📍 Georgetown, Newcastle
Acupuncture & TCM Consultations for Headaches and Migraines in
in Newcastle
Whether you’re living with tension-type headaches, diagnosed migraine, or head pain linked to neck tension, Adrian Taricanioffers calm, personalised consultations that work alongside your GP, specialist or physiotherapist — never in place of them.
A Considered Approach
Headache Care Within Your Wider Health Team
Headaches and migraines are among the most common reasons people seek care, and they are rarely straightforward. Many people look for supportive care that sits alongside their medical treatment while they work through investigations, triggers and management options.
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a whole-person view, considering posture, neck and jaw tension, sleep, stress, hydration and daily routines. Adrian uses acupuncture and, where appropriate, herbal medicine, soft tissue therapy and lifestyle guidance, tailored to your presentation and reviewed as your circumstances change.
Importantly, this care is complementary, not an alternative. New, severe or changing headaches should always be assessed by your GP or specialist. We’re glad to work as one part of your broader healthcare team, and we won’t make promises about outcomes.
Common Presentations
Headache Presentations We Are Often Consulted About
People come to our Newcastle Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture clinic at many different stages of their journey. If you’re unsure whether supportive care is appropriate for you, please get in touch and we’ll talk it through honestly.
Tension-Type Headaches
A band-like tightness across the forehead or the back of the head, often described alongside neck and shoulder tension.
Migraine With or Without Aura
Episodes involving throbbing head pain, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound, generally following medical diagnosis and management.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Head pain described as arising from the neck or upper back, alongside the advice of your GP, physiotherapist or specialist.
Hormonally-Related Headaches
Headaches reported around the menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes, where a medical assessment is already in place.
Sleep, Stress & Fatigue
Frequent headaches often disturb sleep, focus and mood. Consultations can offer a calm, unhurried and supportive space.
Medication Overuse Concerns
Supportive care for people whose doctor has raised concerns about frequent analgesic use, coordinated with their medical plan.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Factors That Can Influence Headache Patterns
Headaches and migraines are complex and highly individual. Medical assessment is the starting point for identifying the underlying cause. Alongside that, general health and lifestyle factors are worth attention — and they’re where supportive care may be most useful.
Posture, screen time and prolonged desk work
Neck and jaw tension, past injuries and grinding
Ongoing stress, disturbed sleep and fatigue
Diagnosed medical conditions identified by your doctor
Our Philosophy
TCM views the body as an interconnected system. Where headaches are concerned, posture, neck and jaw tension, sleep quality, stress load and daily habits all form part of the picture. We focus on realistic, sustainable changes and on being a steady, supportive presence through a process that is often gradual and uncertain.
“Our role is to support you and your medical team — with honesty about what treatment can and can’t do, and no promises about results.”
How We Work
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches We Use
Adrian’s approach draws on several complementary modalities, combined into a plan that fits your presentation, your medical treatment and your goals.
Acupuncture
Fine, single-use needles used as part of a considered treatment plan. Acupuncture is commonly used alongside medical care for headache and migraine presentations, and each plan is discussed with you before treatment begins.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Where clinically appropriate, individualised herbal formulas may be prescribed. Formulas are reviewed regularly and are not prescribed where they may interact with prescribed migraine or preventive medication without discussion with your doctor.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Gentle hands-on techniques applied to the neck, shoulders and upper back, used where suitable and always within your comfort level and the guidance of your treating practitioners.
Dietary & Lifestyle Guidance
Practical, evidence-informed guidance on hydration, meal timing, screen use, sleep and daily routines — designed to complement, not replace, advice from your GP, neurologist or dietitian.
What to Expect
Your Headache Consultation Journey
Thorough Assessment
A comprehensive initial consultation covering your health history, headache pattern and triggers, any scans, diagnoses or specialist advice to date, sleep, stress and daily routines — building a clear picture before treatment begins.
Personalised Treatment
Your first session combines acupuncture with any complementary therapies suited to your presentation, using pulse diagnosis to guide clinical decisions. Expectations are discussed openly and realistically.
Ongoing Care & Review
A tailored plan with regular review points, adjusted as your symptoms and circumstances change. We’re happy to communicate with your GP, physiotherapist or neurologist with your consent.
Newcastle's Dedicated Clinic
Why Choose On Point Natural Medicine in Newcastle for Headaches?
Careful, Considered Assessment
Adrian takes time to understand your full history — headache patterns, triggers, investigations, posture, sleep and daily life — not just a single complaint.
Honest About the Evidence
No promises, no guarantees. You’ll get a clear explanation of what the research supports and what it doesn’t, so you can make an informed choice.
Coordinated With Your Medical Team
We work alongside your GP, physiotherapist or neurologist and are happy to communicate with them with your consent.
A Calm, Respectful Space
Frequent headaches can be wearing and disruptive. Consultations are unhurried, confidential and free of pressure.
Your Practitioner
Meet Adrian Taricani
With years of clinical experience and a passion for helping people in Newcastle and the Hunter, Adrian blends a focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine with caring, personalised support, focused on listening carefully, working alongside your existing healthcare team, and helping you make sustainable progress.
He is a registered practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).
Investment in Your Health
Session Pricing — Newcastle
Transparent pricing for your health support. Health fund rebates may be available depending on your individual fund and level of extras cover. Please check with your provider.
Recommended for New Clients
Initial Consultation
Full health, symptom & treatment history / Pulse and general assessment / First acupuncture treatment / Personalised, realistic plan
For Returning Clients
Standard Consultation
$100/ 45 minutes
Progress review & pulse check / Targeted acupuncture treatment / Soft tissue therapy where suitable / Posture, sleep and self-care guidance
Common Questions
Headaches & Migraines FAQ — Newcastle Clinic
Can acupuncture help with headaches or migraines?
The research in this area continues to develop and the findings are mixed. Some studies have examined acupuncture for tension-type headache and migraine, though results vary considerably between individuals and the evidence is not conclusive. We cannot promise or guarantee any particular outcome. The practitioner will discuss what the current evidence does and does not support, and what is realistic for your situation, at your initial consultation.
Can I have acupuncture alongside my migraine medication?
Many people choose to have acupuncture while continuing prescribed preventive or acute migraine medication. Please let the practitioner know your diagnosis and any medications you are taking so that your care can be coordinated safely with the rest of your treating team.
Should I still see my GP or neurologist?
Yes. Traditional Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for medical care. New, severe, changing or unexplained headaches should always be assessed by a GP or specialist so underlying causes can be identified and managed. Our care is intended to work alongside your medical team, not in place of it.
Are Chinese herbs suitable if I take prescribed medication?
Herbs are only prescribed where clinically appropriate, and always with your full medication list in mind. Some formulas are not suitable alongside particular prescribed medications. The practitioner will discuss any prescription with you and can liaise with your treating doctor with your consent.
How many sessions might I need?
This varies considerably between individuals and depends on your circumstances, your medical plan and your goals. The practitioner will outline a realistic plan after your initial assessment and review it with you regularly, rather than committing you to a fixed course upfront.
Can I claim this on private health insurance?
Some private health funds offer rebates for acupuncture provided by an AHPRA-registered Chinese Medicine practitioner, though cover varies between funds and policies and many funds have reduced natural therapy cover in recent years. Please check directly with your insurer. Receipts with all required details are provided after each session.
Supportive Care Alongside Your Headache Treatment
If ongoing headache based discomfort is affecting your day-to-day life, we’d love to hear from you. Book your initial consultation at our Georgetown clinic — easily reached from Mayfield, Waratah, Hamilton, Lambton, Jesmond and across the Hunter region — and let’s work together toward your wellbeing.