FAQ
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is typically needed. For acute conditions you can expect to have approximately 5 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. The number is of treatments needed is very subjective, and often depends on the person and their constitution. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being are also offered on an as needed basis.
Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: When an acupuncture needle is inserted, there is a sensation called De Qi, which means Qi (energy) arriving at the needle. This is actually a sensation that is sought after, as it means we are hitting the right spot. De Qi presents as a feeling of heaviness, tingling, aching, and sometimes travels or spreads. Sometimes, there is also an electric sensation, but this is much more rare. An acupuncture needle insertion should not be sharp. If you are feeling a sharp sensation, or any sensation that makes you too uncomfortable, please tell the acupuncturist as the needle may need to be adjusted or removed all together.
Q: How long do the needles have to sit?
A: On the average adult, the needles are retained for approximately 20 minutes. This is how long it takes for the cycle of Qi to course through the body. This may change depending on the condition we are working with.
Q: Can kids receive acupuncture?
A: Yes! Kids can receive acupuncture and see benefits. The treatments may look different, as needle retention time is much less, or even, depending on the child, opted out of all together. Kids can often be scared of needles, so some different techniques can be applied instead. These techniques can include acupressure (pressing on acu points) and Gua Sha.
Q: Do you offer direct billing?
A: I currently offer direct billing for: Sunlife, Blue cross, Manulife, Canada Life, Beneva, Claim Secure, Desjardins, Equitable Life of Canada, iA Financial Group, Johnson, Johnson Group, IV Insurance, BPA, CCWU, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, Cinup, Coughlin, Cowan, DA Townley, First Canadian, GMS, Group Health, Group Source, Manion, Maximum Benefit, People Corporation, RWAM, Union Benefits, Green Shield Canada, SSQ Insurance, and Médic Construction (Green Shield Canada)
Q: What are the needles made of?
A: they are made of stainless steel.
Q: Are the needles single use?
A: YES. The needles come pre sterilized in individual, sealed packaging and are disposed of in a sharps container immediately after being withdrawn.
Q: How big are the needles?
A: I use needles with a gauge of 0.20 to 0.25 (tiny!). The length of them is measured in “cun” which is basically equivalent to inches. They range from 0.5 cun/inches to 4 cun/inches. The size I use varies depending on the area being needled (think a hand vs. a glute) and the angle at which the needle is being inserted.
Q: Does the needle get inserted all the way to the handle?
A: No, a needle is never inserted all the way to the handle. There is usually half to one quarter of the needle still exposed!
Q: What do I wear to an acupuncture treatment?
A: Acupuncture often entails a person in their undergarments and covered by a blanket, similar to massage. Clients are welcome to bring shorts and a tank top/muscle shirt if they are more comfortable. Please note: clients always have the right to refuse aspects of a treatment they are not comfortable with.
Q: How often should I come for acupuncture?
A: This depends on the situation and what is being treated. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, so the more often a person can come in the beginning, the better. My usual recommendation is to come once a week until the client can see the benefits of the treatments, and then once the symptoms are under control, come for maintenance. Maintenance treatments may look like once a month, every 6 weeks, or even every 2 months! This is dependent on the client, their schedule, and their body.
Q: Will I see results immediately?
A: This is never promised, but it is the goal! However, every person is different. Sometimes clients will feel relief right away. Sometimes clients may feel sore after treatment from being worked on, and then they feel better within the next day or 2.