FAQ

In New Zealand, injuries caused by accidents may be covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). ACC cover is not limited to workplace accidents — visitors to New Zealand may also be covered for injuries caused by accidents that occur while they are in New Zealand.

Some New Zealand residents who are injured while overseas may also be eligible for ACC cover, depending on their circumstances.

What you need to know:

ACC Claim Number
If you already have an ACC claim, please provide us with your ACC claim number and the date of your injury. If you are unsure whether your injury is covered, you can contact ACC on 0800 101 996.

No GP Referral Required
If you already have an ACC-covered claim, you can self-refer for acupuncture treatment. You do not need a referral from your GP or another healthcare provider to book an acupuncture appointment.

ACC Acupuncture Treatment Limit
ACC covers up to 12 acupuncture treatments within 12 weeks from the date of your first acupuncture treatment. If further treatment is required, additional approval from ACC may be available.

Injuries More Than 12 Months Old
ACC-funded acupuncture treatment generally needs to begin within one year of the date of the accident. If your injury is more than 12 months old, please contact ACC to check whether treatment may be covered.

Existing ACC Acupuncture Treatment
If you have already used the same ACC claim number for acupuncture treatment at another clinic, your ACC-funded acupuncture treatment period may already have started or expired. Before booking with us, please check with your previous acupuncture provider to confirm the current status and expiry date of your ACC acupuncture treatment.

The Power of Acupuncture: A Holistic Approach

Acupuncture is not just about treating the disease; it focuses on balancing the whole body, considering your unique constitution and lifestyle. For example, even if five people have the same condition, each will receive a different treatment tailored to their specific needs. This personalized approach makes acupuncture effective for a wide range of conditions.

Conditions Treated by Acupuncture

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for over 40 conditions. Here are some of the most common ones, but there are many more that acupuncture can help with. If you’re unsure whether acupuncture can help your condition, feel free to contact us for more information.

Common Conditions Treated by Acupuncture:

Respiratory: Sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis

Women’s Health: Menstrual pain (Dysmenorrhea), PMS, menopause symptoms

Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, stress

Digestive: Abdominal pain, nausea, morning sickness, IBS

Neurological: Headaches, migraines, post-stroke paralysis

Musculoskeletal: Back pain, neck pain, arthritis, sprains

Ear & Mouth: Toothache, ear infections, tinnitus

Acupuncture helps address not just symptoms but the overall balance of your body. If you’re curious whether acupuncture could help you, contact us and we’ll guide you on how it can support your health.

The timeline for results varies depending on the patient and the severity of your condition. Most patients start feeling some effects after one or two sessions, though it can sometimes take up to a month to notice more significant results.

There are no age restrictions or specific groups who should avoid acupuncture. However, we do need to review your medical history to assess whether acupuncture is appropriate for you or if any adjustments are necessary.

For example, acupuncture may require special consideration if you:

• Have a pacemaker
• Are prone to fainting
• Have epilepsy
• Have a blood disorder
• Are immunocompromised or pregnant

Please let us know if any of these apply to you so we can tailor the treatment to your needs.

If you have an active infection such as a cold, covid-19, chickenpox etc please wait for symptoms to seize before booking an appointment.

Acupuncture is highly complementary to other treatments and often enhances their effectiveness. It is also safe to use alongside medications. We will review all medications and treatments during your first consultation to ensure everything is compatible. We are happy to communicate with your GP or other healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for your health.

To ensure your acupuncture treatments are safe, comfortable, and effective, please follow these guidelines before and after your session:

• Avoid alcohol on the day of your treatment.
• Refrain from vigorous exercise before and after your session.
• Stay hydrated.
• Treatments typically last 50-60 minutes, so please wear loose, comfortable clothing for ease of treatment.

At Ascent Acupuncture & Physiotherapy, we use only sterile, single-use disposable needles. Each needle is disposed of after a single use, ensuring the highest level of hygiene and safety.