Acupuncture on the Sunshine Coast
An integrated approach to acupuncture
Acupuncture is a natural and holistic way to support your health and wellbeing. Pain, stress, fatigue, recurrent injuries, digestive problems, and poor sleep do not have to be a part of everyday life. Acupuncture restores balance, reduces pain and relaxes your body.
We are focused on your healing
Everyone deserves to live a vibrant life with optimal health. At Nautilus Acupuncture, our goal is to support you to get there and stay there. We work with our clients to help them overcome a range of symptoms and health concerns.
-
Pain relief
Knee pain, osteoarthritis, neck, low back, shoulder pain, joint problems, sports injuries
-
Migraines & headaches
Tension headaches, stress management, anxiety, insomnia, TMJ pain
-
Allergies & immune support
Recurrent sinus congestion, facial pain, sinus pressure, immunity support
-
Digestive issues
Irritable bowel, constipation, post-operative, chemotherapy-induced nausea
-
Women’s health
Menstrual pain, cycle regulation, natural fertility support, menopausal hot flushes, fatigue
-
Pregnancy support
Back and pelvic pain, nausea, reflux, headaches, natural labour preparation, post-partum care
Acupuncture: Modern science meets traditional medicine
A new understanding of an ancient practice
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is a holistic system of healthcare that dates back more than 2,500 years. It is one of the most widely used and comprehensively researched Eastern medical practices still in use around the globe today.
Nowadays, Acupuncture is integrated into mainstream healthcare in many areas of the world including midwifery and maternity care in New Zealand, cancer support in Australia, and chronic pain in the USA.
Stimulates the body’s own pain killing chemicals in the brain
There is nothing stronger than the body’s own pain-killing chemicals (known as ‘endogenous opioids’). They have strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on the body and are involved in reducing the sensation and experience of pain.
Acupuncture can be beneficial for a variety of pain related conditions and studies show that the effects are long lasting.
Promotes ‘feel good’ hormones
We know that exercise, fresh air, a massage, a piece of chocolate, a belly laugh or a big hug make us feel good. That’s because these activities release an assortment of feel good chemicals in our brain. Endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin all contribute to a greater sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate pathways in the central nervous system that can increase these feel good hormones. This has a positive effect on many different parts of our body from improving our mood and motivation to how we experience pain and stress.
Releasing these hormones signals the body that it is safe, secure and that it is ok to turn off its stress response, creating increased feelings of wellbeing.
Nervous system support & regulation
Tension, tightness, shallow breathing, a busy mind, a clenched jaw or a knot in your stomach are some of the signs that your body is using its ‘flight or fight’ response.
The fight and flight response is activated when we perceive a threat and is helpful to keep us safe. Our nervous system should predominantly be in a state of ‘rest and digest’ but in the Western world we are spending much of our day in fight or flight! Our nervous systems are in overdrive because of our excessively busy and increasingly stressful lives.
Acupuncture can help you to experience more ‘rest and digest’ moments and teach you ways to stay there.
Rest and repair
To goal of acupuncture is to help the body heal itself. This is done by bringing your body into a state of balance (homeostasis), switching off the stress response and activating the body’s own repair mechanisms. When this happens your internal organs, muscle function, cell regeneration, digestion, immune system, and endocrine (hormone) system can function more efficiently.
A range of supportive treatments
At Nautilus Acupuncture, your treatment can be paired with a variety of supportive treatments to enhance treatment effectiveness.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has the capacity to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms. Improved blood flow, decreased inflammation, relaxed muscles, more energy, and less stress are just some of the ways it can support your general health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine single use disposable needles into specific points on the body. These points are selected based on your presenting symptoms and concerns. Some needles may produce a gentle sensation when the acupuncture point is activated/stimulated but it is rare to feel pain or discomfort.
The aim of your acupuncture treatment is to create balance in the internal organ systems and flow in the external channel pathways (meridians).
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese medicine and acupuncture considers your primary health concern and any factors that may have contributed to it. This is known as the ‘Ben and Biao’ which translates to the ‘root and branches’ or ‘cause and effect’. We aim to identify and address both of these in your healing journey.
Chinese herbs are a beneficial way to complement your acupuncture treatment. It is another way of working from ‘the inside out’ to address imbalances or inefficiencies and regulate the body systems to further support your wellbeing in between acupuncture treatments.
At Nautilus Acupuncture we use ready made herbal formulas that come in small pill or capsule form. We only stock herbs that are of the highest quality and that meet the Australian Therapeutic Goods Authority standards.
Cupping therapy
Cupping therapy is a technique where small glass cups are used to create a suction effect on the skin. Traditionally used for headaches, pain relief, cold and flu symptoms, and relaxation. The moderate suction pulls the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup which promotes increased blood flow to the area, a healing response in the tissues, improved lymphatic flow, and a pleasant lifting sensation in areas of tension and tightness.
Once the suction has occurred the cups can be gently moved across the skin in a gliding/sliding motion. This creates similar effects to a deep tissue massage but feels very different to the press and hold techniques commonly used. Traditional cupping can leave areas of discolouration on the skin where the cups have been placed, however, it is not necessary to have big bold bruising to achieve therapeutic results. This can be discussed with your practitioner at the time of treatment.
Cupping can be booked as a stand-alone treatment or can be included in your Acupuncture treatment if it is suitable for your presenting concerns.
Dry needling
Dry needling is excellent for both acute and chronic conditions. It is especially effective when combined with acupuncture points as any contributing factors are concurrently addressed.
