WELL WITHIN ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture & Wellbeing Support in Christchurch
Where healing begins with being heard
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Where healing begins with being heard //
ACUPUNCTURIST IN CHRISTCHURCH
Hi, I’m Jess Smith, Registered Acupuncturist and Yoga Teacher.
My background in yoga, somatic movement, and a long interest in natural health has given me a deep appreciation for the connection between body, mind, and lifestyle — and it's this foundation that shapes the calm, attentive, and patient-centred care I bring to the clinic today.
The Way I Work
I offer Acupuncture alongside cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, diet and lifestyle guidance. Sessions are guided by TCM principles and tailored to each individual presentation.
I have a particular interest in supporting women through different stages of life, including menstrual health, fertility, postpartum care, stress, burnout, perimenopause, menopause, and ageing gracefully.
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Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner (New Zealand)
Registered Member — Acupuncture NZBachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine) New Zealand School of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (NZSOA), Auckland 2025
Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher (RYT)
Further Study & Continuing Education
Five Element Nutrition — Qi Food Therapy (Australia 2025)
Chinese Dietary Therapy — Pacific Rim College (online 2023)
Certificate Facial Acupuncture — Michelle Gillis (Sydney 2026)
Certified in Satya, levels 1,2,3 yoga Somatics & yoga philosophy — Prajna Yoga Tias Little (2022)VMI - Visceral manipulation: Abdomen Barral Institute Feb 2023
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science, Kaplan Univeristy 2010
Neuro-Linguistic Programming Training (2009) -
Traditional Chinese Medicine views health through patterns within the whole person rather than isolated symptoms.
My approach is steady and considered. Rather than focusing on quick solutions, sessions are guided by an understanding of underlying patterns and the body’s natural pace.
Acupuncture is often approached as a course of care over time. Individual experiences vary, and some people choose to attend a series of treatments as part of their wellbeing support.
How I can Support You
I provide Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture and related therapies for people seeking support with:
- Women’s health
- Stress & burnout
- Pain & recovery
- Facial acupuncture
- Yoga & movement support
Each session is individualised and may include acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha or Chinese dietary guidance where appropriate.
We begin with a detailed conversation about your health history and current concerns. Treatment is guided by Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and adapted to your presentation and comfort level. From there needles will be placed and left to rest for about 25-30 minutes
APPOINTMENTS & FEES
Payment is required on the day of your appointment or can be prepaid in advance. ACC is currently available at AcuPhysio Redcliffs. Facial Acupuncture appointments are offered at the Sumner Clinic.
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Due to appointment scheduling and demand, cancellations with less than 48 hours notice for Initial Appointments or less than 24 hours notice for Follow-Up Appointments may incur a fee of 50% of the full private treatment cost.
Choose Your Appointment
Private Consultations & ACC
AcuPhysio Redcliffs
General Acupuncture
ACC
Pain & Injury
Mondays & Thursdays · 9am–4pm
9 Augusta Street, Redcliffs, Christchurch
Well Within Acupuncture
Sumner Clinic
Women's Health Acupuncture
Facial Acupuncture
Tuesdays · 9am–4pm
42 Nayland Street, Sumner,
Christchurch
How to book
Appointments can be booked online using the links below.
For Private & ACC Consultations, click Book Redcliffs. You will be taken to the AcuPhysio booking page, where you can select Acupuncturist and then choose your appointment type.
For Women's Health & Facial Acupuncture, click Book Sumner to view available appointments.
If you have any questions before booking, I'd love to hear from you.
Learn more about the treatments, therapies, and approach used within the clinic.
Frequently asked Questions
Learn more about the treatments, therapies, and approach used within the clinic.
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Treatments are tailored to the individual and may include acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, tui na, or Chinese dietary guidance depending on your presentation and needs.
AcupunctureAcupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving the insertion of very fine, single-use sterile needles into specific points on the body. The needles are much thinner and sensations vary from person to person, though many people experience little discomfort during treatment.
Traditional Chinese medicine views health as a dynamic state of balance within the body. Modern research suggests acupuncture may influence the nervous system, circulation, and physiological processes involved in rest, recovery, and regulation.
Cupping
Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine technique using gentle suction on the skin to encourage movement and circulation through areas of tension or congestion within the body. Many people describe cupping as feeling like a deep, lifting massage. Temporary circular marks may appear after treatment and typically fade within a few days.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses smooth-edged tools to gently stroke the skin and tissues. It is commonly used on the neck, shoulders, back, jaw, or face to encourage movement and circulation through areas that may feel tense or stagnant.
Body gua sha can sometimes leave temporary redness or marking on the skin, while facial gua sha is generally much gentler.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (often called “moxa”) is a warming technique used in traditional Chinese medicine involving the burning of the herb mugwort near specific acupuncture points. It is traditionally used to warm and support the body and may be incorporated into treatment where appropriate.
Tui Na
Tui na is a form of Chinese medical massage that uses rhythmic hands-on techniques to support movement, circulation, and relaxation within the body. Treatments may include gentle mobilization, pressure point work, and soft tissue techniques depending on the individual.
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This depends on your individual presentation, overall health, and how long symptoms have been present. Some people notice changes quickly, while others experience more gradual shifts over a series of treatments.
Treatment plans are discussed collaboratively and adjusted as your body responds. In the beginning, sessions are often recommended weekly or fortnightly depending on your needs.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can easily expose key areas like your neck, chest, torso, arms, and legs.
For facial acupuncture, please come with a clean face, and no makeup/sunscreen.
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Many people notice subtle changes after their first treatment, such as improved skin hydration, circulation, relaxation, or a healthy glow. However, facial acupuncture works best as a course of care rather than a one-off treatment.
I generally recommend weekly or fortnightly sessions for an initial series of 3–6 treatments before transitioning to monthly maintenance sessions. The number of treatments recommended will vary depending on your age, skin concerns, lifestyle, and overall state of health.
Facial acupuncture takes a holistic approach, focusing not only on the face but also on supporting the body's underlying imbalances. By addressing factors such as stress, sleep, digestion, and circulation, we aim to support both skin health and overall wellbeing. As internal balance improves, many people find this is reflected in the appearance and quality of their skin.
Yoga & Movement
Alongside acupuncture, I continue to teach yoga and somatic movement practices in Christchurch.
Over the past two decades, my teaching has been shaped by a range of somatic and therapeutic movement approaches that explore the relationship between breath, fascia, posture, movement, and wellbeing. This ongoing study and personal practice continue to inform both my yoga teaching and my approach to supporting people in clinic.
Private sessions and group classes are available periodically. Please get in touch for more information.