Acupuncture FAQ
- What is Acupuncture?
- What can be treated by Acupuncture?
- Does Acupuncture hurt?
- How deep do the needles go?
- How long are the needles left in place?
- Are the needles clean?
- How many treatments does it take to get better?
- How long does each treatment take?
- Acupuncture Video clips:
Hand: Windows Media Player (448 KB) | Quicktime (220 KB)
Foot: Windows Media Player (508 KB) | Quicktime (255 KB)
Forehead: Windows Media Player (430 KB) | Quicktime (204 KB) - Cupping Video clips:
Cupping: Windows Media Player (730 KB) | Quicktime (407 KB)
Cupping: Windows Media Player (2.8 MB) | Quicktime (1.6 MB)
- What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles in specific points on your body, with the intent of treating certain conditions. There are other techniques that fall under acupuncture and to learn more about them read “Acupuncture / Chinese Medicine is More Than Just Needles”.
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- What can be treated by Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is designated by the World Health Organization as effective in treating a number of disorders including:
- Respiratory disorders: colds, hay fever, sinus inflammation, asthma
- Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation, diarrhea, irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, vomiting - Nervous system disorders: headaches, migraines, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, stress related disorders, weakness of muscles from stroke
- Musculoskeletal disorders: frozen shoulder, neck and back pain, sciatic pain, knee pain, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis
- Menstrual disorders: spotting, heavy periods, irregular periods,
PMS, breast tenderness, painful periods, menopausal symptoms
This is a brief list of conditions that can benefit from acupuncture treatments.
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- Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not hurt. It is normal to sometimes feel heaviness, aching or tingling around the site of the needle insertion. In general, most people find acupuncture very relaxing.
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- How deep do the needles go?
Usually the needles are inserted to a depth of ¼ to 1 inch. Depth depends on the size of the person, the site, and the nature of the problem.
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- How long are the needles left in place?
Once the needles are inserted, they are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes, again depending on your condition. During this time, you should remain still and relaxed.
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- Are the needles clean?
It is law in Alberta that all acupuncture needles be sterilized, single use needles. That means the needles are only used once and then disposed of. This prevents any spread of infections.
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- How many treatments does it take to get better?
This depends on the condition being treated. If your condition is fairly new and short-lasting, you may only need one or two treatments. However, if it is a chronic condition that you have had for a long time, you may require 5 to 15 treatments. Some very chronic conditions will require many treatments.
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- How long does each treatment take?
Your first visit will include a full Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment where you are asked a number of questions about your health. Your tongue will be observed and your pulse taken: these are two very important diagnostic techniques in Chinese medicine to determine certain aspects of your health. This takes approximately half an hour. The rest of the time is spent getting your treatment. Expect to spend about 1 hour in our office for your treatments.
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New Patients Welcome
Currently accepting new Acupuncture & TCM patients at both Calgary clinic locations.
PDF Intake Form
Christopher’s Clinic Days
Altadore/Marda Loop
Tuesday & Thursday
Fitness Centre
Wednesday & Saturday
Calgary Mobile Acupuncture
appointments available
Health Article of the Month
Acupuncture / Chinese
Medicine is More Than Just Needles!
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