Acupuncture Faq’s
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Returning patients may book with any acupuncturist, at any location, 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, please book an "Initial Visit" with any practitioner.
-
Intake Process
For your first treatment, you will need to complete an in-depth intake form, which will be sent to you electronically at the time of booking. Upon arrival, we will review your health goals and findings from the intake form.Health History Discussion
Be prepared to discuss your current medications, therapies, digestive health, and sleeping habits. These are just a few aspects of your health history that we will review to assess how your body is functioning internally.Treatment Setup
Your acupuncturist will settle you comfortably on the treatment table, providing a warming heat lamp and your choice of music playlist. They will then place the needles, which will remain in for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.Relaxation Period
You will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the session, with many patients falling asleep during this time. You can reach your practitioner at any point using our paging system.Post-Treatment
Once the session is complete, the needles will be removed, and you can continue with your day as planned. We recommend staying hydrated after your session, but you may resume your normal activities. -
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 that you can change into.
-
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 head may also be included in your point prescription!
-
Initial acupuncture sessions are 60 - 75 minutes and Follow Up sessions are 45 - 60 minutes. Treatments that include cupping; add 10 minutes to these appointment times.
-
Hybrid Acupuncture + Massage treatments are provided by a dual-licensed Doctor of Acupuncture & Registered Massage Therapist. These treatments may be billed 100% to acupuncture, 100% to massage, or split between both coverages.
Clinic Faq’s
-
At our 17th ave clinic, we offer designated patient parking in stalls #14-17 behind our building. Both 17th ave and Marda Loop clinics have plenty of free street parking on all of our neighbouring streets. Visit our Find Us Page for detailed parking information.
-
We accept all major credit cards and e-transfer. Direct billing is also available for most insurance companies.
-
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 us at 403.229.2520 or email hello@acucollective.ca
-
Yes! We direct bill to most major insurance providers. Our policy requires a credit card on file for claims that cannot be processed or for balances owing. It is up to the patient to confirm coverage with their insurance provider.
-
Sunlife, Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Canada Life - PSHCP, Desjardins Insurance, Equitable, GreenShield, GroupSource, Industrial Alliance, Johnston Group, Manulife Financial, TELUS AdjudiCare, belairdirect (formerly Johnson Inc.), Beneva, BPA, Canadian Construction Workers Union (C.C.W.U.), Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, CINUP, ClaimSecure, Coughlin & Associates, Cowan Insurance Group, First Canadian, GMS Carriers 49 and 50, GroupHEALTH, LiUNA Local 183, LiUNA Local 506, Major Group, Manion, Maximum Benefit, MDM Insurance Services, Pacific Blue Cross*, People Corporation, RWAM, Simply Benefits, SSQ Insurance, Union Benefits, UV Insurance.
-
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.
-
All herbs and supplements are final sale and cannot be returned or refunded.
We also do not offer refunds on treatments, including acupuncture, massage therapy, or any other services. If you have concerns about a recent visit or experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team - we’re here to help.
Facial + Cosmetic Acupuncture Faq’s
-
There are several benefits in using acupuncture 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.
-
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.
-
All facial rejuvenation acupuncture sessions are performed by a Registered Acupuncturist and therefore allows you to claim your session through your acupuncture benefits coverage.
-
Preparation for Appointment
Arrive at your appointment in comfortable clothing and with a clean, beautiful face. You and your practitioner will discuss your health history and goals to develop a personalized treatment plan.Treatment Process
Next, you'll lie on a treatment table where acupuncture and selected supplementary modalities will be performed. The entire process typically takes about an hour, including a 10-15 minute resting period.Relaxation Time
It's quite normal to find yourself dozing off during the resting period! -
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.
-
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 sooner.
-
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. -
Today! Book in for your initial consult & treatment with our fertility acupuncture specialists. We also offer free 15 minute consultations.
-
Learn more about fertility acupuncture through our Fertility Support Program, or our blog, How Acupuncture Can Support Your Fertility Journey