Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on thousands of years of Chinese Medical practice. Although acupuncture has been performed in Canada for some time, it officially became a regulated health profession in 2013. It is performed by inserting very fine single-use needles into specific points on the body to elicit a desired response. There are hundreds of acupuncture points on the body that fall along pathways on the body called meridians, which connect with muscles, tissues, tendons and organs. When the body is in a balanced state, energy called Qi (pronounced chee) flows freely along these meridians. When Qi is not moving freely, this is when pain, illness and dysfunction arise. Acupuncture points are chosen based on a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis that is specific to each patient. These points help to initiate and promote the body's natural healing process.

Absolutely not. Acupuncture is performed with single use, surgical grade stainless steel sterile needles.

The amount and frequency of treatments will be recommended by the practitioner specific to the patient. Most people will start to see results after one or two treatments whereas some individuals with more chronic conditions may need at least 4-6 treatments before they start feeling better.

The amount of time the needles are retained in the body varies from 5-35 minutes and is specifically determined by the practitioner based on each individual case.

It would be quicker to list the things acupuncture can’t help.

The world health organization has an extensive list of conditions that acupuncture has been proven effective in treating.

Some of the most common conditions include:

• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Pain and injury
• Headaches and migraines
• Digestion issues
• Sleep difficulties

It is important that the acupuncturist has as much information as they can in order to properly diagnose and treat someone. This is why an initial intake appointment is 90 minutes. During this time the acupuncturist will ask many questions about all aspects of the patients health. This also includes checking the tongue and pulse. The acupuncturist will ask that you not brush your tongue prior to coming for an appointment and to avoid coffee or candies that can discolour the tongue at least 2 hours prior to treatment. It is also advised that patients do not come to their appointment on an empty stomach as this can increase the risk of having an adverse reaction to treatment. An initial intake appointment will also include a first treatment and should allow time for the patient to ask any questions or voice any concerns they may have. Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner and poses few risks.

There’s not one answer to this question, but, in general, most people feel minimal pain when needles are inserted, and some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are inserted, you will not feel pain. The thin, solid stainless steel construction of acupuncture needles makes them much less painful than the hollow needles used in blood draws, etc.

We used disposable needles, so there is no risk of infection.

Absolutely. The needles are sterile and for one-time use only.

Some adverse reactions may occur and many are considered normal, some patients may have some minor discomfort at the acupuncture site but it is important for patients to know that the needles can be safely removed at any time if the patient experiences any discomfort.

Some minor bruising may occur at the needle site, but can be mostly prevented if the patient remains still during their treatment.

It is also normal for there to sometimes be a small drop of blood after removing the needle and it is uncommon for any uncontrolled bleeding to occur.

Patients may also experience minor nausea or dizziness during or after a treatment.

Most extended insurance plans cover acupuncture treatments. Please contact your insurance provider to determine how much is covered in a fiscal year.

Acupuncture is not painful. You may feel a minimal sensation when a very fine sterile needle passes through the skin. Some sensations that are totally common during acupuncture include feelings of heaviness, heat and pressure, though not to the extent of being uncomfortable. A vast majority of patients fall asleep during their treatments!