Acupuncture Faq’s

+ Does acupuncture hurt?

One of the most frequently asked questions around acupuncture is “Does it hurt? There are many different styles of acupuncture, some more “stimulating” than others. However, with Traditional Acupuncture, people often report a “dull ache” and/or tingling sensation around the needle site. After all the needles are placed, it’s typical to not feel the needles at all and patients often report feeling extremely relaxed.

+ How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture from a properly trained and qualified practitioner is very safe. There are very few side effects from acupuncture when practised by a licensed practitioner. Any minor side effects that can sometimes occur, such bruising around needle points, are mild and self-correcting.

+ How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments can vary depending on the needs and severity of the patient's condition. Treatments will often be more frequent in the beginning and taper off to a "maintenance phase" as the client improves. It’s important to discuss a treatment plan with your Acupuncturist, so the both of you are on the same page and working together towards your progress.

+ Can I book with multiple practitioners?

Returning patients may book with any acupuncturist as a "Follow Up Visit" if you have seen us within the past year. If it has been over 1 year since your last visit, and you are booking with a NEW practitioner, you must book as an "Initial Visit".

+ What should I expect at my first treatment?

For your first treatment, you will be required to complete an in-depth intake form that will be sent to you electronically at the time of booking. When you arrive, we will review your health goals and findings from your intake form. Be prepared to discuss your current medications, current therapies, digestive health and sleeping habits. These are just a few of the many parts of your health history we will review in order to determine how your body is functioning internally. Your acupuncturist will then get you settled comfortably on the treatment table with a warming heat lamp, and your choice of music playlist. Your acupuncturist will then place needles which stay set between 15 and 40 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. You will be left on your own to relax while the needles do their work. Many patients fall asleep during this time. However, at any point during the session you may reach your practitioner with our paging system. Once time is up, needles are removed, and you may go about your day as normally planned! We simply suggest staying hydrated following your session, but other actives may resume as normal.

+ How should I prepare for my acupuncture session?

Please come to your session having eaten 1-2 hours prior. Wear something that’s comfortable and that you can relax in. It’s encouraged to wear loose fitting clothing that can be rolled up to your elbows and knees, or you may bring shorts and a tank top that you can change into.

+ Where do you needle?

Point location depends on what you’re seeking treatment for. The most commonly used points are on the limbs and torso, however points on the face and scalp may also be included in your point prescription!

+ How long is a session?

Initial acupuncture sessions are 75 - 90 minutes and Follow Up sessions are 45 - 60 minutes.

Clinic FAQ’s

+ Where do I park?

We offer designated patient parking behind our building, and free 2 hour street parking on our neighboring streets. Visit our contact page for detailed parking information.

+ How do I pay?

We accept all major credit cards and e-transfer.

+ How do I book?

We recommend you use our simple book online system the most convenient experience! With online booking, you may view our team’s entire availability to see in real time which appointments best align with your schedule. You may reschedule or cancel through your online account also. You may also call our virtual reception team at 403.229.2520 if you require assistance with booking.

+ Do you offer direct billing?

Yes! We direct bill to most major insurance providers.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the practitioner’s day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee equal to the cost of their appointment.

facial Acupuncture Faq’s

+ How does facial rejuvenation acupuncture work?

There are several ways acupuncture works for cosmetic purposes:

1. Balances the whole body Traditional Chinese Medicine regards beauty and overall health with a holistic perspective. This means that both internal and external aspects of wellness - digestion, circulation, metabolism, and mental health - cannot be separated from beauty.

2. Improves the long term health of skin By causing micro-trauma with the insertion of needles, facial rejuvenation acupuncture encourages the natural production of newer, stronger elastin fibres and collagen.

3. Improves facial musculature By addressing the muscles in the face, facial rejuvenation acupuncture stimulates or relaxes tension in the face depending on the individual’s needs and concerns.

+ Does facial acupuncture hurt?

A common sensation is a sense of heaviness or a dull ache that is very typically experienced everywhere else on the body as needles are inserted. Be sure to communicate any discomfort to your practitioner so adjustments can be made. Nonetheless, most patients find the cosmetic rejuvenation treatments very restful and relaxing.

+ Is facial rejuvenation acupuncture covered by my benefits?

All facial rejuvenation acupuncture sessions are performed by a Registered Acupuncturist and therefore allows you to claim your session through your acupuncture benefits coverage.

+ What can I expect at my first facial rejuvenation acupuncture treatment?

Come to your appointment in comfortable clothing and your clean, beautiful face, where your practitioner and you will discuss your health history and goals to come up with a treatment plan.

Next, you’ll lie on a treatment table where acupuncture and selected supplementary modalities will be performed. The whole process typically takes about an hour, including a 10-15min resting period.

It is quite normal to find yourself dozing off during that time!

+ How many facial rejuvenation treatments do I need?

Like most acupuncture treatments, results of cosmetic rejuvenation treatments are cumulative.

A typical treatment plan includes 10 treatments.

