FAQ
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are 0.25mm thick. Thats as thick as a strand of hair!! You can SOMETIMES feel a little poke as the needle goes in. Tingling, aching, pulsating, hot and cold sensations at the site of the needle are normal and a GOOD thing! (This tells me the needle is doing its job of getting you healthy) That being said, most people feel nothing at all and become so relaxed they fall asleep!
Why are you taking my pulse?
TCM is a complete form of medicine. That means that in order to treat you properly, I have to diagnose your specific dis-harmony. Taking the pulse helps me to determine what we are going to do to help you find health.
Why are you looking at my tongue?
It's weird. I know. Sticking your tongue out at a stranger goes against everything your mother taught you as a child. But I need to see it! The tongue is a road map to the body. The size, body, coating and colour can tell me about circulation in your body, the health of your digestive system, the quality of your sleep and many many other useful tidbits you may have forgotten to tell me.
How many treatments will I need?
Every person/ injury/ illness is unique. Some health concerns resolve quicker than others. Acute injuries may only need a couple treatments, while chronic conditions my require months of treatment. I generally recommend visits 1-2 times weekly for the first month. At that point we should see improvement or relief of the condition and can start spacing the appointments further apart. I will listen to you and your body and never have you commit to more than what is absolutely necessary to achieve your health goals. We are in this TOGETHER!
How safe is Acupuncture?
When practiced by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) Acupuncture is extremely safe and effective! I have five years of College and University training and I am licensed by the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA) I have also taken many post graduate courses such as sports acupuncture, paediatric acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture just to name a few. You are in very capable, caring hands!