Acupuncture is an evidence-based medical therapy which involves the insertion of small, solid, sterile, single use, medical grade stainless steel needles at specific locations on the body known as acupuncture points to achieve desired therapeutic effects.

Acupuncture taps into the body's natural internal ability to heal and stay well by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, re-training pain signaling pathways, moving stagnation, improving circulation and blood flow, enhancing the immune system and bringing the body’s energy back into homeostatic balance. The result is often a feeling of deep relaxation, reduction in pain and inflammation, improvement in sleep, digestion, energy and overall well-being.

Acupuncture treatment effects are cumulative, with each treatment building and compounding on the next. It is very rare for one treatment to fully resolve a condition, although some may see significant improvement after only one treatment. Generally a course of weekly treatment for 4 -6 weeks is advised to determine if acupuncture is a modality to help with your condition. After an initial course, your acupuncturist will advise of the continued frequency of treatment for maximum benefit with the goal of reducing frequency over time. The recommended treatment plan is continually evaluated at each session based on your response to treatment. Various factors will influence the length of treatment needed such as severity, how long the condition has been present, and overall health.

The actual needle diameter is smaller than a sewing needle and slightly larger than a strand of hair. Everybody experiences acupuncture differently. Some may feel nothing at all as the needles are inserted and others may feel a tiny pinch. Once the needles are inserted some people experience various sensations at the location of the points or in other areas of the body. Possible sensations include tingling, warmth, coolness, waves of movement, chills, a mild dull achy or heavy sensation. All of these are common desired therapeutic responses. If you experience a sharp pain or significant discomfort that does not subside within 10-20 seconds of insertion, let your acupuncturist know and they will adjust or remove the needle.

Acupuncture is an evidence based safe and effective treatment option. Your acupuncturist will review your medical history to determine if there are any contraindications to treatment. Possible side effects may include: a deep sense of relaxation, occasional bruising, minor bleeding or mild discomfort/soreness at the sites needled.

Acupuncture may provide support for a wide range of conditions including:

• Chronic Pain / Acute Pain / Arthritis

• Headaches/Migraines

• Difficulty Sleeping / Insomnia

• Anxiety/Depression

• Gastrointestinal Disorders (i.e. IBS, constipation)

• Menstrual Cycle Pain and Irregularity

• Menopause symptoms

• Fatigue / Long Covid Symptoms

• Allergies / Inflammation

• Substance Use Disorder Symptom Management

• Smoking Cessation & Weight Loss Journeys

• And Many More, contact us to discuss if acupuncture may be a modality to help you

An initial visit will last approx. 90 minutes as it includes a comprehensive detailed intake of your health history and an acupuncture treatment. Follow-up visits will last approx. 60 minutes consisting of a quick check in, an acupuncture treatment and may include adjunctive therapies (gua sha, cupping, tui na, electro-stimulation) as deemed applicable by your acupuncturist.

Wear loose comfortable clothing that easily rolls up to your knees and elbows.

It is best to have a small meal 1-2 hours prior to your appointment time OR a small snack 30-60 minutes prior to your appointment time.

It is important to stay on the table, minimizing movement and not using any electronics. Allow yourself the time to rest and decompress by focusing on your breath, noticing any thoughts or emotions that come up, acknowledging them and then letting them go and coming back to your breath or visualizing your favorite place.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after treatment to allow the treatment to set in and allow the body to heal. Acupuncture may help alleviate pain. Therefore it is advised to not over exert yourself while the pain is reduced and your body is continuing to heal.

• Hydrate while avoiding and minimizing alcohol consumption.

• Be mindful of how you are feeling and your response to treatment to share with your acupuncturist at your next visit. Things to note - the level and quality or changes in your pain, changes in sleep, energy, digestion, emotions and feelings of overall well-being.

Qi (pronounced “Chee”) is our vital life force energy. Everything in and around us in the universe is made of qi and it takes on many forms. Our bodies are full of energetic processes with each amazing cell of our body being powered by the energetic powerhouse - the mitochondria. When you “feel” the “vibe” of the room - you are feeling the "Qi”, the “energy” of others in that moment.

Qi - “Vital Life Force Energy”

Gong - “to cultivate”

Qigong - the cultivation and activation of our vital life force energy and power within by using intentional gentle flowing movement and static meditative positions coordinated with breathwork to promote a therapeutic response in the body.

By combining flowing movements of the body with focused attention of the mind to activate and cultivate our internal energy, qigong promotes a deeper internal connection to our mind and body and soul, an improved ability to stay present in the moment, and may enhance circulation, strength, flexibility, balance, cardiovascular and immune function.

Both acupuncture and Qigong work with the energetic pathways/meridians of the body to stimulate the body’s internal ability to heal and stay well by restoring balance, clearing blockages, and releasing and moving stagnation to restore the free flow of qi and bring new qi, blood and fluids to areas where needed to stimulate healing.