Welcome – I’m Dean Wickenden, a qualified ACC registered acupuncturist based in Albany, just a short drive from Birkenhead. I provide personalised acupuncture treatments to relieve pain, recover from injuries, ease stress and anxiety, improve sleep, support digestion, balance hormones, and boost overall wellbeing.
Each session is adapted to your specific needs and may include cupping, massage, herbal therapy, or gentle yoga-based techniques. My approach blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with hands-on bodywork to help you feel better on every level — physical, mental, and emotional.
My clinic is ACC-registered and welcomes clients from Birkenhead and the wider Auckland North Shore.
Every client is different. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, a recent injury, stress, or fatigue, I tailor each session to what your body needs on the day.
Alongside acupuncture, I may use cupping, tuina massage, Chinese herbal medicine, or targeted yoga-based techniques. My focus is always on practical results — reducing symptoms, improving function, and helping you feel better in your daily life.
Your first session starts with a conversation about your symptoms and goals. Treatment sessions are usually 60 minutes and always personalised. Depending on your needs, I may include massage or cupping alongside acupuncture.
You’ll leave feeling more grounded, relaxed, and aligned — and we’ll discuss next steps if further care is needed.
Read more reviews from clients across Albany, North Shore & Auckland.
Booking is easy — just choose a time below that works for you and complete your details. Sessions are available in Albany, serving the North Shore.
B1/400 Rosedale Road, Albany Auckland
Acupuncture is an external therapy that is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Thin acupuncture needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body to affect the qi of the individual
Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body which are often located on meridians (energy channels). The acupuncturist will then contact the qi of the person and manipulate the needle using specific needle techniques for the desired outcome. For example, if someone has insomnia and stress a needle technique to lower and vent excessive energy will be used. Afterwards, the person would feel very calm and relaxed, on the other hand, if someone was suffering from muscle pain caused by ashi points ( trigger points) a different needle technique would be used to break up the qi blockage causing the pain. For full power good quality acupuncture, it is indispensable for the acupuncture practitioner to have a solid qi practice such as qi qigong. If the practitioner cannot control the qi in his or herself, they will not be able to affect the qi of the client. Without qi, acupuncture is just sticking a needle into a body.
The precise mechanisms by which acupuncture works are still not fully understood, but various scientific theories have been proposed.
Neuroanatomical theory: This theory suggests that stimulation of the acupuncture points stimulates nerve fibers and activate pain pathways in the central nervous system, leading to the release of natural pain-relieving substances like endorphins.
Biochemical theory: This theory suggests that acupuncture can modulate the levels of certain chemicals in the body, such as neurotransmitters and hormones, that play a role in pain perception and regulation.
Acupuncture is safe when practised by a qualified, good quality practitioner who knows what they are doing. The average training to become an acupuncturist is three to four years of full-time study. It can be unsafe when people are not trained well by quality teachers. It is a great idea to research the training and experience of the practitioner.
Many people claim to do acupuncture when they have only done a two-day dry needling course for example many physiotherapists. This is misleading and can be very unsafe especially for people with underlying health conditions.
When the needle goes in you will feel a little pricking sensation and often you do not feel anything at all this is because the needles are ultra-thin. After the acupuncture needle is inserted you may feel nothing or a sensation like warmth, movement, tingling, a mild or strong electrical current. Acupuncture treatments can vary depending on the individual client’s condition, constitution, emotions, and energy levels, treatments can range from very gentle to strong. Your acupuncturist needs to be able to judge and communicate this.
It varies depending on the condition being treated and the severity. It is common to receive 1 to 12 treatments.
Generally, after 4 treatments you should notice an improvement.
To find a reputable acupuncturist, a starting point would be to perform a local search, such as “acupuncture near me” on Google. To ensure the highest quality of acupuncture treatment, it is advisable to seek practitioners who specialize in classical traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, which is considered the most authentic and effective method.
It is important to consider an acupuncturist’s personal practice of qi gong or tai chi, as this can enhance their ability to affect the qi with needles. Other important qualities to look for include excellent communication skills, compassion, and empathy.
In addition, to further evaluate a potential acupuncturist, it is recommended to research their experience and qualifications, read online reviews from previous patients, and inquire about their training and who they have learned from. These steps can provide valuable insight into the practitioner’s level of competence and the quality of care they provide.
As a helpful tip, the warmth of the practitioner’s hands can also provide a clue to their level of qi. Practitioners with naturally warm hands are said to have strong qi, while those with cold and clammy hands have a weaker qi.
Dry needling is based on acupuncture, it is a very basic form of acupuncture used to treat muscular-skeletal conditions. Acupuncture is a complete system that relates to traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat a wide range of health issues. The typical training for dry needling in New Zealand is two to four days compared to three to four years of training to become an acupuncturist.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing practice known for its ability to address a wide range of health concerns. From pain management to stress relief, this ancient therapy has gained recognition for its natural and holistic approach to wellness.
Conditions that Acupuncture can Help:
Before seeking acupuncture treatment, it’s essential to consult a qualified acupuncturist or healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance and determine if acupuncture is a suitable option for your specific health needs. With its time-tested techniques, acupuncture offers a natural and complementary approach to promoting overall well-being and healing.
