In New Zealand, accidents are covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). This coverage is not limited to workplace accidents—visitors to New Zealand are also eligible for ACC claims if the accident happens while they are in the country. Additionally, returning citizens and residents may also claim for injuries that occur while abroad. So, if you have an accident, ACC can help subsidize your treatment.

To take advantage of this, all we need is your ACC-45 number, the date of the injury, and your treatment could be subsidized.

Important Things to Know:

• ACC-45 Form: You must have an ACC45 form before booking your treatment, or you will need to pay the full cost upfront.

• ACC-45 Number: This number consists of two letters followed by five digits. If you're unsure of your ACC-45 number or whether your injury is covered, you can call ACC at 0800 101 996 for clarification.

• No GP Referral Required: You don’t need a referral from your GP, physiotherapist, or other healthcare provider.

• ACC Acupuncture Treatment Limits: ACC funding for acupuncture is limited to a maximum of 12 treatments within 3 months from the injury date.

• Injuries Older Than 12 Months: If your injury is over 12 months old, additional paperwork may be required before treatment can begin.

• Cost Subsidy: ACC subsidizes acupuncture treatment, and the clinic will charge only the difference.

• Switching Practitioners: If you switch practitioners, you will need to have another initial ACC consultation.

Yes. At Ascent Acupuncture & Physiotherapy, all our practitioners are fully registered. Our acupuncturists are registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of NZ (CMCNZ) and Acupuncture NZ (AcNZ), which allows us to offer ACC treatments. Our physiotherapists are registered with the Physiotherapy Board. All of our practitioners hold annual practice certificates.

We accept cash, locally and internationally issued EFTPOS, debit cards and credit card including Visa, Mastercard and Union Pay.

Acupuncture is a traditional healing technique where fine needles are inserted into specific "acupuncture points" on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. When the needles are inserted, a variety of reactions take place within the body, which leads to therapeutic effects.

Main Benefits of Acupuncture

1. Boosting Immunity
   Acupuncture stimulates the immune system, helping the body respond more effectively to illnesses and infections. This can make you less susceptible to colds and other common diseases.

2. Improving Circulation and Relieving Pain
   When acupuncture needles are inserted, they help improve blood flow to the targeted areas, which can reduce muscle stiffness, joint pain, and inflammation. Additionally, acupuncture encourages the release of natural pain-relieving substances, like endorphins, which help ease discomfort.

3. Promoting Healing and Recovery
   Acupuncture enhances metabolic processes and accelerates recovery, particularly after surgery or injury. It speeds up wound healing and reduces inflammation, contributing to faster recovery.

4. Balancing the Nervous System
   In today's fast-paced world, stress can disrupt the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Acupuncture helps restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep quality.

5. Regulating the Flow of Energy
   Acupuncture is based on the concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), the vital energy that flows through the body. Acupuncture helps remove blockages in this energy flow and restores balance, promoting overall well-being.

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.