How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?

If you’re considering trying acupuncture, one of the first questions that come to mind is how much does acupuncture cost? The cost of acupuncture treatments can depend on various factors, including location as well as the practitioner’s experience. Other things influence the price like session duration and additional services provided. Understanding these factors can help you estimate the prices more accurately.

What is Acupuncture?

Before diving into costs, let us understand what this treatment is and why it’s done. Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that originated in ancient China. The process involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to treat various health conditions.

Acupuncturists select which points to the needle based on the patient’s particular symptoms and condition. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the proper flow and balance of ‘Qi’. Stimulating the acupuncture points is believed to rebalance the flow of ‘Qi.’ This allows the body to function properly and heal itself.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health issues. Many people know that acupuncture is used for pain relief. However, this ancient practice can provide benefits for many different conditions. Let’s explore some of the specific health problems that acupuncture can help with.

  • Chronic Pain Relief: Acupuncture is renowned for easing chronic pain by stimulating specific points in the body. It relaxes muscles, boosts blood flow, and triggers the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals. Many people find relief from back pain, arthritis-related knee discomfort, headaches, and migraines by using this therapy.

  • Digestive Issues: Believe it or not, acupuncture can be extremely helpful for resolving several digestive complaints. It may provide relief for issues like acid reflux, bloating, and constipation. It also helps with diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and nausea. The calming and restorative effects of acupuncture can help to regulate digestive function.

  • Women’s Health: Acupuncture shows promising results in managing women’s health concerns such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and fertility. Many women also turn to this treatment to help manage symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.

  • Mental Health: In addition to physical benefits, acupuncture may have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. It complements treatments for anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia by rebalancing mood-regulating brain chemicals. After this treatment, patients often experience a sense of calmness and relaxation.

  • Chronic Respiratory Issues: Those dealing with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies may find acupuncture beneficial. It may help reduce inflammation in the airways, making breathing a lot easier. Moreover, it helps decrease reliance on medications that control respiratory flare-ups.

How Much Does It Cost for Acupuncture Treatments?

Acupuncture prices can range from relatively affordable to quite expensive. This depends on the specific treatment and the practitioner you choose to work with. Knowing how much acupuncture costs is vital for people considering this treatment. It helps them plan their healthcare spending and choose the best treatment for their budget. The initial consultation usually takes longer as it involves diagnosis and tests. This price often covers the treatment procedure as well.

Additional services, such as herbal medicines, may come with extra charges. The number of treatments required depends on the severity of the condition, which is determined during the initial session. There are specific acupuncture techniques tailored for cancer patients, arthritis sufferers, and more. You will also find treatments for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness and those seeking migraine relief, among others. The cost for acupuncture sessions also varies depending on the complexity of the treatment.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Acupuncture Treatments

Acupuncture fees can vary depending on several factors. By considering these factors, you can better understand the cost range of acupuncture in your area. Here are some of the key points that influence the prices:

  • Location: The cost tends to be higher in urban areas, major cities, and affluent neighbourhoods compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

  • Expertise: More experienced acupuncturists, especially those with advanced degrees or specialisations, typically charge higher rates.

  • Initial vs. Follow-up Visits: The first session includes a full health evaluation and is longer. It usually costs more than later follow-up visits.

  • Treatment Duration: Longer sessions or more extensive therapies cost more. They may include extra techniques like cupping or moxibustion.

  • Insurance Coverage: If your health insurance plan covers acupuncture treatments, even partially, it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

  • Discounts and Packages: Some practitioners offer discounts for students, healthcare cardholders, or pensioners. Clients booking multiple sessions may also receive discounted rates.

  • Treatment Approach: Certain acupuncture styles or techniques, like Japanese-style acupuncture or electro-acupuncture, may cost more. This is due to the extra training and equipment they require.

  • Supplementary Services: Some acupuncturists offer supplementary services like herbal consultations, nutritional counselling, or massage therapy. These can add to the overall cost of a treatment session.

The cost of acupuncture can vary widely, but it’s generally a relatively affordable treatment option. If you’re seeking high-quality acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services in Melbourne, Aster Chinese Medicine is the perfect choice. We’re renowned for our effective acupuncture treatments and TCM services. Our team comprises experienced practitioners with extensive knowledge of Chinese acupuncture.

Acupuncture Pricing at Aster Chinese Medicine

At Aster Chinese Medicine, we offer acupuncture services at affordable rates. Our licensed experts offer consultation for first-time visitors and arrange subsequent sessions accordingly. Our goal is to provide incredible relief to our clients at a reasonable price. To give you a more specific example, let’s look at the pricing we offer:

  • Consultation:

    • Initial Consultation + Acupuncture Treatment: $125
    • Initial Cosmetic Acupuncture: $250
    • Short Consultation (Herbal Repeating): $35

  • Treatment:

    • Return Consultation + Acupuncture: $95
    • Return Cosmetic Acupuncture: $180
    • Acupuncture + Cupping or Moxa: $125
    • Cupping / Moxa Therapy (45 mins): $90

  • Herbs:

    • Concentrated Herbal Powder (per day): $10-15
    • Pills (per bottle): $25-45

At Aster Chinese Medicine, we’re committed to providing top-quality healthcare and helping our clients achieve optimum health. Dr. Tess Chang, our AHPRA registered practitioner, brings over 10 years of clinical experience in this field. Our convenient appointment system allows you to book in advance, and we cater to clients from various inner suburbs of Melbourne. It includes Toorak, Whittlesea, Kew, Richmond, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Malvern, and South Melbourne.

The philosophy at Aster Chinese Medicine is rooted in care, belief, and wisdom. We understand that the body has an intelligent healing system, and our goal is to support it with the best ancient practices. Our team provides personalised care and takes the time to understand each patient’s condition and make custom treatment plans.

We strive to provide our patients with top-notch treatment at an affordable price. Our clear prices and package options let you choose the plan that suits your needs and budget. Not only acupuncture, at our clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of therapies. These include cupping, scraping (gua sha), moxibustion, herbal medicine, and dietary advice. We are equipped with top-of-the-line facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. This is to ensure a safe and effective treatment experience for our clients.

Still, you may have queries regarding how much is acupuncture before you get the treatment. For that, you can contact us via email at astertcm@gmail.com. You can also call us on 0458 186 888 for more information.

FAQs

Acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM. It involves stimulating specific points on the body by inserting thin needles. According to this ancient system, the treatment helps rebalance the flow of energy or “qi” in the body. When qi is balanced and flowing freely, it allows the body to function optimally and facilitates natural healing processes.

During your first visit, the acupuncturist will discuss your health concerns and medical history. They will examine areas like your pulse and tongue to develop a treatment plan. Once you are resting comfortably, they will insert very thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on your body.

The needles are left in for 20-40 minutes and you may feel a slight pinching sensation but typically no significant pain. After the needles are removed, you can go about your day as normal.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including:

  • Chronic pain (back pain, neck pain, arthritis, etc.)
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Digestive issues
  • Insomnia and sleep disorders
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Allergies and asthma
  • Infertility and menstrual irregularities
  • Skin conditions

The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin and most people report feeling little to no discomfort during the treatment. Some may experience a slight pinching sensation when the needles are inserted, but this is usually brief and minimal.