frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Not really. The needles we use are about as thick as a strand of hair and are never inserted more than necessary. You’ll feel some mild sensations (dullness, heaviness, tingling, or a weird sensation that is hard to describe) for about 30 seconds to a minute. After that you should feel really relaxed. We take a gentle approach, checking in with you throughout the needling process, and make your comfort our top priority.
I’ve had acupuncture with my chiro/physio/RMT. How is this different?
Chiros/physios/RMTs who study Medical Acupuncture practice a style called dry needling which is specifically used to release muscular pain. They also typically use much thicker needles and the needling experience tends to be quite intense and aggressive.
Our Registered Acupuncturist Leisha has been trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which means that not only can she help release muscular pain but she can also bring your body back to a state of balance aka homeostasis. That might look like getting certain organ systems to do more (or less), helping to calm the mind, allowing the body to release held emotions, triggering (or stopping) the release of certain hormones, improving circulation, etc. It's pretty amazing what we can do with just a few needles!
Can acupuncture help with my specific condition?
It depends. Acupuncture is really great for a number of conditions, including mental-emotional health, digestive issues, menstrual/gynecological conditions, sleep, pain, etc, but it truly depends on the severity of your particular issue. A good rule of thumb is that if it requires surgery or other more aggressive medical interventions, acupuncture alone won’t be a great fit, although it can certainly help you manage your symptoms, give you a better quality of life and help you heal faster from Western interventions. If you have questions about your specific condition, please book a free consultation.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
The number of treatments depends on multiple factors including the length of time you’ve had the problem, its severity, your overall health, how well you adhere to the treatment plan and how responsive you are to acupuncture. We will give you a treatment plan during your free consult which will include an estimated number of treatments.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Most benefit plans cover acupuncture but please double check with your provider to make sure before your appointment. We’ll provide you with a receipt after your treatment, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Unfortunately it is not covered by OHIP, but if you are paying out of pocket, you can claim acupuncture fees on your tax return as medical expenses.
Are there any side effects?
Because acupuncture is pretty mild, the typical side effects are minimal to none, other than feeling extremely relaxed. Occasionally some people feel slightly dizzy or lightheaded after treatment, although this typically only lasts for a few minutes. There is the possibility of bruising or some discomfort at points needled although this is not common and should go away within a couple days.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Whatever is comfortable for you! We’ll likely need access to your legs below the knee and arms below the elbow, and possibly your abdomen or your back. Ideally you’ll wear loose fitting clothing that can easily be rolled up, but if not, we have lots of clean sheets to keep you covered and comfortable during your treatment.