About Me

Hi. My name is Farishta Peterson-Ihaka. I am of Ngai Tahu descent. I live in Blenheim with my husband and operate my acupuncture business, ‘Akawai Acupuncture’ from our home in Springlands.

I have been an acupuncturist for 20 years. I attended the Christchurch College of Holistic Healing, graduating with a Diploma in Acupuncture and Acupressure, in 2002.

Other techniques of healing included in this diploma were Moxibustion, Cupping, Five element acupuncture, Gua Sla (scrapping of the meridians with a specialised tool) and Tui-na (Chinese massage).

After I graduated, I practised in Christchurch until I travelled to Taupo where I worked at ‘Vital Balance for Life’. I then travelled to Rotorua working at an Osteopathic Clinic where I practised acupuncture for 3 years. I returned home to Blenheim and opened my own clinic, Akawai Acupuncture.

I became very interested in natural alternative healing at an early age, learning and studying Awia healing, Crystal healing, Bowen Therapy and Reiki healing. I studied and graduated in Reiki levels 1 2 and 3. I continue to treat daily for myself, family, friends and clients. This modality is more explained in links on my website.

I am a registered member of Acupuncture New Zealand.