Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture needles are very thin like a strand of hair. Most people handle them just fine. You may feel a slight sensation as they break the skin barrier but they settle down fairly quickly. If you are sensitive to needles, your practitioner can switch to a smaller gauge needle. Your practitioner can also use certain body points that are not as tender as others to ease you in.
Acupuncture is widely known as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the individual states’ medical board.
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects. Occasionally a small temporary bruise may appear at the site of an acupuncture needle. When compared to the laundry list of cautions and side effects for the average pharmaceutical drug, acupuncture is very low risk!
The frequency of treatment depends on your medical condition. Some conditions respond faster to frequent acupuncture treatments, while other patients only need to come in once a week. Chronic conditions can also require a tune-up from time to time. Once your condition is stabilized, you won’t need to come in as frequently. When you come in for your first treatment, we’ll formulate a specific treatment plan for you.
There are meridians or pathways of energy in your body. What flows in these pathways is Qi – your life force energy. Acupuncture needles stimulate this Qi. When Qi is stimulated, it impacts the local areas where we needle, the fascia, the underlying organs and structures, balances the yin and yang.
When acupuncture needles break the skin barrier, the body sends an immediate healing response, bringin about more blood and Qi in those areas. Also, 30 minutes of needle retention stimulates the brain to release endorphins – your happy chemicals.
At the very least 30 minutes is needed for the treatment to take effect. This is based on the fact that your Qi takes roughly 29 minutes to complete 1 full cycle in the body.
At our clinic, we encourage 1 hour for optimal benefit. It is enough time for you to reach a restful state and give time for the needles to do their job well. When you rest you heal.
Yes. In Ontario, all practitioners receive 2200 hours (for acupuncture) of training followed by the licensing process. Licensed practitioners are then required to register with the governing body of Ontario (CTCMPAO). We are eligible to practice in Ontario once we are registered. Our training includes practising the modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine in a safe manner.
Oh so much! Acupuncture can address a whole range of illnesses. It can treat musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, arthritis, tendonitis, and others), reproductive issues, digestive problems, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, allergies, asthma, and more. That’s pretty much everything from the head to the toe.
Acupuncture on an empty stomach may cause lightheadedness or fatigue post treatment. Avoid coming in on a completely empty stomach. Plan your day so that you aren’t doing anything strenuous afterwards so your body can relax and heal. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy, well balanced meal following treatment.
Most insurance plans in Ontario offer coverage for acupuncture treatment. To find out if your plan covers acupuncture, and any limits to the number of treatments covered, you should contact your insurance company directly.
Yes! Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and is actually used to relieve many pregnancy and postpartum conditions. There are some acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy which is why your acupuncturist should always ask if you are pregnant before providing treatment. Acupuncture is highly recommended during through your first trimester to help assist embryo development, prevent miscarriage, and address any other symptoms that may arise.
Yes. The World Health Organization currently recognizes more than 40 medical problems which can be helped by acupuncture treatment. The US FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices.
Fertility clinics and many OB-GYN doctors often refer patients to acupuncturists to help provide the highest level of care.
No. Acupuncture is arguably the most well known but there are other modalities – Herbal Medicine being the other key modality. Qi Gong, Moxibustion, GuaSha, Medicated diet are some of the other modalities that fall under Traditional Chinese Medicine. All modalities have the same fundamental aim of restoring and maintaining the healthy flow of qi to keep the body balanced and in good health. We introduce all those different elements into your acupuncture treatment plan to further support your healing.
Life in the twenty-first century juggling family, children and work can leave us feeling anxious, worried, depressed and being always on the go. We believe that a stressful lifestyle contributes in a major way to health issues like high blood pressure, headaches, heart disease, anxiety, depression and other physical conditions. Regular sessions of acupuncture help remove blockages in energy flow and to keep qi flowing smoothly. Acupuncture brings a sense of wellbeing and keeps the body and mind healthy and functioning at its best.
The pulse tongue diagnosis is a very important diagnosis that tells your acupuncturist the state of health of the various organs in your body. The tongue coating changes very quickly to reflect what’s going on inside your body. Your practitioner performs a TCM diagnosis and confirms that diagnosis with tongue and pulse exam.
Slight bruising is not unusual and is more likely to occur in areas where blood flow is higher. Bruising may happen only every once in a while though. If you notice a bruise, use your finger tip to apply pressure for a few seconds. You can also use an icepack on the area to prevent further discoloration. And do mention to your acupuncturist the next time you come in for treatment!