Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from a visit?
Before any treatment is given, each person receives a consultation where the practitioner asks you about aspects of your current health situation and completes a physical evaluation. These effective and time tested methods ascertain your condition and help determine the diagnosis, treatment principle and therapy that will best suit your needs. After treatment there is usually a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is very safe if practiced by a Registered Acupuncturist, check the CTCMA website for a qualified registrant. Registered acupuncturists in B.C. must complete the highest standards of training in Canada for any medical professional using acupuncture. Only sterile single use needles are employed as well as modern clinical hand-washing and hygiene practices. Safety is paramount, however risks do exist as with any medical treatment. Please feel free to talk to your practitioner about them.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Not usually if performed by a traditionally trained acupuncturist, but there are sensations! Acupuncture needles are “hair thin,” many times smaller than a hypodermic needle. Pain, if there is any, may be a tiny prick in the skin, usually followed by other sensations, like a mild numbness, aching, tingling, warmth or heaviness. Most people find it relaxing and often even fall asleep. Being a former needle-o-phobe himself, Kurt take great care to ensure that all his clients feel comfortable and feel in control of the process.
What if I don’t want needles?
A host of other non-invasive and effective therapies exist; tuina and acupressure massage, cupping, moxibustion, guasha, acutonics and herbal therapy are all effective fields of treatment in their own right.
How many treatments do I need?
This varies according to the patient’s condition, typically just a few appointments; one to three treatments spread over 2 weeks work fine for a lesser injury like a recently pulled muscle. Chronic problems usually take more time but appointments are less frequent; typically a course of 12 treatments in 6 months to a year.
Can TCM be safely used with other Medicines?
Acupuncture can be safely combined with almost all other medicines. However, let your practitioner know if you are taking imuno-suppressants or blood thinners.
Herbal medicines may interact with numerous drugs and must be evaluated individually. Consult to your Oriental medical herbalist or Doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, they are specifically trained to recognize interactions between drugs and herbals.
Do I have to bring or wear anything special?
Just wear your regular street clothes. The clinic has gowns for your privacy and comfort.
Is acupuncture recognized by any official authority?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been collecting and reviewing modern scientific studies for years. It has come to the conclusion that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment and endorses its use for numerous conditions. The complete list grows annually and is available online. In addition, in 2008 the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) included acupuncture in treatments to be covered by the Provincial Government, a notable move in these times of constrained spending.