Mackay Acupuncture Natural Medicine

Have you ever wondered how one tiny acupuncture needle can make such a big difference?
In our clinic, patients often feel immediate changes — less pain, easier movement, more energy — and they want to know, “What just happened?”

The answer is that Neoclassical Acupuncture (NCA) treats both the root cause of the problem and the symptoms you feel — all in the same session.

In neoclassical acupuncture, we don’t diagnose by labels or charts.
We listen directly to your body through precise palpation.

By palpating different areas of the torso, arms, and legs, we feel how your system is organizing itself in real time — where it’s open, guarded, responsive, or asking for support.

The needles don’t force change.
They’re placed where your body is already saying “this matters.”

From this view, symptoms aren’t something to fix — they’re how your whole system is communicating.
Treatment helps that communication become clearer and more coherent.

In short: we follow what your body shows us, moment by moment.

What Makes NCA Different

NCA, developed by Dr. Slate Burris and introduced to Australia by Dr Mark McAuliffe, is a unique style of acupuncture that uses gentle palpation (precise touch) to find where your body’s energy is blocked.

• We look for the root cause (what’s really driving the problem)

• We treat the elements, branches  or other energetic entities that arise from your energy blueprint (where symptoms are showing up in your body)

Often, we can address both at once — sometimes with just one needle.

The Six Elements

Instead of the traditional five elements you may have heard of, NCA works with six elements:
Wood • Fire • Earth • Metal • Water • Ether (Heaven)

Each element relates to a different part of your body’s energy system. When one element is out of balance, it can affect your whole system — even before symptoms start.

By palpating for one of the 6 elements or the branches or another entity (where in the energetic network the problem lies), the practitioner can diagnose the true root cause which will clear corresponding signs and symptoms — not just treat symptoms.

Palpation Diagnosis: Finding the Causal Layer

1. Initial Scan — Practitioner palpates abdomen, limbs, for tension or tenderness.

2. Elemental Identification — Findings are matched to one of the six elements within its axis.

3. Branches Location — Determine whether the problem is in a large systemic branches or a smaller pathway branch.

4. Confirm with Feedback — After needling, immediate palpation shows whether the causal blockage is resolved.

Transport Points: Opening the Blocked Path

NCA uses the unique transport points structure that makes it possible to open an entire meridian or branch with a single point:

• Within branches, multiple transport points — located on different meridians or body areas — will have the same functional effect. This knowledge is unique to NCA

• This lets the practitioner choose the most accessible point while still treating at the causal level.

Root and Branch Treatment in One Step

Because diagnosis identifies both:

• The energetic root (cause)

• The  energetic pathway (symptom expression)

…the chosen point often produces immediate changes in:

• Palpatory findings (softening of tissue, reduction of tenderness)

• Patient symptoms (pain relief, improved function)

Clinical Workflow Example

1. Palpate → Detect tenderness in a region linked to the elements or branches.

2. Element/ Branches Analysis → Identify the specific family and tribe

3. Select Transport Point → Pick the correct side of the body left or right. Choose any point in the transport points set.

4. Needle & Verify → Immediate palpatory change confirms the causal blockage is resolved. If the symptoms do not clear, then use sweepers to settle the energy

Why This Works

• Elemental + Branches Diagnosis → Finds the source of the problem, not just the site of pain.

• Real-Time Feedback → Confirms effectiveness in the session.

• Minimal Needles → Often just one is needed to reset the system.

• Systemic Impact → Treating at the causal level improves both root and branch simultaneously.

What You Might Notice

Because NCA treats the whole system, changes can happen quickly:

• Pain may reduce or vanish

• Muscles soften and tension eases

• Movement feels freer

• Energy feels more balanced

Why This Approach Works So Well

• We go to the source – treating the real cause, not just the symptom.

• We check results in real time – so you know it’s working before you leave.

• We use fewer needles – often only one.

• We treat the whole system – so you get both short-term relief and long-term improvement.

In short: Neoclassical Acupuncture finds the exact cause of your problem, clears it, and lets your body reset — often in just one session but mostly 4.

If you’d like to experience this for yourself, contact the clinic and book a session. You might be surprised how quickly things can change.