What should I wear to my first acupuncture appointment?

Loose, comfy clothing is ideal — something you can easily roll up past the elbows and knees, since a lot of our points sit on the lower arms and legs. If you're in something fitted, no stress; we have gowns and towels and we'll always keep you comfortable and covered. Come as you are.

Can I claim acupuncture on my health fund?

Yes, if your private health extras cover acupuncture. We have HICAPS on-site, so you simply bring your health fund card and claim your rebate on the spot at the end of your appointment — you only pay the gap. The rebate depends on your fund and level of cover, so check with your insurer if you'd like the exact figure beforehand.

How often should I come for acupuncture?

It depends on what you're working with. For something acute or long-standing, we often suggest weekly sessions for the first handful of visits to build momentum, then space them out as things improve. For general wellbeing and tune-ups, fortnightly or monthly works beautifully. Re or Ali will map out a plan that suits your body and your life at your first visit.

Your First Acupuncture Visit in Coolangatta

so you're thinking about acupuncture for the first time. maybe a friend raved about it, maybe your body's been waving a little white flag, maybe you're just curious. whatever brought you here, welcome. a first visit can feel like stepping into the unknown, so let's take the mystery out of it. here's exactly what your first acupuncture appointment in Coolangatta looks like, start to finish.

Finding us (look up, we're above Maverick)

We're on the first floor of Maverick on Griffith St, Coolangatta, the full address is First Floor, 1/17 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225. Head up the stairs and you'll find our warm little apothecary room waiting: exposed brick, a velvet chair, an Edison bulb glowing, herbs lined up like old friends. It smells like the good stuff. If you get a bit turned around, give us a buzz on 0406 660 720 and we'll guide you in.

The first 90 minutes (the good, slow kind)

Your first appointment runs for 90 minutes, and yes, we use most of it. This isn't a rushed in-and-out. It's the appointment where we actually get to know you and your body.

The intake (the part where we listen)

Re or Ali will sit with you and ask about, well, everything, sleep, digestion, energy, stress, your cycle, that old injury you've made peace with, how you've been feeling lately. In Chinese medicine the whole picture matters, so a question about your sleep might be the thread that explains the headache. We'll likely check your pulse and have a peek at your tongue too (it tells us more than you'd think). No question is too small or too weird.

The treatment (Japanese-style, barely-there needles)

Here's the bit people worry about most: the needles. We practise Japanese-style acupuncture, which is famously gentle, the needles are whisper-thin and inserted shallowly, and most people are genuinely surprised when we say "all done, they're in." You can barely feel them. Ali trained with a sensei in Japan and has well over a decade of experience, so you're in steady hands.

The slow part (this is where the magic happens)

Once the needles are in, you get to do absolutely nothing. You rest on the table for 20-30 minutes while your body settles. Most people drift into a deep, floaty calm, we call it the "acu-nap." This stillness isn't filler; it's a core part of how the treatment is thought to work, giving your nervous system room to shift gears. Sometimes Ali might add moxa (a warming herb said to support Qi and circulation) or send you home with a herbal formula. Pins and herbs and pins and herbs, as we like to say.

The needles do their thing, but the rest is where you actually let go. Most people leave feeling like they've had the best nap of their life.

What it costs

Clear and simple, no surprises:

First appointment, $170 for the full 90 minutes (intake + treatment + the slow part)
Standard appointment, $120 for 60 minutes (your follow-ups)

The first session costs a little more because of that longer, thorough intake, it's the foundation everything else is built on.

HICAPS rebates, claimed on the spot

If you have private health insurance with extras that include acupuncture, good news: we have HICAPS, so you can claim your rebate right here at the end of your appointment. Just bring your health fund card, tap it like you would at the physio, and you only pay the gap. No paperwork to chase, no receipts to mail off. How much you get back depends on your fund and level of cover, worth a quick check with your insurer if you'd like to know your exact rebate beforehand.

How to book (the real link)

Booking takes about a minute. Head to our Cliniko page at being-acupuncture.au2.cliniko.com/bookings, pick a time that suits you, and you're set. Prefer a human? Call or text us on 0406 660 720, we love a chat.

That's it. No special prep, no fasting, no need to overthink it. Just come as you are, with a body that's ready to be listened to. Ready to feel the difference? Book your first appointment online at our Cliniko page or call us on 0406 660 720, we'll see you upstairs above Maverick. Let's go!

Your First Acupuncture Visit: What to Expect, What It Costs