Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that works on the body’s meridians to balance the flow of energy through it (called Qi and pronounced Chi).

Acupuncture Dunedin: South Island Acupuncture

There are many forms and styles of acupuncture. Collin practices using many Japanese styles, based around very small needles, and gentle responses. Occasionally it is beneficial to elicit a stronger response, which patients often describe as a slight “jolt of energy.” Once the needles are in, the treatment should be painless, comfortable, and relaxing.

Modern acupuncture treatments use sterile, single use, stainless steel needles, gently inserted into the skin, to elicit a healing response. Many modern acupuncturists both in China and Western countries, practice acupuncture based in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Collin’s training was based in TCM, at the New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is an age old Traditional Chinese Medicine artform that has been practiced throughout Asia for over 2000 years. Acupuncture uses the nerve pathways to stimulate and heal the body, bringing balance and restoring wellbeing.

Collin’s training also includes the use of:

Moxibustion; a form of therapy that combines the application of heat to acupuncture points. It is traditionally used alongside acupuncture and aims to warm the body and eliminate stagnation to help the body restore its optimal health. It involves the burning of dried plant/herb materials called “moxa” or “mugwort, scientific name Artemisia vulgaris” on particular points on the body to relieve chills from the body and to help naturally rebalance the person’s vital energy called “qi”.

Cupping; based on the meridian theory of the body. It involves placing cups on specific acupoints to improve energy flow within the body. Doing so helps rejuvenate certain meridians and organs that are not in optimal condition. Cupping therapy is a form of ancient medicine that originated in China. It is based on the belief that certain health conditions are generally caused by stagnant blood and poor energy flow through the body.

Tuina; using acupressure, and gentle massage techniques to help release blockages, clear excess, and help strengthen deficiencies.

Collin’s journey with acupuncture began after years of struggling with digestive issues that failed to improve with western medicine. After painful surgeries and unwanted side effects of medication, he reluctantly tried acupuncture, and was shocked to find his symptoms improve dramatically after just one treatment. After years of working on organic farms across the United States he decided to move to New Zealand to be closer to family and study acupuncture. After graduating from NZSATCM in Auckland he moved to Dunedin to help his brother and sister-in-law bring up their four young boys. Collin loves being an established Acupuncturist in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Since acupuncture has played a critical role in helping Collin improve his own digestive health, he particularly enjoys helping patients to overcome their own health struggles. Collin takes a personal and gentle approach to help his patients achieve their health goals.