Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and made from stainless steel. The experience of being "needled" varies tremendously, but it’s nothing to fear. Some people don’t feel the needles going in at all, while others have a small electric-charge-like sensation. Most people experience a slight, quick pinprick. Once the needles are in place, there should be no discomfort.

How many acupuncture treatments are required?

This will vary with each individual and condition being treated. For acute problems, only a few may be required. For long-term conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks are often helpful, with decreasing frequency as a client improves. Often this is dependent on the length of the disorder, the health of the patient, and the desire to make the necessary changes appropriate to each person. As with any medical treatments, we cannot say for sure what the outcome will be, or how long that will take.

How much time does an acupuncture treatment take?

For an initial assessment, plan on spending about and hour and half at the clinic. Subsequent treatments usually last between a half hour to an hour. Healing effects may occur immediately, or within a few hours or days.

Does TCM really work?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine has been successfully treating virtually all health conditions for thousands of years. The scope of practice that falls under Traditional Chinese Medicine is quite broad and includes It is practiced widely in Asia, The Soviet Union and Europe and is now being used increasingly in North America.

There are some instances where TCM cannot help. Your TCM Dr. should be able to let you know but for the most part, people who have trouble conceiving are not ‘infertile’. In those cases, TCM can help to create the ideal conditions for conception and fertility.

How do you decide on treatment?

Your first appointment will involve an intensive interview and an inspection of the tongue and complexion. You will also be given the first treatment, so the first appointment generally takes longer than follow-up appointments.

When Can I Stop Treatment?

Again this depends on the nature of the complaint. Certain conditions are more prone to recurring and we often recommend regular treatments (ie once permonth or season) to keep things flowing properly. Other disorders clear, often more acute conditions tend to clear and never return. Again this answer will depend on the patient and the condition.

What Are the Risks?

Acupuncture is safe under all circumstances and in conjunction with any other treatment options.

However, it should only be practiced by a qualified professional. It is recommended you inquire about the training the practitioner has received. It can often make a huge difference in the success of your treatment. Much like any health field, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a vast field that requires years of practice and continuing study to become adept at. There is a difference in a practitioner that has over 5000 hours of training and those that have 300.

In the case of fertility and pregnancy, it is important to see a practitioner who specializes in fertility and gynecology. Your specialist will understand which acupuncture points are safe to use at which stages of pregnancy.

Can acupuncture work If I am skeptical?

Some treatments do certainly depend on a positive attitude toward the process, but this is not the case with acupuncture which is successfully used even to treat animals.

Do you guarantee results?

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that every case will have results. This would be true for any health modality.

Will I have to stop seeing my usual doctors?

Absolutely not – TCM is quite safe in conjunction with Western medical treatments, and with alternative modalities such as naturopathic or homeopathic.

TCM can help to improve the rate of success of many Western medical procedures and treatments, and it also helps to reduce side-effects and decrease recovery times.

Never stop taking any prescribed medications without discussing it with your doctor first; and always make sure you mention all other treatments with your Doctor of Chinese Medicine.

Could herbal medications interfere with my prescription?

Chinese herbal medications are not contraindicated for any medications or treatments prescribed by your doctor. Occasionally, for reasons such as individual patient physiology, there may be some short-lived side effects, but these are extremely rare and mild.

Conversely, Chinese herbal medications may help to reduce the side-effects of your prescribed medications.

Are there any side effects or risks to acupuncture?

Adverse side effects are extremely rare. Some people may feel fatigued or relaxed after a treatment. Most clients find the treatments cause no discomfort.

What are the side effects?

There are usually no side effects at all, and those are usually mild and short-term. For instance, some people may experience a slight worsening of symptoms for a few days after the first treatment, or possibly slight changesin appetite, sleep patterns, mood or digestive patterns.

These are really just reactions to the unaccustomed flow of energy through the body, and do not last for long.

When should I begin treatment?

Like everything, the sooner you begin the better. Many people use TCM and acupuncture proactively to optimize their health and well-being.

Others come to us when they have been experiencing problems for quite some time, and we are still able to help.

What can I do on the day of my appointment to aid treatment?

Your treatment does not depend on anything you do that day to prepare. However there are some things that will make you feel better after your appointment:

• Avoid large, heavy meals
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and any prohibited drugs
• Drink plenty of water
• Try to plan for some time to rest after your appointment, and for a stress-free day if possible
• If you experience any reaction to the treatment tell your doctor at your next appointment

What is electro-acupuncture?

Electro-acupuncture involves stimulation of inserted needles with a TENS (trans electrical neural stimulation)-like machine that generates mild electrical impulses. Electro-acupuncture is especially useful in conditions where there is an accumulation of stagnation of Qi or blood, and or pain. Patients may experience a tingling sensation from the electrical current.

What is facial rejuvenation?

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is an effective response against the effects of time and our body’s imbalances on our skin. The results of treatment include the improvement of the elasticity of facial muscles and levelling of wrinkles, a rosier complexion, and overall rejuvenation.

What is moxabustion?

The purpose of moxabustion, as with most forms of TCM, is to strengthen blood, stimulate the flow of Qi, and alleviate pain. A “moxa” stick consisting of dried, pressed mugwort (a herb) and resembling a fat stick of incense is burned at one end and held over specific points of the body until the patient feels warmth.

What is cupping?

Small glass cups are briefly heated and placed on the skin to form a vacuum seal, often on the back. This assists in conditions such as colds and flues.The resulting suction encourages the flow of Qi and blood.

What does the "Registered Acupuncturist" (RAC) designation mean?

An acupuncturist is eligible to be registered in the province of Alberta if they have studied an approved program, passed a series of exams and completed a mandated practicum.

Are The Herbs Hard to Swallow?

The herbs are provided in a concentrated granular form, which dissolves easily in hot water. So, they are very easy to swallow, although we receive frequent complaints about the awful taste!