FAQ's

There are a number of professions that can get certification to practice a type of medical acupuncture, commonly known as dry needling. However, Acupuncturists in Alberta undergo a 3-4 year programme with extensive training and over 1300 hours of practice in clinical situations. They then need to sit intense board and practical certification exams to be allowed to practice as a Doctor of Acupuncture under the Canadian HPA guidelines.

Acupuncture that is performed in a classical and traditional manner shouldn’t be painful. The very fine, sterile, single use needles are almost thinner than a human hair, and although we aim to create a sensation with the needle, we are not wanting to create pain.

We aim to create the sensation of “De Qi”, the arrival of qi. Sometimes this can bring about a feeling of heaviness, achiness, numbness, tickling, warmth, coolness, or even rushing sensation along the meridian. It can be different for everyone. Sometimes if you are in a strong state of fatigue or deficiency, you might not feel anything at all. The only wrong sensation would be pain or burning, so you would inform your practitioner and they would make sure to adjust or remove the needle.

Sensations are not limited to what the body feels either, some people will also experience some emotional releases as well. This might look like crying, or even laughing. The body knows what it needs and no response is wrong.

Acupuncture in the western world has been commonly recommended for pain relief, which it is wonderful at helping, however, it is good for a huge variety of conditions! According to research and clinical studies it is excellent at helping with:

• Anxiety, stress, and depression

• Digestion issues such as regulating bowels and stomach complaints

• Gynecological disorders

• Insomnia

• Assisting the immune system

• Decreasing inflammation

• And so much more!

Good news! Our acupuncturist is also scared of needles and prides herself on being especially sensitive to patients with the same fear. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and come in all different thicknesses, so if you are really nervous she will talk with you and be able to help ease your fears. And if you are really nervous there are a lot of other ways that she can treat you.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses a variety of modalities.

• Fire Cupping is a wonderful way to address body pain, but it is also a great way to treat the whole body. Glass cups provide a warming and comforting sensation and muscle tension melts away.

• Food Therapy is based on the principles of TCM and the nature and properties of foods and their actions on the body. Your practitioner might make recommendations for you based on what they deem your constitution to be.

• Gua Sha is also another modality that is able to help break up what is termed as “stagnation” or “stasis”. When these are present, there is pain. Gua sha breaks up adhesions and brings blood and qi to the area to speed up healing.

• Moxibustion is a great addition to a treatment as well. It is a herb that is often carbonised for clinical use and is used to boost the body's functions. It warms and moves and helps qi flow in the correct direction.