Frequently Asked Questions

Your initial appointment includes both a consultation and treatment and is approximately 90 minutes. 

• Please have something to eat before your session 
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing 
• You may be asked to complete new client forms if not already submitted online 
• A thorough assessment will be conducted, including discussion of your health history and a Traditional Chinese Medicine evaluation 
• Your treatment plan will be explained, followed by your initial acupuncture treatment 
• Subsequent appointments are approximately 45 minutes.

During the initial assessment, a treatment plan will be developed based on the nature and severity of your condition.   Acupuncture is most effective when administered consistently.  Initial regular sessions build upon each other, creating a cumulative and more impactful effect.  Pre-booking appointments is not mandatory, however, because time slots fill quickly, pre-booking ensures that you secure your preferred appointment times and maintain the continuity of your treatment plan.  Your treatment plan will be regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary based on your progress and needs.  If at any point you feel that further treatment sessions are unnecessary, pre-booked appointments may be cancelled with 24 hours notice.

 While everyone’s experience is different, acupuncture is generally very comfortable, and many patients find the treatment relaxing. Most people report little to no discomfort.

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much thinner than the hypodermic needles commonly used for injections or blood tests. When a needle is inserted, you may feel a tiny prick or brief tingling sensation. You may also notice a mild heaviness, warmth or dull sensation around the needle site.

If you experience any discomfort, let your acupuncturist know right away so the needle can be adjusted or removed as needed.

 Yes. When performed by a trained practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered very safe. At our clinic, we follow careful hygiene and safety procedures throughout every treatment.

The practitioner thoroughly sanitizes their hands before treatment and again immediately before needle insertion. The skin at each needle site is cleansed with alcohol, and we use only sterile, single-use acupuncture needles, which are safely disposed of after each treatment. Hands are sanitized again before the needles are removed.

Most people experience little to no discomfort. Minor side effects can occasionally include temporary soreness or slight bruising at the needle site.

If you have any health concerns or questions about acupuncture, we’re always happy to discuss them with you before your treatment.

 Acupuncture is generally most effective when approached as a process rather than a one-time treatment. Most conditions respond best to a short course of care, with 6 to 8 treatments being a common starting point.

We typically recommend weekly treatments for the first 4 to 5 weeks. This gives us an opportunity to see how your body responds and whether your symptoms are improving in a consistent way. Your feedback during this time is important, as it helps us adjust your treatment plan and better address the underlying cause of your symptoms.

We usually reassess your progress around the 5th visit. As improvement is maintained, treatments may then be spaced farther apart.

The total number of treatments will vary depending on the condition being treated, whether it is acute or chronic, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health and constitution.

After your initial assessment, we’ll recommend a treatment plan that gives you a clear sense of timing and expected costs, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

 Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to stress and anxiety, considering both physical and emotional well-being. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, treatment is intended to support balance in the body, encourage relaxation, and help reduce the physical effects of stress.

Many patients find acupuncture calming and report improvements in areas such as sleep, tension, and overall sense of well-being. Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, health history, and how your body responds over time.

Both dry needling and Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture use fine, sterile needles, but they come from different treatment approaches and educational backgrounds.

Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture has roots extending back more than 2,000 years. Treatment is based on a TCM assessment of the whole person and may involve selecting acupuncture points throughout the body according to established acupuncture theory and the individual’s pattern of signs and symptoms.

In Alberta, registered acupuncturists must graduate from an approved acupuncture education program and meet the registration and examination requirements established by the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta.

Dry needling is a more recent technique used by some regulated health professionals, including physiotherapists. It is generally based on Western anatomical and neuromuscular concepts and often focuses on muscles, trigger points and areas associated with pain or restricted movement.

Physiotherapists in Alberta who perform dry needling must be authorized by their regulatory College and complete additional post-entry-level needling education that includes theory, practical training, safety instruction and evaluation.

Although both approaches use needles, their assessment methods, treatment philosophies and practitioner education are different.

 Coverage depends on your individual extended health benefits plan. Many insurance providers in Canada include acupuncture, but coverage amounts and requirements vary by plan.

We do not direct bill insurance companies. After each treatment, we will email you a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement, according to the terms of your plan.

 We understand that schedules can change, and we do our best to accommodate our patients.

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Missed appointments or cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full cost of the scheduled treatment.

As we often have a waiting list for acupuncture appointments, adequate notice gives us the opportunity to offer your appointment time to another patient.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.