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Frequently Asked Questions

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT? 

No! At the most the needles feel like a small pinch similar to a mosquito bite when they are inserted, then there is often another sensation that we call the “qi sensation”. This differs from person to person and can feel like heat, itchy, heaviness, a slight shock or a feeling moving down your limb. Sharp pain is unusual but occasionally occurs if a hair follicle or small blood vessel is hit, in which case I take out the needle and re-insert it. Once the needles are in they should be so comfortable that you could fall asleep. Alternatively, if you can not get past the needle part we can use acupressure and other modalities, such as cupping, instead.

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

​Acupuncture treats a variety of illnesses and pain. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a stand-alone medicine that has been used in China for thousands of years. Here are some examples of what acupuncture can help you with: 

  • Common colds/flu, allergies & asthma

  • Digestive complaints- indigestion, acid reflux, IBS, etc.

  • Insomnia, restless leg syndrome

  • Hypertension, diabetes

  • Stress, anxiety, depression

  • Neck, shoulder and back tension

  • Tendonitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder

  • Chronic pain & arthritis

  • Neuromuscular disorders such as bell's palsy and post-stroke paralysis

  • Smoking cessation & withdrawal support

  • Headaches, migraines & TMJ

  • Menstrual irregularities & menopause

  • Fertility & pregnancy support

  • Morning sickness & labour induction

  • Side effects of radiation, chemotherapy & other medications

  • Immune boosting

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Acupuncture is a series of treatments. Effectiveness depends on the frequency along with lifestyle factors such as stress, relationships, diet, exercise, sleep, hormones etc. The following are guidelines, but all depend on how you react to the treatments, whether the condition is re-aggravated, and your commitment to the treatment plan.

  • Wellness and prevention – 1x/ month and more as needed

  • Chronic Stress & related symptoms – 1x/ week during stressful periods

  • Acute injuries (>3 months) – 3x/ week for 2-3 weeks then reevaluate

  • Chronic injuries (1 year +) – 2x/week for 3-4 weeks then reduce to 1x/ week for 8 weeks

  • Most other issues – 1x/ week until 50% reduced, then every 2 weeks, then once/ month

  • Poor prognosis/ degenerative conditions – 1x/ week for maintenance

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?

  • In the first session, we talk about the reason you are coming in and discuss your health history for about 20-30 mins. We do tongue and pulse diagnosis and then get into the treatment.

  • After the intake, I will leave and allow you to get undressed and get comfortable lying on the table under the blankets. I will come back in and administer acupuncture and then leave the needles in for 15-25 minutes. Afterwards, there is some time to slowly get dressed and ask any questions you might have.

  • At the end of the session, you will leave with the feeling of relaxation, take-home advice for health-related to your chief concern,  and a detailed treatment plan. 

  • After your initial consultation and treatment, you can sign up for a follow-up session for 45 minutes or 60 minutes. 45-minute sessions are just acupuncture, whereas 60-minute sessions will include acupuncture plus one other modality such as cupping, moxabustion or gua sha.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?

Make sure you fill in the initial intake form that you will receive when you book the appointment. Have a small snack before the appointment and be hydrated (you can bring a water bottle). Clothing doesn't matter as you will be under the covers on a treatment table.

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