What should I expect during my first visit? During your first office visit, Rebecca may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. Rebecca will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Please inform her about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have. Rebecca will also use standard traditional Chinese medical diagnostic techniques such as taking the pulses and checking the tongue. Depending on the problem being treated and your prior condition, you may experience a wide range of sensations the first time you have acupuncture. Since the treatment goal is the restoration and balance of the body's Qi, some patients will experience a burst of energy while others may feel relaxed or even tired. Many people experience a sense of calm and well being. Occasionally, a patient may feel euphoric or lightheaded, especially after the first treatment. People often find that in addition to their symptoms improving, functions that were not part of the main complaint will improve; for example you may have less anxiety, improved digestion, circulation and sleep. Much like beginning a course of exercise, some people experience an achy feeling for up to 24 hours after the first acupuncture session. It is important to note that not everyone will experience this feeling, but it is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent, but do happen. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they actually provide a kind of bonus treatment. The re-absorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point even without the presence of the needle. Rebecca will insert the needles and then leave you to rest for a period of time, often 20- 40 minutes, depending on what is being treated. In every case, Rebecca will return to both re-stimulate the needles and to remove the needles and safely dispose of them. All you have to do is relax!
In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: Yin and Yang. Yin represents the cold, slow or passive principle, while Yang represents the hot, excited or active principle. TCM embraces the principle that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of Yin and Yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians and that there are more than 2 000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them. Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the North America. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones and thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.
What does acupuncture feel like? Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as soreness, numbness, distention, warmth and pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing. We find that most of our patients are so relaxed during a session that they may even nap. Acupuncture needles differ from hypodermic needles used for injections. Unlike hypodermic needles which are hollow and cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and as thin as a hair. If you have a real fear of needles, please discuss it with Rebecca. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.
Is acupuncture only good for pain? Many people, including some medical professionals, assume that acupuncture is a method of temporary pain-relief only. This misconception may have resulted from acupuncture being popularized in North America since the 70s as a form of analgesia. It is true that acupuncture is commonly utilized as a form of pain control, especially when performed by physicians, chiropractors, or physiotherapists. The main concept of acupuncture as practiced in China or Japan is to harmonize internal body systems and address the cause of illness; therefore, temporary relief of pain is only one aspect of acupuncture. Acupuncture is a safe and effective method to deal with a variety of health conditions other than those causing pain. The WHO listed a variety of health conditions which can be treated by acupuncture, including organic illness. This is because acupuncture helps to regulate our physiological functioning. Acupuncture primarily affects our autonomic nervous system, which controls virtually our entire visceral function.
Yes, we use disposable single use sterile needles, and dispose of them in a Sharps container immediately afterwards. We employ the Clean Needle Technique. In addition, Rebecca, our experienced Doctor of Acupuncture, knows exactly where to insert the needles to avoid sensitive areas.
How often and how many treatments will I need? As each person is unique, the number and frequency of treatments depends entirely on each individual. Many factors including duration and severity of the complaint, as well as, the overall health of the patient. One or two may be enough for acute situations, ten to twelve for more chronic situations. As a guide, it takes one month of treatment for every year you have been experiencing your complaint or ailment. As your health improves, visits can be reduced, until eventually you will become independent of your practitioner.
Do I need to believe that acupuncture will work in order for it to be effective? Significant results have been obtained when acupuncture is used for very small children and animals, both groups being less likely to be affected by the degree of their beliefs. These studies suggested that Acupuncture produces a significant physiological response regardless of belief or faith in acupuncture. However, Acupuncturists cannot emphasize enough the patients role in their recovery. If the patient maintains a positive attitude with a firm belief in the treatment he or she is receiving and has a desire to recover, it can only be beneficial. The powerful synchronizing effect between the action of acupuncture and the patient's attitude makes sense since the cure comes from his/her own body, regardless of the form of therapy (they) received. Even conventional medical practitioners are beginning to recognize the importance of the patient's attitude towards treatment. Consequently, a growing number of modern hospitals are incorporating hypnosis or psychotherapy as a routine part of pre and post surgery conditioning. It certainly works.
