Hi Sarah Jane,
I thought I'd tell you that my acupuncturist charges... $80 a session! Though because I've been seeing him for quite a while I'm charged $70 (he had a price rise after I started). BTW I'm in Perth. I get about $23 back from health ins.
Each session is for an hour, during which time he will chat about my week, any symptoms etc I've had (we're trying to get AF to return), check my tongue and my pulses, then I get the needles and relax for around 30 mins.
I would say that it doesn't hurt, but the sensations can be a little strange to start with! And if you are having some of the stronger points, well it can be rather intense! But that makes me think that it's working even more!!