Evidence-based, gentle and tailored to you, at our Highgate Hill clinic in Brisbane.
We believe true healing happens when the body, mind and spirit are supported together. Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most effective natural therapies in the world, helping restore balance, reduce pain and improve overall wellbeing.
What acupuncture may help with
Acupuncture is a key part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, using very fine, sterile needles inserted into specific points on the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these points sit along pathways called meridians, and the aim is to restore the smooth flow of the body's energy, called Qi (pronounced "chee"). In plain terms, that flow of energy maps closely onto your nervous system and circulation, the actual channels your body uses to send signals and move blood around.
Modern research backs up why this works. Needling a point can trigger the release of your body's own natural painkillers, chemicals called endorphins, and can help settle an overactive nervous system. The exact effect depends on how the needles are used, sometimes gently stimulated by hand, sometimes with a very light electrical current run through them, called electroacupuncture, which can be tuned to different frequencies depending on whether the goal is pain relief or deeper relaxation. Either way, it can also help regulate hormones, ease inflammation and support your body's own healing processes.
Thousands of years of clinical use, now supported by modern research into pain and inflammation.
Gently inserted into carefully chosen points, usually felt as warmth, heaviness or deep relaxation.
Often paired with physiotherapy, Chinese herbal medicine and clinical Pilates to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
By combining acupuncture with physiotherapy, Chinese herbal medicine and clinical Pilates, we aim to address the root cause of your health concerns, not just the symptoms.
Not sure whether you need acupuncture, physiotherapy, or both? See our full physiotherapy vs acupuncture comparison. Considering dry needling instead? Read acupuncture vs dry needling.
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Your practitioner takes the time to hear your story, understand your health history and design a plan that is right for you.
Gently inserted into carefully chosen points. Most people feel warmth, heaviness or deep relaxation.
Treatments are calming, and many patients rest or even doze off during their session.
Guidance to support recovery at home, with many people noticing a positive shift after just a few sessions.
Yes, when it's done properly. Every needle used is single-use, sterile and disposed of straight after your session, the same standard used in any medical setting. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, some light bruising at a needle site, or a little tiredness afterwards.
A few situations call for extra care. If you're pregnant, a small number of points are avoided, particularly in the first trimester and again once you're close to your due date. If you're on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, your practitioner adjusts technique accordingly. Always tell us about medications, pregnancy or any bleeding condition before your first session, so treatment can be planned safely around it.
Fine needles, careful placement and traditional Chinese herbal medicine, all part of treatment at Holistic Physio.
Why choose Holistic Physio for acupuncture in Brisbane?
“Sandra is exceptionally professional and kind. She patiently listened to my concerns and addressed all my needs with great care. Her acupuncture skills are outstanding, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the results. I highly recommend her services, 10/10!”
Zucca HoGoogle review
“Not having had acupuncture before, I didn't know what to expect. I have suffered on and off from lower back pain for nearly 30 years, and couldn't believe the relief I felt even after one session, and am now mostly pain free.”
Kim LetteGoogle review
“Sandra has been looking after me for some time providing acupuncture. Recently I had COVID and it was quite bad. Sandra noticed that my leg was swollen and insisted I go for an x-ray. I am now under a heart specialist and thankfully can say, Sandra you saved my life!”
Tania RyanGoogle review
“After just one session of acupuncture the sciatic pain has gone. After four treatments I feel so much better. The sciatica is gone and the hip is healing. I highly recommend this practitioner.”
ChristOpher PattonGoogle review
“Sandra is a very skilled acupuncturist! I hurt my neck from doing TKD and it was fixed within a couple of visits! She is also very accommodating and has very good bedside manners. Highly recommended!”
Lau PhoebeGoogle review
“Sandra was lovely and always gave you her full attention. Her acupuncture actually cured me of chronic back pain! I am so grateful.”
Em DavisGoogle review
A patient had lived with lower back pain on and off for nearly 30 years before trying acupuncture for the first time. They felt noticeable relief after just one session, something no previous treatment had achieved, and continued care built on that early result.
Details altered to protect patient privacy. Individual results vary and depend on your specific condition and history.
Ancient wisdom, modern wellness
It's more than a treatment. It's a reconnection to your body's natural rhythm and resilience.
A lot of people feel nervous before their first acupuncture session. Here's what usually helps.
The needles are ultra-fine, much thinner than an injection needle. Most people feel little more than a light tap, and many find the sessions deeply relaxing.
Yes, plenty of our patients started out nervous. We go at your pace, explain each step, and can start with just a few points to help you settle in.
Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and Sandra is accredited by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association.
Many people feel a shift after their first or second session, though it varies by condition. We'll talk through what to expect for you specifically.
No, you can book directly. A referral is only required for WorkCover, Veterans' Affairs, CTP or a Medicare chronic condition management plan.
In most cases, yes. The clinic is registered with all major health funds for physiotherapy, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, so most policies allow you to claim on the spot through HICAPS and just pay the gap. Check with your fund to confirm your level of cover.
It can be, with care. A small number of points are avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, and technique is adjusted for anyone on blood thinners or with a bleeding disorder. Always let your practitioner know about pregnancy, medications or any bleeding condition before your first session so treatment can be planned safely.
If you are searching for acupuncture in Brisbane to support your health naturally, we welcome you to Holistic Physio.