, we’ll review your plan and adjust our approach.
If we believe your condition needs a different type of care, we’ll recommend you see the most appropriate healthcare provider (such as your GP, physio, or specialist). Your health and safety always come first.