Because Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a complete health care system, there is very little that may not benefit from a course of acupuncture, herbal medicine or a combination of both. Very often it is possible to combine the best of both East and West and use the acupuncture or Chinese Herbs in association with treatment provided by a GP or other health care provider. New Zealanders are increasingly turning to their local acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist for answers to their questions or assistance with their health and wellbeing.

Historically, Chinese medicine was used as an aid to maintain good health and included not only acupuncture and the taking of herbal medicine but also the importance of diet and lifestyle choices. The types of conditions people visit their acupuncturist or herbalist for include:

  • Digestive disorders – indigestion, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, fluid retention.
  • Headaches – migraine, tension or cluster headaches.
  • Hypertension
  • Asthma, hayfever and sinus conditions
  • Coughs, colds and flu.
  • Menstrual disorders – irregular, painful or heavy periods.
  • Some forms of infertility – male and female.
  • Maintenance of wellbeing throughout pregnancy and preparation for labour – morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, headaches, lower back pain, breech or posterior presentation.
  • Recovery after childbirth – breast feeding difficulties including mastitis, post-natal depression, prolapse conditions, emotional support.
  • Menopausal symptoms – hot flushes, insomnia, night sweats, bladder irritation, volatile emotions.
  • Musculo-skeletal disorders – arthritis, back pain, strains and sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, bursitis, general sporting injuries, polymyalgia rheumatica, fibromyalgia.
  • Neurological conditions - trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, Bell's palsy, phantom limb pain, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease.
  • Psychological disorders - post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression.
  • Skin disorders - psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne, scarring.

If you would like to know if acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine can help you, then feel free to contact us via this website or to call your local practitioner for advice.

The Acupuncture Evidence Project was published by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association in 2017 and revised in 2018. Their researchers, John McDonald and Stephen Janz compiled an extensive list of current research on acupuncture treatment of a wide variety of conditions. 

The evidence base for the use of acupuncture has grown substantially in recent years. For more information about current research visit the Evidence Based Acupuncture website.