Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is definitely safe. All needles are sterile, single-use, individually packaged, and disposable. The needles are also extremely fine, which will not inflict major bleeding or extreme pain. Upon removal of needles, they are safely disposed into biohazard containers. Acupuncture rarely causes any side effects, so you can experience complete relief.
Is it safe to receive acupuncture treatment when I am on prescribed medications, have recently undergone surgery, or am also currently receiving other forms of treatments such as chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage etc.?
It is a yes in most cases. Acupuncture is rarely contraindicated in the situations mentioned above. It may actually be quite beneficial in certain cases, as it is able to improve and optimize the body’s recovery mechanism. If you have any concerns regarding your condition, please feel free to contact me, and/or have your doctor contact me.
How should I prepare for my first treatment?
Be sure to have eaten a light meal and be well hydrated before you come in, and please allow time for your food to digest so it is recommended that you eat at least an hour before your session.
As most acupuncture points are located on the limbs, head, and abdomen, loose and comfortable clothing will be suffice for the purpose of treatment and for your comfort.
Please do not consume caffeine or alcohol prior to your treatment. It is also recommended not to consume alcohol at least 24 hours after treatment.It is important to not take any pain medications for at least several hours prior to your treatment, as it will affect the acupoint functions.
It is also advised to not schedule any over-exerting physical activities or stressful appointments after the treatment session, since the acupuncture effects will continue even after removal of the needles. There is a chance that you may feel overly relaxed or a slight numbness/soreness, depending on how your body’s self-healing mechanism kicks in. Nonetheless, many do feel energized and lightened after treatment.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit will be your longest visit out of the entire course of treatment. A complete consultation will be performed to obtain all relevant health information, and will include questions regarding your physical habits, lifestyle, diet, personality, etc. Tongue examination and pulse taking will also be part of the consultation.
After gathering the necessary information, a TCM diagnosis will be given. Medical advice, as well as lifestyle adjustments and dietary recommendations will be provided upon diagnosis, and, after answering any questions or concerns you may have, treatment will begin. Needles will be retained for a range of 20 to 30 minutes. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.
What should I expect during treatment?
The sensations brought upon by acupuncture needles vary from person to person, and this is highly related to the patient’s pain tolerance as well. I use multiple needling methods in my practice to accommodate sensitivity differences amongst different people and the type of illness itself. Most people feel only minimal pain, and some feel no pain at all.
The De-Qi sensation in acupuncture refers to numbness, heaviness, electrical tingling, or soreness. This experience signifies qi movement, and that the healing process has begun!
If I pay more/less, do I in turn receive more/less needles?
Definitely NOT!
All treatment decisions are made in the best interests of the patient.The number of needles that are administered is tailored to the patient’s specific condition, and is absolutely not determined by the payment.
Does insurance cover Acupuncture?
BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
MSP pays for a combined annual limit of 10 visits for acupuncture treatment, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy and non-surgical podiatry. MSP covers $23.00 per visit for people receiving premium assistance. Please bring your CareCard or Personal Health Number with you to your initial appointment. A doctor’s referral is NOT required.
Extended Health Coverage
Extended health coverage vary from plan to plan and usually coverage for Acupuncture is between 70-100% of treatment fees. Some plans offer a dollar amount per year instead of a percentage.
Please check your benefits booklet or contact your insurance provider for further details of your coverage.