Acupuncture North Shore Auckland
Acupuncture North Shore – Expert Help for Pain, Stress & Recovery
Hello, I’m Dean Wickenden, an ACC registered acupuncturist based in Albany on Auckland’s North Shore. I help people manage pain, recover from injuries, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep, digestion, and energy through personalized, one-on-one acupuncture treatments.
Each session is tailored to your specific needs. While acupuncture is my primary approach, I may also use cupping, massage, herbal support, yoga therapy, or lifestyle advice where it’s appropriate to support your recovery.
Acupuncture can help with a wide range of conditions — including injuries, chronic pain, headaches, insomnia, hormonal issues, digestive problems, stress, and fatigue. Whether your concern is recent or long-term, acupuncture offers a natural and effective way to restore balance and improve your wellbeing.
If you’re looking for experienced acupuncture care in the North Shore area, I’m here to help. You’re welcome to book online or reach out with any questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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
An underlying principle of TCM is that illness and pain occur when the body’s qi, yin or yang, energy is out of balance. All the methods within TCM aim to bring these energies into harmony and balance.
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 depends on the acupuncture treatment, you could feel super relaxed like floating on a cloud, more warmth, energy and vitality, a feeling of lightness, a feeling of stability and being grounded, increased clarity of mind and a brighter vision, tired and wiped out, dull sore muscles like you had a workout at the gym these are the most common feelings after an acupuncture session. A good acupuncture practitioner will be able to design a treatment plan and pick how you will feel afterwards and to be able to communicate this to you.
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:
- Knee pain
- Sciatica
- Heel pain
- Sinusitis
- Piriformis Pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Sports injuries
- Neck pain
- Infertility
- Anxiety and stress-related issues
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Digestive disorders
- PMS
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Allergies and hay fever
- Depression and mood disorders
- Fatigue and low energy
- Nausea and vomiting (e.g., related to chemotherapy)
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Piriformis Pain
- Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Bell’s Palsy
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylitis)
- Postoperative pain and recovery
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Migraine
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.
