Holistic
and
Modern Acupuncture

Acupuncture needles are very thin - you can fit 40 of them into one hypodermic needle. Many patients become very surprised how painless acupuncture is. Mostly you won’t feel a needle going through at all, the occasional points you may feel just the initial prick.

It is completely normal and even beneficial to experience some sensations when needles are retained or manipulated. For example, you may feel pressure around the needle, some warmth or coolness, some electric or tingling sensation, even some dull feeling. All these sensations show that acupuncture point was activated with energy starting to circulate and heal.

That being said, many patients fall asleep during the treatment as they feel so relaxed and calm. We call it “acunap” and it is unique in a sense that you get exactly what is needed for your own body – either relaxation or an energy boost, of course, in addition to the treatment of your main complaint.

Acupuncture is cumulative, so we look at the result from the set of treatments, rather than each individual treatment. Think about it like a workout - you can’t get strong muscles from just one exercise; you need to build strength regularly and consistently. Many factors are involved in the creation of treatment plan such as chronicity of your condition, its complexity and complications, your compliance with the advice I am providing, and your individual response to treatment.

Typically, acute and recent conditions will require up to 3- 4 session to see significant positive result, symptoms that were present up to 6 months may need 4-8 sessions, while chronic conditions will consist of sets of 8 sessions. I re-assess after every treatment session, so that the treatment plan is modified accordingly.

Registered acupuncturists have extensive knowledge of human anatomy and are thoroughly trained to provide safe acupuncture treatments. There may be some very minor side effects that include bruising or soreness around the needle site, temporary fatigue, or lightheadedness, however, all of these side effects are mild and short-term.

Here is a list of the step-by-step process of the first session with the patient.

1. First, we will discuss your 1-2 main complaints that brought you to the clinic.

2. We will talk about your health history, allergies, hospitalizations/traumas, any medications/supplements you currently take.

3. Then we will move into exploring your body systems more deeply. I will be asking questions that might seem unrelated to your main complaints, but as we look at the body as a whole, we need to find any other areas that may contribute to your condition.

4. I will ask you to show me your tongue and will check your pulse. Tongue and pulse provide us with a lot of information about your internal processes. That is why we ask patients not to brush their tongues before coming into treatment as we want to see the real picture.

5. I will ask you to lay down onto the table face up/down. I will let you know which side I will be treating. After you get comfortable, we will start the treatment. I may include acupuncture alone or with other modalities, such as cupping, moxibustion, Gua sha or electro-stimulation. I may stimulate the needles performing various techniques during the session.

6. After needles are out and other modalities done (if applicable), we will discuss the treatment plan and some lifestyle/dietary modifications that you can do between the sessions to help rebalance your body and enhance the treatment result.

7. You may ask any questions before, during and after the treatment and I will gladly explain you everything in more detail.

Before your treatment:

- Fill out the Initial Intake form with Consent to treatment.

-Please enter any medications/supplements that you are currently on, and if you haven’t, please bring a list with you.

-Eat a light meal (avoid eating too much or nothing at all).

-Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

-Empty your bladder.

Try Not to:

-drink alcohol or take recreational drugs 1 day before and after treatment

-drink coffee within an hour of treatment

-brush your tongue (we look at your tongue for health indicators)

After treatment:

-stay well-hydrated

-try to avoid any high physical activity for the rest of the day

-please follow any treatment plan/advice (if provided) between visits

-try to keep all your appointments; each visit build upon the previous one

I am scared of needles

I use other modalities that do not include needling. Please contact to discuss options of no-needle sessions that may include cupping, acupressure, qua sha or moxa.