3 weekly sessions are usually recommended to start to rev up your body’s collagen production, circulation, and cell turnover. After that, you and your practitioner can reassess and discuss how the treatments are going to decide how frequent the follow up appointments should be in order to achieve your goals.

+ Can I get facial rejuvenation acupuncture during pregnancy?

In addition to the beauty benefits of cosmetic rejuvenation acupuncture, it can also help with many of the symptoms that come with pregnancy - nausea, muscle tension, aches and pain, headaches, digestive issues, etc.

A trained Acupuncturist will be able to discern areas and points to give you the support you need for a smooth pregnancy and to maximize that GLOW.

fertility Acupuncture Faq’s

  • Absolutely, it is very low risk. In fact, it is extremely beneficial to continue with treatment throughout the entire pregnancy. During pregnancy treatments, there are a select few points that are contraindicated and will never be included in our point prescriptions. We are extensively trained in the location and nature of the points to be avoided, and have experience with how to keep you as safe and comfortable throughout the entirety of your pregnancy.

    Learn more about our Fertility Support Program.

  • If you have coverage for treatment by a Registered Acupuncturist, yes. These treatments are billed just the same.

  • Fertility Acupuncture is effective for anyone, even those without formal diagnoses of infertility, as it modulates how the nervous system communicates to the hormonal system. It brings the body into a state of homeostasis - which is a state we think everyone deserves to be in!

    If you are dealing with conditions such as PCOS, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, Hormonal Imbalances, Autoimmune Conditions, or Menstrual Cycle Irregularities, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are very effective treatments.

    Fertility Acupuncture is also effective for males looking to boost sperm count, quality and motility. It regulates the nervous system and hormonal axis in the same way, ensuring optimal conditions for fertility and conception.

    Learn more about our Fertility Support Program.

  • To increase success of conception, we recommend both males and females start treatment 90 days before you wish to conceive (whether that be via IVF, IUI, or naturally). This allows for a full mitosis cycle in the development of an egg or sperm, during which we can maximize quality and internal physiological environment.


    For more information on recommended treatment plans, visit our Fertility Support Program.

  • During the pre-conception Preparation phase, we recommend 1 treatment per week, for 3 months. For those that are 35 years or older, and have been experiencing infertility for 2 years or longer we recommend 2 treatments per week at first, with the potential of moving to 1 weekly.

    During pregnancy, we encourage you to listen to your body and the symptoms that are coming up, and come in for support treatments accordingly. Typically 1 treatment every 2-3 weeks for the entirety of pregnancy will keep all the pregnancy side-effects under control while creating a nourishing, healthy environment for the fetus to thrive.

    Post birth, in the Restore phase, we recommend 1 treatment every 3-4 weeks, and continuous use of herbs for 2 months following birth.

  • We don’t have a standard answer for this. It is dependent on a variety of factors, including pre-existing conditions and their duration, consistency of treatment, and commitment to making adjustments in all areas of life such as diet, exercise, and stress modulation. 3 months is typically the minimum amount of time it would take, but we have seen couples conceive much sooner. On the other hand, if we are dealing with a more persistent, conception can take longer.

  • Research shows that women undergoing IVF/IUI in combination with Acupuncture treatments were at least 26% more likely to conceive than those doing IVF/IUI alone. Additional studies suggest an even higher rate.

    Physiologically, Acupuncture has been proven via clinical studies to calm the nervous system, lower stress levels, regulate the menstrual cycle and hormone levels, and improve blood flow to the uterus and reproductive organs. Further, it has been shown to improve both egg and sperm quality.

    For summaries and links to studies regarding acupuncture & fertility success rates, visit our Fertility Support Program.

  • Yes! In fact, in ancient times, certain Acupuncture points were used during surgery or childbirth for their anesthetic effects. Research has also concluded that women receiving regular Acupuncture treatments were less likely to need a caesarean section.

    While it is unlikely that you will get Acupuncture in active labour, treatments beforehand can help to get your body prepare for labour in a way that can reduce pain during childbirth, and improve recovery after the fact. The powerful mind-calming abilities of Acupuncture can mitigate the anxiety and stress of labour and delivery as well.

  • Absolutely - 7 of them to be exact. Traditionally, Acupuncture would not be a stand alone treatment, but rather an adjunct to an entire treatment plan that includes:

    diet therapy
    exercise recommendations
    breathwork & meditation exercises
    cupping
    herbal medicine
    acupressure
    ear seeds

    Any or all of these therapies may be incorporated into your treatment plan. We believe that in order to achieve optimal health & fertility outcomes, it is important to integrate aspects from each of these modalities. Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach, meaning that it considers every aspect of our lives in determining our state of health. In order to make lasting changes in our health we have to address all facets of our life. This is also great news for those who are hesitant about receiving Acupuncture as we have plenty of other treatment modalities to choose from.

  • Today! Book in for an Initial Consultation with our fertility specialists - Dr. Sarah Graham or Dr. Lexi Streu, and your fertility journey begins. All we need for your first appointment is a completed Intake Form which will be emailed to you upon booking.

    We also offer free 30 minute consultations - book your free consult here.