Are there any side effects of acupuncture? As with any medical treatment, there is a chance of developing unfavorable reactions after acupuncture treatment. Adverse effects of acupuncture reported in the literature include infection, nerve damage, and puncture injuries to vital organs. These serious complications are exceptionally unusual, especially under the care of qualified acupuncturists. In very rare instances, fainting may occur especially among individuals who fear needles, have very low blood pressure, and attended the session with lack of sleep and/or empty stomach. Tiny bruises around needling sites are not very common but occasionally occur. These usually diminish completely within a week. There is a very small chance of burn associated with the application of heat by moxibustion or heat lamp. You are asked to notify us immediately in case you notice any discomfort or unusual symptoms during the treatment. Compared with medical and pharmaceutical intervention, acupuncture is considered an extremely safe treatment with minimal chance of serious complications.
What else is involved in the treatment session? Rebecca, the Doctor of Acupuncture at Equilibrium may incorporate application of heat, therapeutic cream, electrical stimulation, Tui Na massage, acupressure, and breathing exercises during treatment. Lifestyle education such as dietary changes and home exercises may be suggested to compliment your care.
Can I get acupuncture while I am pregnant? Absolutely. Acupuncture is a great drug-free way to provide relief from many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as: nausea, severe vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, stress, insomnia, bleeding, heartburn, hemorrhoids, pain (back, joint, and pelvic girdle pain), edema/swelling, sciatica, elevated blood pressure, urinary incontinence, headaches/migraines, constipation, and itching. Acupuncture is an excellent way to prepare the mother and baby for labour and can be used to correct breech position (up to 34 weeks). Acupuncture treatments are also very beneficial after pregnancy, for postpartum issues such as fatigue, depression and anxiety, vaginal discharge, lactation issues (insufficient or excessive lactation, engorged breasts).
Of course! Acupuncture is safe for everyone, at any age.
Should I stop other medications? No. You should continue to follow your current physician's instructions. Please remember that acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician's treatments not to replace them. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist.
Fees do not change depending on what is being treated. Staying true to the fundamental beliefs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we treat the whole person, as a whole. Disorders and their symptoms are not dissected and treated independently. There are not different fees for different disorders (with the exception of cosmetic face lifts). Patients who are treated for infertility, for example, find that other symptoms they have such as acne or cramps, are also treated at the same time. That is a goal of TCM, not simply a side effect. To this end there is one fee for treating the whole person, not an individual disorder.
Acupuncture can help people who have not been successfully treated using conventional Western medicine. With your consent, I will share information regarding your care with your doctor or health professionals.
Is acupuncture covered by Manitoba Health Care? MHC does not cover acupuncture; however many extended health insurance benefits do cover acupuncture treatments. Contact your insurance provider to obtain details on the extent and conditions of coverage. Great West Life, Blue Cross, Manitoba Pubic Insurance, WB, Green Shield, WCB, Manulife and Sunlife do have Acupuncture benefits.
When should I not receive acupuncture? Acupuncture can be done safely and effectively under most circumstances. However, if you have a high fever or are experiencing any acute or unusual symptoms, you are advised to consult your medical doctor or local emergency department first. If you are having a cold or other infectious disease that may spread to other clients, we advise you not to come to the treatment. Please call us prior to your appointment if you have any concerns.
Can you tell me about your policy on late arrival and cancellation? Rebecca respects her patients time and is almost always on schedule. Please understand, that if you arrive late, your treatment will be shortened accordingly to respect the time of our next patient. Please refer to her policy on late arrival and cancellation for details. It is a good idea to always try to arrive 5-10 minutes early so that you have enough time to settle yourself prior to the treatment in her waiting lounge.
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