Acupuncture
What You Need To Know
Acupuncture is a safe, effective and drug-free therapy that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems. Acupuncture is a highly popular form of alternative health care in the world.
What is acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM believes that the body's vital energy, called qi (pronounced chi), flows along specific channels or meridians. When Qi is blocked, disease may occur. The use of acupuncture on certain points within the meridians is believed to improve the flow of blocked or stagnant qi.
Studies have shown that acupuncture works well for many conditions. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, such as back, joint, or neck pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness.
How does acupuncture work
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. They may promote physical and emotional well-being.
Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective alone or when used with conventional therapies to treat these conditions: Low back pain, Headaches, Dental pain after surgery, Tennis elbow, Upset stomach (nausea) , Addiction, Menstrual cramps, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial pain, Osteoarthritis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Asthma and more.
How widely is acupuncture used
According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is used in 103 of 129 countries that reported data.In the United States, data from the National Health Interview Survey showed a 50 percent increase in the number of acupuncture users between 2002 and 2012. (2012, the most recent year for which statistics are available).
Is acupuncture painful
Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling little pain as the needle is put into certain points. Needles are only inserted to a point that causes a feeling of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment. Mild electric current may also be applied to the needles.
Is acupuncture safe
Studies show that "Needle-based acupuncture interventions have a very low rate of adverse events when conducted among licensed and qualified practitioners." Keep in mind choosing certified acupuncture practitioner.
Needles must be sterilized to prevent infection. We only use sterile and single-use needles, so the risk of infection is minimal.
Is acupuncture covered by ACC
If you’ve had an injury and this has been accepted by ACC, acupuncture is covered. You don’t need a referral. We are ACC provider, just make an appointment and provide your ACC number. ACC acupuncture treatment will take around 60 mins.
ACC state that “Most studies considered in the review supported the use of acupuncture to reduce pain and improve outcomes for these conditions in the short to medium term (6-12 weeks)."
Before Acupuncture Treatment
How you prepare
No special preparation is required before acupuncture treatment.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
You don’t want to show up too full, however, it’s important to have something in your stomach.
Checked by our practitioner
To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, our practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle and may also closely examine:The parts of your body that are painfulThe shape, coating and color of your tongueThe color of your faceThe strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrist.
Interview the practitioner
Ask what's involved in the treatment, how likely it is to help your condition and how much it will cost.
Be sure to tell the practitioner if you: Have a bleeding disorder. Have a pacemaker. Are pregnant.
Fill out all forms at your first appointment.
How long an acupuncture treatment take
A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.
An acupuncture session may take 30 to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much longer.
During Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Our acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment.
Is it painful
The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don't feel them inserted at all. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.
Needle insertion
Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. A typical treatment uses 5 to 20 needles. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.
Needle manipulation
Our practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.
Needle removal
In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.
After Acupuncture Treatment
Some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. If your symptoms don't begin to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be right for you.
Common side effects
Include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted.
Avoid doing after a session
Avoid doing within 2 hours after a session:
Intense Activities and Exercise.
Drinking Caffeine or Alcohol.
Cold Temperatures.
Pricing
Private
Initial Consultation 60 mins $80
Follow Up 30 mins $55
Follow Up 45 mins $70
Follow Up 60 mins $80
ACC
Initial Consultation $30
Follow Up $20
Senior / Student / CSC $10
Cosmetic
Cosmetic Acupuncture $90