Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China and has a history of nearly three thousand years. Influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy, culture, science, and technology, Chinese medicine uses a number of fundamental principles, theories and practical applications to focus on the balance of mind, body, and spirit to optimize health and prevent illness. These include such concepts as Yin and Yang, Five Element Theory, Zang-Fu Theory, and Meridians that allow fundamental substances to flow. A key benefit of TCM is the philosophical premise underlying all treatments – that the body has enormous potential to heal itself. 

Diagnostics typically include an extensive medical history, examining of a persons tongue and radial pulses to help determine a TCM diagnosis and decide on treatment methods to be used. Treatment modalities are tailored to the patient’s individual needs but could include acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, diet therapy, Gua Sha, herbal medicine, Tui Na, and moxibustion.

Acupuncture is among the most common therapy. It is the gentle stimulation of specific locations on the body using very fine, flexible, sterile, single-use needles. The activation of these functionally tasked points helps balance the flow of fundamental substances, which is thought to promote the many related health benefits.

For patients who are interested in the benefits of acupuncture but are nervous about needles, we also offer needle-free acupuncture treatments which utilize alternative techniques to stimulate acupuncture points such as acupressure, cupping, and Tui Na massage. 

Some of the benefits of TCM and acupuncture include:

  • Accelerated tissue healing
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Drug free pain relief
  • Decreased stress response
  • Enhanced circulation
  • Emotional relaxation
  • Improved digestion
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved overall mood
  • Increased energy levels
  • Regulation of hormones

pricing

Acupuncture 

Initial Consultation

and Treatment (75 Minute) – $145

Initial Consultation and 

Treatment (75 Minute) – $145

45 Minute Treatment – $85

60 Minute Treatment – $110

Acupuncture & Cupping

Initial Consultation

and Treatment (75 Minute) – $170

Initial Consultation and 

Treatment (75 Minute) – $170

45 Minute Treatment – $110

60 Minute Treatment – $135

Facial Rejuvenation

Acupuncture

Initial Consultation

and Treatment (75 Minute) – $175

Initial Consultation and

Treatment (75 Minute) – $175

60 Minute Treatment – $140

Frequently asked questions

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, the practitioner will review your health goals and findings from your intake form to help develop a treatment plan. The practitioner will then get you settled comfortably on the treatment table and begin placing 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 relax and fall asleep during this time. Once the time is up, the needles are removed, and you may go about your day as planned!

Acupuncture treatments at our clinic are provided by either a Doctor of Acupuncture or a Naturopathic Doctor, depending on who you book with. Both are fully trained to deliver acupuncture treatments.

Please note:

  • If you book with a Naturopathic Doctor, the treatment will be billed under your Naturopathy benefits.

  • If you book with a Doctor of Acupuncture, it will be billed under your Acupuncture benefits.

Eastern Explanation:

At the core of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy flows throughout the body. Qi enlivens the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. Your health is a reflection of the quantity, quality and balance of your Qi.

Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. Meridians are like rivers and are connected to specific organs and glands in the body. Just as a river transports water to hydrate plants, meridians transport life giving Qi to nourish and energize all your cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. Just as a dam blocks a river from flowing, when the Qi is blocked, flow is restricted and nourishment cannot reach the intended place and symptoms arise.

Acupuncture works by influencing and balancing Qi using stimulation on specific points on the body.

Western Explanation:

Western scientists have found evidence that supports the theory of acupuncture points as strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways enables electromagnetic signals to be directed and relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may trigger the release of endorphins, and stimulate the immune system cells to become more active.

Research has also found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during an acupuncture treatment, resulting in reduced pain. Also, acupuncture can alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, thereby positively affecting parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions. Some of the processes that can be regulated in this way include blood flow, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Generally, treatments have little to no associated pain. The most common sensation you can expect to feel include warmth, pressure, energy travelling, dull ache, and/or tingling sensation around the needle site. This discomfort will dissipate after a minute or two as the acupuncture opens up the energy blockage in the channel. Most people relax and take a nap while the needles remain in place!

The number and frequency of treatments required to resolve symptoms and restore health depends on the severity and nature of the patient’s condition. 

Acute conditions such as back pain from a recent injury, may only take one to three sessions. Chronic pain or internal health issues such as indigestion or insomnia that may have been present for years will not be fixed in one session. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative and you will feel progressive improvement with each session. 

If more than one treatment is required, sessions will often be more frequent in the beginning and taper off to a “maintenance phase” as the patient improves. 

Acupuncture is very low risk and can be extremely beneficial to continue 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. Our practitioners 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.