Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other questions before your first appointment, please reach out and send us a message.
Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
_edited.jpg)
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years in China and other parts of East Asia. It encompasses a range of traditional medical practices, including acupuncture, dietary therapy, massage techniques, exercise (qigong), and lifestyle counseling. TCM views the body as a unified whole, where physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects are interconnected. Treatments aim to address underlying imbalances and support the body's innate healing ability rather than just alleviating symptoms. TCM emphasizes preventive care and wellness maintenance. Practitioners work with patients to optimize health, prevent illness, and promote longevity through lifestyle adjustments, dietary advice, and ongoing treatments as needed. Overall, TCM represents a rich and holistic approach to health and healing, rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and continually evolving with modern scientific research and clinical practice. It continues to be widely practiced and respected globally for its comprehensive and individualized approach to healthcare.
How does acupuncture work?
From a modern scientific viewpoint, many different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effects of acupuncture. It's important to note that while there is scientific evidence supporting some of these mechanisms, acupuncture's exact therapeutic effects and mechanisms are still an area of active research and debate. Part of this lies in the difficulty of putting a holistic medicine, which works on multiple receptors and bodily systems at once to enact change, into the reductionist style framework that Western medicine employs. From an Eastern medicine perspective, particularly within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture works based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), which is considered a vital energy that flows through meridians or pathways in the body.
What does acupuncture therapy feel like?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, much finer than hypodermic needles used for injections. In many cases, the needles are not felt at all. While acupuncture shouldn’t be painful, there are some needling sensations that are considered to be a positive response. This includes heaviness, aching, numbness or tingling, or even an electrical sensation that travels. These sensations indicate that the energy or “Qi” is being regulated. Any sensation experienced during acupuncture treatment should dissipate after a few moments as the energy blockage is opened. Overall, many patients find acupuncture puts them into a state of relaxation, sometimes to the point of falling asleep.
What is the difference between acupuncturists and other professions that employ needling like chiropractors and physiotherapists?
Acupuncturists are trained to apply Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to acupuncture point selection and techniques. There is a minimum of 3 years of study required, as well as a rigorous Pan-Canadian licensing exam in order to practice acupuncture. Most chiropractors and physiotherapists have completed several weekend courses and there is no licensing exam required in order to provide acupuncture type services. Oftentimes, there is a vast difference in both needling techniques and application.
What can I expect from an acupuncture treatment?
Your first appointment will be an opportunity for your acupuncturist to get to know you, and whatever you are wanting to focus on in that treatment. There will be varying questions about your health history, diet and lifestyle that will help the acupuncturist to determine a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Loose, comfortable clothes that provide access to at least elbows and knees are recommended. Your practitioner will swab needling sites with alcohol prior to insertion. Needles are typically retained anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the condition. At the end of the treatment, your practitioner will discuss further treatment plans and return visits. The number of treatments needed will vary depending on the condition, but as a general guideline the longer a condition has been present for, the longer it will take for the body to return to balance. The initial phase of a treatment plan can be anywhere from 3-10 visits.
Is acupuncture treatment safe?
When performed by a qualified and trained acupuncturist using sterile needles, acupuncture is considered safe. Your acupuncturist has been trained and tested on identifying and mitigating the risks associated with acupuncture therapy. It's natural to inquire about potential side effects. Common side effects of acupuncture are minimal and can include slight bruising, soreness at the needle site, or temporary dizziness or fatigue. Serious complications are rare when acupuncture is performed by a trained professional.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies now provide coverage for acupuncture services. We do provide direct billing to most insurance companies. Please contact your insurance agency to see what coverage is provided in your plan.