Rebalance your body and mind with holistic acupuncture that works to correct the source of your discomfort, not just the symptoms

Patchula Thompson's areas of interest include women's health, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Chinese Medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of imbalance. To determine the root cause of imbalance, Patchula uses three diagnostic methods: abdominal palpation, pulse assessment and tongue examination. These methods are always considered alongside specific presenting symptoms to identify a herbal formula and treatment approach. Symptoms that suggest there is imbalance can be sleep issues, fertility challenges, fatigue, stress, pelvic pain, migraines and digestive issues. During your initial consultation, Patchula (or your practitioner) will gently discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body. When used in conjunction with Osteopathy, acupuncture may be a valuable complementary therapy to help relieve pain, promote healing, and restore balance in the body.
It is generally painless and uses a holistic approach to manage pain and support overall wellness in conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, stress, sleep difficulties, digestive issues, and general wellbeing.

Benefits of Acupuncture
• Pain relief: Can help alleviate headaches, migraines, back pain, arthritis, and other forms of discomfort.
• Stress reduction: Stimulates the release of endorphins, promoting relaxation and improved mood.
• Boosted immune system: May enhance the body’s defence mechanisms by increasing white blood cell production.
• Reduced inflammation: Helps calm inflammation linked to chronic conditions.
Acupuncture is a valuable stand-alone treatment, or when used in conjunction with Osteopathy, for managing musculoskeletal pain and promoting overall wellness. Insertion of thin needles into specific points stimulates the production of natural steroids and endorphins. These substances help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and break the cycle of discomfort.
By addressing both the physical and energetic aspects of health, acupuncture offers a safe and effective way to support recovery and enhance well-being.
Although both acupuncture and dry needling use fine needles, they are very different approaches:
• Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine developed over thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It uses a structured map of meridians and points to treat not only pain but also systemic conditions like stress, sleep issues, and digestive health. Treatments are holistic, addressing the body as a whole.
• Dry Needling is a modern technique used primarily by allied health practitioners (including osteopaths) to release tight muscle bands or “trigger points.” It is aimed at relieving local muscle tension and pain, without drawing on the traditional Chinese medicine framework.
IN SHORT:
• Acupuncture = holistic, broad applications, whole-body focus.
• Dry Needling = targeted, modern muscle release for pain relief.
All Practitioners at Foundation Health Osteopathy are registered, fully insured.
Is it time to take charge of your health?
OSTEOPATHY EAST BALLINA CLINIC
Is it time to take charge of your health?
East Ballina Clinic
2/44 Links Ave, East Ballina, NSW 2478Ballina Clinic (River St)
39 River St, Ballina, NSW 2478Foundation Health is your local provider of Osteopath services. We offer a wide range of Osteo treatments to the communities surrounding Lennox Head, East Ballina, Ballina, Suffolk Park and Byron Bay.
Take care of all your injuries by booking an appointment today!
Patchula Thompson
Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner
🌟 PATCH LAUNCH SPECIAL: 25% OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT 🌟
Book your initial Patch visit for Friday 21 or Friday 28 August 2026 and receive 25% off. After 28 August, initial visits return to the regular full price.
New patients only. The discount applies to the initial consultation fee, for appointments on 21 or 28 August 2026.
Book with Patch