FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most people have heard of acupuncture, know people who go regularly, or are curious to try themselves. Acupuncture is an ancient modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is being practiced way more frequently in the modern Western world. Acupuncture is the art of placing very fine sterile needles in pressure points on the body’s meridians (energy pathways) to relieve stagnation, encourage blood flow, and harmonize the body. Your practitioner will assess you in a consultation and based on your specific ailments or symptoms and treat you with an individualized approach.

WILL IT HURT?

The most common concern people have before an acupuncture treatment is if it is going to be painful in your body. The answer is no. The needles are very fine ( like a strand of hair) and you may or may not feel a slight poke upon insertion. You may feel tingling or itchiness around the insertion site, or sometimes an electric “zing” sensation. That is all normal and good! It means your “qi” ( pronounced CHEE) is being activated and starting to flow. If you are uncomfortable with needles, acupressure is an option as well. Please let your practitioner know your concerns and they will customize your treatment to your needs. There are many different needles we can use as well, some more suited to sensitive clients.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Your treatment plan will depend on your specific health conditions, symptoms and goals. If you have a chronic pain you’ve been experiencing for fifteen years, it may take more treatments then an acute injury. You can also come for seasonal issues, constitutional issues, general maintenance, prebirth treatments and labour induction. Each person is given a personalized treatment plan after initial consultation. Some people are more receptive to acupuncture then others even for the same condition so its very hard to determine number of treatments until after gaging how your body receives a treatment.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO DO ACUPUNCTURE?

In Alberta a R.Ac (Registered Acupuncturist) has to pass regulated licencing exams to practice acupuncture. Ask to see your practitioner’s registration with the province. Some chiropractors and physiotherapists and even medical doctors are trained to needle as well but their training is usually more for acute issues and does not delve into the TCM aspect of diagnosis.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY TREATMENT?

During a typical treatment, you and your acupuncturist will review an intake of your health history, concerns and goals. Cupping, needling, moxibustion, electro acupuncture, auricular acupuncture and Gua sha may be used.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

You should eat before your treatment or you may feel slightly light headed afterwards. You may experience (rarely) slight bruising at some point insertions and with cupping it may leave marks or small blisters. Many people report emotional release ( in the form of tears, joy or anger) or a sense of Euphoria. Other side effects include a good nights sleep, increased immunity, hormone balancing and total relaxation!