Questions people ask before booking

Booking is by WhatsApp — it is the fastest way to reach Cloris. Message +64 20 424 2666 with a short description of what is going on and when suits you. You can also reach her on WeChat (ID: Huifei8888) or by email at Aromacmc@gmail.com. Appointments run Monday to Saturday, with evening appointments available.

Acupuncture needles are very fine — much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood tests. Most people feel a brief prick, then sensations such as pressure, warmth, tingling or heaviness around the point. The needles stay in while you rest, in a quiet room, usually for around twenty minutes. Tell Cloris at any time if something feels uncomfortable; the treatment is adjusted to you, and you can ask to stop at any point.

Chinese medicine is a regulated health profession in New Zealand. Cloris is a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, and a member of NZASA and NZCMAS. You can check any Chinese medicine practitioner’s registration on the Chinese Medicine Council public register. Only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used and disposed of after each treatment. Please let her know before your session if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners or other medication, have a bleeding disorder, a pacemaker or any implant, so the treatment can be adapted.

Yes — for an accepted injury claim, ACC contributes to the cost of your treatment and your co-payment at Aroma Acupuncture is $10 per session. ACC only covers treatment related to a covered injury, not general or pre-existing conditions, and treatment must be provided by a registered provider. Acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion can all be funded under a covered injury. Chinese herbs and supplements are not funded by ACC and are paid for separately. Without ACC, acupuncture is $80 and fire cupping is $30.

Yes. Your ACC claim needs to be accepted before your visit for the $10 ACC rate to apply. If you already have an accepted claim, bring your claim number. If you don't yet have a claim, contact Cloris before booking and she can advise you on the next step. If your claim has been lodged but ACC has not yet decided on cover, Cloris can still assess and treat you — but if the claim is not accepted, the visit is charged at the private rate.

It depends on the issue, how long you have had it, and how your body responds. Cloris reassesses at every visit and will tell you honestly what she expects — no packages are sold up front and no outcome is guaranteed. If you are treated under ACC, up to 12 treatments within 12 weeks can be provided without needing prior approval from ACC, counted from your first acupuncture session and within 52 weeks of your accident. If you need more than that, further treatment can be requested from ACC.

Your first visit begins with a proper consultation: your symptoms, medical history, medications, and what you want to get back to doing. Cloris then explains her assessment and the treatment plan before anything begins. Treatment may include acupuncture, and where appropriate cupping, moxibustion or herbal medicine. Allow a little extra time for this first session.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be moved to reach the area being treated — for a knee or lower back, shorts are useful. Towels are used for draping and privacy throughout. If you are using ACC, bring your claim number — it is needed for the $10 ACC rate. Also bring a list of any medication you take, and any relevant scans or referral letters. Avoid arriving straight after a large meal or alcohol.

The clinic is a home clinic in Browns Bay, near Sherwood Reserve, on Auckland's North Shore. Free parking is available. Because it is a home clinic, the exact address and entrance instructions are sent to you privately once your booking is confirmed.

Yes. Cloris consults in both English and Mandarin (中文), so you can describe your symptoms in whichever language you are most comfortable with. 我们提供中英文双语诊疗服务。

They are different approaches and both can be funded by ACC for a covered injury. Which suits you depends on your injury, what you have already tried, and your own preference. Some people use both alongside each other. If you are unsure, message Cloris and describe your situation — she will tell you honestly whether she thinks she can help.

People commonly seek acupuncture for lower-back pain and sciatica, sports injuries and strains, neck and shoulder pain, tennis or golfer's elbow, sleep and stress concerns, and women's health. Cloris will discuss your situation at the consultation. For any urgent or severe symptom, please see your GP or go to urgent care.