FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
how does traditional Chinese medicine (tcm) acupuncture work?
Acupuncture points are actual anatomical
locations where the resistance to the flow of electricity is lower. The needle can increase the body’s
electrical current by micro-amps (millionths of an ampere) and generate the strongest effect
possible.
As we know the body to be electric, wherever there is pathology, the tissue becomes more resistant
to the normal flow of electricity and ion exchange. Cellular function is diminished and nutrients,
including oxygen, are unable to enter the cells as easily and gasotransmitters are trapped. Pathology is also bi-directional, and waste
products from the cells’ metabolism do not get out as readily. The cells and tissues build up toxins.
The acupuncture needle promotes an electrical increase to the area and thus is said to aid to jump-
starts the cellular respiration
locations where the resistance to the flow of electricity is lower. The needle can increase the body’s
electrical current by micro-amps (millionths of an ampere) and generate the strongest effect
possible.
As we know the body to be electric, wherever there is pathology, the tissue becomes more resistant
to the normal flow of electricity and ion exchange. Cellular function is diminished and nutrients,
including oxygen, are unable to enter the cells as easily and gasotransmitters are trapped. Pathology is also bi-directional, and waste
products from the cells’ metabolism do not get out as readily. The cells and tissues build up toxins.
The acupuncture needle promotes an electrical increase to the area and thus is said to aid to jump-
starts the cellular respiration
what can tcm acupuncture do for me?
To date, modern scientific research studies have revealed the following actions of Acupuncture:
According the The World Health Organization (WHO), diseases, symptoms or conditions for which Acupuncture has been proved, through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment. (this study is limited to only the diseases and conditions tested by the WHO) You can read the full review and analysis report from the World Health Organization.
- Pain Management -Inducing analgesia-
- Protecting the body against infections - immune system boosting
- Regulating various physiological functions digestive, reproductive, endocrine, muscular, etc
- Increases our ability to manage mental, emotional stress-Decreases the allostatic load;
According the The World Health Organization (WHO), diseases, symptoms or conditions for which Acupuncture has been proved, through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment. (this study is limited to only the diseases and conditions tested by the WHO) You can read the full review and analysis report from the World Health Organization.
which acupuncture association do you belong to?
I am registered with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) as an Acupuncturist (R.AC). All qualified acupuncturist are listed in the Registry, for more information you can visit CTCMPAO.
which illnesses can be treated/managed/benefit from tcm acupuncture?
If you don't require a trip to the Emergency or surgery, Acupuncture is always an option for you, from physical pain to emotional and mental health. This list is from the World Health Organization but treatment is not limited to this list.
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Abdominal pain (in acute gastroenteritis or due to gastrointestinal spasm)
- Acne vulgaris
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Alcohol dependence and detoxification
- Bell’s palsy
- Biliary colic
- Bronchial asthma
- Some cancers
- Cardiac neurosis
- Cholecystitis, chronic, with acute exacerbation
- Cholelithiasis
- Competition stress syndrome
- Colour blindness
- Craniocerebral injury, closed
- Chloasma
- Choroidopathy, central serous
- Deafness
- Depression
- Diabetes, mellitus, non-insulin-dependent
- Dysentery, acute bacillary
- PMS
- Dysmenorrhoea, primary
- Earache
- Epidemic haemorrhagic fever
- Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
- Epistaxis, simple (without generalized or local disease)
- Eye pain due to subconjunctival injection
- Facial spasm
- Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
- Infertility, for fertility
- Female urethral syndrome
- Fibromyalgia and fasciitis
- Gastrokinetic disturbance
- Gouty arthritis
- Headache
- Hepatitis B virus carrier status
- Herpes zoster (human (alpha) herpesvirus
- Hypertension, essential
- Hyperlipaemia
- Hypophrenia
- Hypotension, primary
- Hypo-ovarianism
- Induction of labour
- Insomnia
- Irritable colon syndrome
- Knee pain
- Labour pain
- Lactation, deficiency
- Leukopenia
- Low back pain
- Male sexual dysfunction, non-organic
- Malposition of fetus: correction of
- Ménière disease
- Mental Health
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Neuralgia, post-herpetic
- Neurodermatitis
- Neuropathic bladder in spinal cord injury
- Obesity
- Opium, cocaine and heroin dependence
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
- Pain due to endoscopic examination
- Pain in thromboangiitis obliterans
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (Stein–Leventhal syndrome)
- Postextubation in children
- Postoperative convalescence
- Premenstrual syndrome, PMS
- Prostatitis, chronic
- Pruritus
- Radicular and pseudoradicular pain syndrome
- Raynaud syndrome, primary
- Recurrent lower urinary-tract infection
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Retention of urine, traumatic
- Periarthritis of shoulder
- Postoperative pain
- Pulmonary heart disease, chronic
- Renal colic
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sprain
- Schizophrenia
- Sialism, drug-induced
- Sjögren syndrome
- Sore throat (including tonsillitis)
- Spine pain, acute
- Stiff neck
- Stroke
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, TMJ
- Tietze syndrome
- Tobacco dependence
- Tourette syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Ulcerative colitis, chronic
- Urolithiasis
- Vascular dementia
- Whooping cough (pertussis)
what is mindfulness-based chronic pain management (mbcpm)?
Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management (MBCPM) is a program developed by Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix, a physician and chronic pain consultant at St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada. It is based on the famous Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) originated by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the USA several decades ago, and has been developed into a program more customized to the needs of those dealing with chronic pain, and is just as effective for stress.
MBCPM is meditation sessions to assist you in being mentally focused in the present moment to help you change your mental pain perception.