Dry needling (‘trigger point therapy’) is a technique where an acupuncture needle is used specifically to release a tight muscle or area of tension in the fascia. There may be a slight ‘twitch’ sensation as the muscle belly and connective tissue softens.
Dry needling from an acupuncturist may feel quite different to dry needling from other physical therapists.
Moxibustion therapy
Moxibustion (‘moxa’) therapy is used to warm, activate and move the qi (energy) in the channels, enhance the effect of acupuncture points, strengthen the internal organ system, and alleviate pain.
Moxibustion therapy is a form of heat therapy that consists of burning the herb mugwort (‘artemisia vulgaris’ or ‘ai ye’) on or above specific acupuncture points, painful joints and other areas of the body depending on your health needs. The gentle warmth that is created often feels very soothing, nurturing, nourishing and relaxing. It is both the heat and the qualities of the mugwort that contribute to the therapeutic effects of this traditional therapy.
Moxa therapy has been used for many millennia to support health, healing, vitality and immunity and is a therapy that can also be applied at home under the instruction of your practitioner.
Tui-na massage
Tui-ma massage is an oriental style of massage that utilises techniques that align with the Chinese medical model of health and support the desired outcome of your treatment.
Pressing, rolling, lifting, rubbing, kneading, wiping, and shaking are some of the methods used in tui-na massage. These techniques may be combined with a more remedial style of body work depending on the area of concern and what your body needs in that moment. Medicated liniments are sometimes applied at the end of the massage to complement the therapeutic benefits.
Tui-na massage is another simple and enjoyable way to enhance and prolong the effectiveness of treatments as some of these techniques can be continued at home.
FAQs
-
Acupuncture uses the framework of Chinese Medicine. The Acupuncture points are selected based on your signs and symptoms and any underlying health factors that are identified.
Chinese Medicine is based on the simple principles:
‘Any system that is in harmony tends towards health, wellbeing, and sustainability. A system that is in disharmony tends towards illness, disease, suffering, and collapse.’
Everything is interconnected and interdependent (Yin and Yang). Qi (the body's vital energy) flows along meridians (channels) in the body and keeps a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance.
Understanding your body in a way that makes sense to you is a priority at Nautilus Acupuncture.
-
Acupuncture should not hurt or be painful in any way. You may feel a slight prick on the skin as the needle is inserted then a sensation when the acupuncture point or trigger point is activated. This sensation is felt differently by everyone and can range from a very mild ache to a warm, slight heaviness or a gentle pull. This sensation eases very quickly and for the rest of the treatment you can relax into the experience and enjoy the benefits of acupuncture. Most people find it quite pleasant.
Acupuncture is not like having blood taken or receiving an injection - the needles used for these procedures are much larger than the needles used in acupuncture treatments.
-
Yes, you can combine acupuncture with a range of other therapies. Acupuncture is great on its own, however, the addition of other therapies such as tui-na massage, cupping and moxa therapy is very much part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and our approach at Nautilus Acupuncture.
Depending on your health concerns you can receive acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment, but often we will combine it with at least one other supportive therapy. This can be discussed with your practitioner at the time of your appointment.
-
If you’re unsure if acupuncture is right for you, please call (0428 942 010) or email us (laura@nautilusacupuncture.com.au) - we're here to answer any questions you may have.
We also offer a free acupuncture consultation if you prefer to come into the clinic to discuss your acupuncture treatment. If you’d like to book a (10 minute) consultation, please contact us directly as these cannot be booked online.
-
This is very much dependent on what concerns you are seeking treatment for, how long they have been problematic, and any other underlying health conditions that may be present.
In most cases, you should feel a change after your first treatment. Your practitioner will usually recommend a short course of treatments depending on the complaint and the desired results. This process is always a collaborative effort where you get to contribute to the decision making process about how to move forward on your healing journey.
Often clients will come for a particular complaint and then choose to stay on for regular maintenance treatments because they like the comprehensive way their health is supported.
-
Your first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We take a very detailed history that takes into account all areas of your health, some of which may not seem relevant to your main complaint, but in the Chinese Medicine way of looking at things, they often are.
We will also feel your pulse, look at your tongue and sometimes inspect an area of concern. Then we will ask you to lay on the treatment table face up or face down either clothed or partially clothed (but always covered with towels).
There is usually plenty of time for a 30 to 40 minute acupuncture treatment on your first visit. Subsequent treatments are 45 minutes.
-
Our pricing is as follows:
Initial visit (1 hour): $110
Follow up appointment (45 minutes): $95
Follow up Concession (45 minutes): $85
Follow up paediatric (30 minutes): $75
Cupping + massage (30 minutes): $70
-
Yes - acupuncture is covered by all private health funds.
We do not have a Hicaps machine onsite, you will receive a receipt via text or email which you can use to make a manual claim with your health fund.
Got further questions for Nautilus Acupuncture?
Meet our Founder, Laura
Nautilus Acupuncture was built upon Laura Campbell’s strong drive to educate, empower and enable people of all ages to live healthier, balanced and vibrant lives.
Laura has dedicated her life to healthcare with more than 20 years as an emergency nurse and over 10 years as a registered acupuncturist. It’s this blend of the Eastern and Western models of healthcare that makes Nautilus Acupuncture unique. Laura recognises that while Western medicine has an incredible capacity to save lives and manage complicated health problems, there are some areas where a more holistic and integrated approach is beneficial. Laura believes a greater understanding of Chinese Medicine and the role it can have in health and wellbeing could support better health outcomes for all.
