1.                  What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment based on the Traditional  Chinese Medicine theory and performed by inserting fine sterile disposable needles at acupoints (holes that provide gateways that connect body’s energy channels to universal energy). This serves to stimulate, disperse, regulate and restore flow of chi (vital energy or life force).

2.                  Is acupuncture a painful treatment?

Contrary to common believe, acupuncture does not hurt.

3.                  What is electro-acupuncture?

An electric current (from the electronic acupuncture device) which is almost as weak as the body’s bioelectric current is supplied to the needles inserted into the acupoints to strengthen the stimulation of the acupoints and enhance the effect of needling.

4.                  What other therapies are commonly used with acupuncture?

Cupping, scraping, Far Infrared Lamp, acupressure, and tui-na massage.

5.                  What is cupping?

This therapy utilizes jars attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created by introducing heat in the form of an ignited material. 

Common indications of cupping:

·         Muscle tension, wandering pain

·         Common cold, cough, chest congestion

·         Acute sprain, blood stasis

·         Diarrhea, abdominal pain

·         Skin numbness, paralysis or deficiency syndromes

6.                  What is scraping?

This therapy utilizes a smooth instrument (commonly a buffalo horn) and lubricant or herbal oil to briskly, facilely and repeatedly scrape on skin until purplish red subcutaneous ecchymosis appears.

Main functions of scraping:

·         Relieve pain

·         Balance yin & yang

·         Eliminate toxins & increase circulation

·         Expel exogenous pathogens: wind, cold, heat or dampness.

·         Activate chi & blood; remove stasis

7.                  What is Far Infrared Mineral Lamp Therapy?

Used to replace traditional moxibustion (burning of Ai-ye) to affect movement of chi.

It releases heat (similar to sunlight) to increase blood flow and oxygen level in cells; regulate hormone activity; enhance immunity; and provide mental stability.

It also releases 33 essential minerals to speed healing damaged soft tissues, and ease painful conditions that are difficult to heal on a permanent basis using drugs and surgery.

It is FDA approved for the use by general public in treating pain.

The Chinese have used it for several decades on millions of people in over a hundred diseases and health problems.

In Chinese hospitals, it is popularly used by acupuncturists, surgical physicians, and physical therapists.

Other benefits of F.I.R. Mineral Lamp:

·         Decrease inflammation & edema

·         Pain relief

·         Reduce stress/negative emotions

·         Removal of toxins

·         Regulate physiological deficiencies

·         Energizing

·         Promote metabolism

·         Prevent overuse injuries

8.                  Are acupuncturists regulated in Ontario?

Not yet, but Ontario has started the regulation process for acupuncture.  The regulatory body normally takes three to five years to complete a regulation process for a health profession.

9.                  Is acupuncture covered by OHIP or insurance?

Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP.  Yet, the majority of workplace health plans have partial or full coverage for acupuncture.  We provide detailed receipts for reimbursement, and we are happy to answer any questions that patients or insurance companies have.

10.              Why do patients need to sign for informed consent?

All therapists of health professions are required by law to obtain informed consent to treatments from their patients prior to the treatments.  This is to ensure that patients receive adequate information related to their health concerns, knowing treatment procedure, benefits, side effects, risks, and options before they agree to be treated.

11.              Do patients need referrals from their MD for acupuncture treatments?

Acupuncturists do not require a medical prescription in order to offer you treatments.  However, your insurance or extended health carrier may require an original prescription from your medical doctor for our treatments to be reimbursed.