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Is a TCM acupuncture treatment covered by my benefit plan?

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Acupuncture is covered through most extended health care plans. Extended health care plans vary so please check your plan for coverage details. We now offer direct billing to patients covered by many insurance providers. A $23 rebate is available for Acupuncture for limited income patients on Premium Assistance (MSP).

I had acupuncture once before and it seemed to make my pain worse. How is this possible?

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It is not uncommon that after an acupuncture treatment, conditions may be aggravated. This is part of the healing process. Everybody's body regulates and returns to homeostasis in their own way. Some individuals may feel better right away and may only require a couple of treatments, and for some their pain worsens before it begins to improve. This in itself is not a bad sign, it means that your condition is changing, but may require more than one treatment to obtain maximum results.

Does acupuncture hurt? Is it safe?

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Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding almost no side effects if provided by a trained practitioner other than occasional mild bruising at site.  More serious side effects have been reported but are extremely rare. Acupuncture needles are sterile, used once, and then discarded. They are about the size of a human hair and it is said that almost 100 of them may fit inside a hypodermic needle. Most clients leave feeling very relaxed, full of endorphins after treatment.

Can I receive acupuncture if I am pregnant?

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Absolutely. In fact acupuncture can help alleviate a lot of pregnancy related complaints such as morning sickness, fatigue, haemorrhoids, constipation, as well as gently invigorate fetal movement to treat breach presentation, or induce labour. A liscenced acupuncturist will understand the limitations of practice during pregnancy and what acupuncture points to avoid at what times.

How much training to acupuncturists require?

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Today, acupuncturists undertake three to five years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at certified schools, as well as up to 2 years of university/college level pre-requisites to be accepted into the program. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice.

How many treatments will I need?

  

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief with just one treatment; others may take weeks, months, or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. If you are new to acupuncture, plan on a minimum of 1-2 treatments per week within a short 2-4 week window to see significant changes and consider regular "tune-ups" to manage more long-standing issues.

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What can acupuncture treat?

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Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems including but not limited to:  acute or chronic pain, injury, stress management, women's/mens health, sleep issues, headaches, digestive complaints, fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue. Chances are, if you have any kind of symptoms appearing, then acupuncture can help to address the underlaying imbalance causing the symptoms. Acupuncture is also extremely useful as a part of any wellness protocol to treat any imbalances in the system even before symptoms show up. The ideal time to treat is BEFORE you get sick.

How can I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?

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  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points. Cover sheets will be provided.

  • Please refrain from caffeine, alcohol, or drug use prior to treatment, but yes, please take your regular medications.

  • Eat smaller meals just before and after your visit. 

  • Drink plenty of room temperature or warmer water to flush out any toxins that may have been released in the system from treatment.

  • Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.

  • You may feel sleepy/relaxed after treatment. If possible avoid stressful situations, make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.

  • Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

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