I have a massive phobia of needles. The fact that I seriously considered acupuncture, and then kept going back, is probably the clearest indication of how committed I've been to my recovery and how much I found it helped.
What it is
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese health practice involving the application of very fine needles into specific points throughout the body. These points lie along meridians, pathways through which qi (life force energy) flows. When qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can manifest as pain, dysfunction, or dis-ease. The needles work to unblock these pathways and restore flow.
The knowledge base is vast and has been developing for over 2,500 years. A qualified acupuncturist studies the meridian system, the relationships between organs and body systems, and the complex diagnostic frameworks of Chinese medicine for years. I've barely scratched the surface of understanding it, which I say as someone who finds it genuinely fascinating.
Acupuncture is recognised as a healthcare service in New Zealand and is partly funded by ACC for injury-related treatment. Sessions are typically $40 to $80 with ACC subsidy, and run from 30 minutes to an hour.
What the research says
The evidence base for acupuncture is mixed, which is partly a function of how hard it is to design good control conditions for needle-based treatments. Where the evidence is strongest is in pain management, particularly chronic pain and headache. There is also growing evidence for its effects on nervous system regulation, sleep, and anxiety.
For concussion specifically, acupuncture is used in some clinical settings to address headache, neck pain, sleep disturbance, and mood symptoms. The biological mechanisms being investigated include effects on neurotransmitter levels, inflammatory pathways, and the autonomic nervous system.
Acupuncture versus dry needling: not the same thing
This distinction matters and is worth understanding before you book anything.
Dry needling uses similar needles but is based on Western anatomical principles rather than Chinese medicine. It targets trigger points in muscles to release tension. In New Zealand, many health practitioners can do a short course in dry needling and begin using it in their practice. It is not regulated in the same way as acupuncture.
This is not to say dry needling is without value. But the variation in practitioner experience is significant, and for people with concussion and heightened nervous system sensitivity, a poorly executed session can have a real impact. Before agreeing to dry needling, ask specifically about the practitioner's training and experience level. If in doubt, seek out a qualified acupuncturist for needle-based treatment.
Ally's experience
A needle phobic who keeps booking sessions
I'll be transparent: the needles used in acupuncture are so fine you often barely feel them. They're nothing like the needles used for injections or blood draws. Once I understood that, the phobia became much more manageable.
What I've found most noticeable is the effect on brain fog and the overall sense of nervous system settling after a session. Pain reduction is real too, particularly in my neck and shoulders. But the cognitive clarity piece surprised me most.
The dry needling story is also worth sharing. My first experience was fine, a slightly dead shoulder for a day or two but then genuine relief. The second time, a different physio, my body reacted badly. Headaches, feeling completely wired, soreness through my shoulders and hands for over a week. The nervous system stress was significant. Same technique, very different outcomes depending on the practitioner.
That experience taught me to ask questions before agreeing to anything needle-related. How long have you been doing this? How many patients with TBI or concussion have you treated? What's your approach if someone reacts badly? A practitioner who can answer those questions clearly is worth the extra effort to find.