MBCPM is meditation sessions to assist you in being mentally focused in the present moment to help you change your mental pain perception.
How long are MBCPM Courses?
Mindfulness courses run for 13 consecutive weeks and can accommodate any group size. Classes are conducted out of various locations depending on size. Attendees learn how to meditate and control emotional states that affect the physical body by learning to stay present in the now.
Why should i learn how to do mbcpm?
You should learn how to do MBCPM every day because Mindfulness:
Often times, too much stress or, our ability to manage our stress load to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle are the cause of illness.
- Decrease stress and boost your immune system
- Increases positive emotions while reducing negative emotions and stress
- Increases density of gray matter in brain regions linked to learning, memory, emotion regulation, and empathy.
- Reduces behaviour problems
- Reduce the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Proven an effective tool to help people with cognitive and behavioural issues after Brain Injury
Often times, too much stress or, our ability to manage our stress load to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle are the cause of illness.
What is your cancellation policy?
Unplanned issues or emergencies come up for all of us. A minimum 48 hours notice is required for appointment changes or cancellations. as we generally have a waiting list. There is a full charge for No-Shows.
Do you conduct presentations on what you do?
Yes, I am available to your group or organization for public speaking and presentations on Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) Acupuncture and Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management.
Question 9
- Community Acupuncture and Mindfulness 8 sessions for $320 ( when course is running. No drop ins)
are there any side effects after treatment?
The feeling of wellbeing after a treatment is often referred to as “acu-land”, it may last from several
hours to days and weeks. You may first notice positive changes in your sleep quality or quantity, better moods,
and in general, less stress and less pain. There is generaly an overall sense of feeling better. Don’t
hesitate to ask if you have any worries or concerns
hours to days and weeks. You may first notice positive changes in your sleep quality or quantity, better moods,
and in general, less stress and less pain. There is generaly an overall sense of feeling better. Don’t
hesitate to ask if you have any worries or concerns
what should I do before an initial visit?
The following information is on the New Patients Page:
Cancellation Policy:
Unplanned issues or emergencies come up for all of us. A minimum 24 hours notice is required for appointment cancellations. There is a full charge for No-Shows.
- Please complete Intake Form that will be emailed to you before your initial visit. Filling out the form beforehand will give us more time together.
- Your first appointment will take 1.5 +hours as it includes an initial consult and a treatment follow up appointments after that will take approximately 45 min - 1 hour.
- A light snack before your initial visit will prevent becoming light-headedness, nausea, or other discomfort during the treatment.
- Go to the bathroom before your treatment. During a treatment we would have to remove all the needles and start again.
- Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes. Sometimes I will ask you to disrobe but don't worry, I have sheets and blankets to cover you and will always respect your privacy.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is important that you feel comfortable and are well informed.
Cancellation Policy:
Unplanned issues or emergencies come up for all of us. A minimum 24 hours notice is required for appointment cancellations. There is a full charge for No-Shows.
What is Community Acupuncture?
Community acupuncture is done in a small group setting. You are seated in a chair instead
of laying on a table. You come wearing clothing that can be easily rolled up to your knees and
elbows. The purpose of this type of treatment is to be cost effective for those on a course of
treatments that do not need or require regular private treatments. It also is a very
successful way or producing the Maharishi Effect; the Increased coherence within and improved harmony and well-being of a
person generates an influence that extends beyond the self.
of laying on a table. You come wearing clothing that can be easily rolled up to your knees and
elbows. The purpose of this type of treatment is to be cost effective for those on a course of
treatments that do not need or require regular private treatments. It also is a very
successful way or producing the Maharishi Effect; the Increased coherence within and improved harmony and well-being of a
person generates an influence that extends beyond the self.
How often are the acupuncture needles cleaned?
The acupuncture needles are only ever used once, then they are disposed of properly.
Does Traditional Chinese medicine only involve acupuncture?
In order to address the body, mind and spirit and provide a complete health care system, Traditional Chinese Medicine includes a variety of services such as:
For more information visit the Services Page.
- Tuina Massage
- Cupping
- Moxabustion
- Qi Gong
- Auricular ear seeds
- Food as medicine
- Guasha
- Acupuncture
For more information visit the Services Page.
is acupuncture covered under my insurance plan?
Some insurance plans cover acupuncture, you will have to contact your benefit provider to find out. I am a registered acupuncturist with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) as an Acupuncturist (R.AC)
what activities should i avoid before/after treatments?
- You may resume your normal activities after acupuncture; going back to work is fine. Remember you might feel more relaxed than usual.
- Keep exercise easy. Avoid rigorous routines after treatment. If you work out regularly do a lighter routine
- Getting physical therapy, chiropractic or massage before treatment is good and will not impede your treatments, acupuncture with an acupuncturist can be used along side any other modality or health treatment.
what age would i be eligible for treatment?
Any age can have a treatment.
are the treatments painful?
It is very important to see a qualified acupuncturist to ensure proper needle placement and stimulation. When the needle is inserted, you may feel soreness or slight pinch or tingling. Some people feel nothing.
Usually when you experience discomfort during or after a treatment, it’s mild and last seconds. The purpose of acupuncture is to balance your body, there are no long-term negative side effects, usually a sense of relaxation and well-being occur during and after treatment. Patients become so relaxed that some sleep during treatment.
Usually when you experience discomfort during or after a treatment, it’s mild and last seconds. The purpose of acupuncture is to balance your body, there are no long-term negative side effects, usually a sense of relaxation and well-being occur during and after treatment. Patients become so relaxed that some sleep during treatment.
how long does a treatment last?
Initial treatments take the longest, which usually go up to 1.5 hours. Regular treatments are between 45 minutes to 1 hour long.