Acupuncture in Wellington: How a U.S. veteran built the city’s highest-rated clinic

Tucked away at 163 The Terrace in Wellington Central, just off the Urban Motorway, lies one of the city’s most trusted wellness clinics: Acute Acupuncture.

The highly rated practice has built a strong reputation for exceptional care, praised by patients across the region for its results driven and holistic approach.

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Image: Nate Wafstet speaks with a patient at Acute Acupuncture, where he combines clinical care with compassionate connection. (Sam Hudson / thisquality / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

From service to healing: How military experience shaped a career

Nate’s path to acupuncture began during his five years of service in the U.S. military, where he witnessed the toll of post-traumatic stress on fellow soldiers. Many battled chronic anxiety and depression, experiences that pushed him to search for deeper and more comprehensive ways to heal.

Each week Acute Acupuncture treats 40 to 55 patients for conditions ranging from chronic pain and sports injuries to stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. Many services are covered by ACC, making high-quality care more accessible across the community.

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Nate found conventional medicine often fell short. Acupuncture, by contrast, offered an approach that targeted both physical and emotional causes rather than simply masking symptoms.

“It was worth it,” Nate reflects. “There’s nothing like being able to help other people and facilitate change within the community.”

Image: The treatment room at Acute Acupuncture features a fully equipped and adjustable treatment bed designed for comfort during acupuncture, cupping, or massage sessions. With calming tones, soft linens, and an uncluttered layout, the space is intentionally created to promote relaxation and a sense of ease for every patient. (Sam Hudson / thisquality / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

Empowering patients through proactive care

Whether patients come in for relief from chronic pain, injury rehabilitation, stress-related tension, or emotional imbalance, the clinic provides a supportive and calming environment where healing can begin.

Over the years it has become a trusted destination for people searching for integrated care that supports both physical rehabilitation and mental wellbeing.

“We want to facilitate real change in people’s lives,” says Nate. “People often come to us after trying everything else. We help them become more body-aware, reduce their pain, and start to feel a sense of empowerment over their own wellbeing.”

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“I want people to identify what they need to do between treatments. It’s like they improve, then slide back. Our job is to help them create new structures that keep them moving forward. Our success is when we’re no longer needed. That’s when we know we’ve helped someone find their strength.”

Image: A patient receives a therapeutic massage at Acute Acupuncture, one of several treatments offered to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation to support the body’s natural healing process. (Sam Hudson / thisquality / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

A clinic built on purpose and compassion

With more than $70,000 in education funding from the U.S. government, Nate returned to school and moved to New Zealand to pursue his studies. He began training in acupuncture in 2013 and officially opened Acute Acupuncture nine years ago.

The clinic has become known not just for its positive outcomes, but for its compassionate, patient-centred care.

“I chose acupuncture because I wanted to help people like the ones I served with,” Nate says. “Many of my friends struggled with invisible wounds like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I saw how deep the need was for healing that addressed both body and mind.”

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Image: Cupping therapy where heated glass cups are applied to help increase circulation, release muscle tension, and promote detoxification. This traditional technique is often used alongside acupuncture and massage to support holistic healing. (Sam Hudson / thisquality / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

Beyond the symptoms: treating the whole person

Traditional medical treatments did not always deliver the relief Nate saw his fellow soldiers needed. Medications could ease symptoms temporarily while leaving chronic pain and trauma unresolved. Watching people he cared about continue to suffer, despite following prescribed care, led Nate to question the limits of conventional approaches.

He began exploring therapies that focused on root causes rather than surface level problems. That journey ultimately led him to acupuncture, which aligned with his belief in treating the whole person rather than the diagnosis alone.

“Funding allowed me to go back to school, and it was worth every moment,” he reflects. “There’s nothing like being able to help people and be a part of real change.”

Image: Visible cupping marks and acupuncture needles highlight a multi-modal treatment at Acute Acupuncture. By combining these traditional techniques, practitioners aim to reduce inflammation, release muscular blockages, and stimulate the body’s healing systems from multiple angles. (Sam Hudson / thisquality / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

Nate says the clinic supports patients in understanding what their bodies need while helping them work toward long term health goals.

“I want people to take ownership of their healing,” Nate says. “Our job is to guide people toward lasting change. Not just temporary relief. My goal is to help them create new patterns and to build structure and direction, so they move forward instead of going in circles.”

“I am grateful for where I am today and for the chance to improve quality of life by reducing pain and adding value. Our success is when we are no longer needed.”

Book your session at www.acute-acupuncture.com.
Follow Acute Acupuncture on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates and insights.

Video: Tucked away in central Wellington, Acute Acupuncture is a trusted wellness clinic founded by U.S. military veteran Nate Wafstet, who was inspired to pursue holistic healing after witnessing the effects of PTSD and chronic stress among his peers.

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