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Q: What type of needles are being used?
A: Most people are familiar with hypodermic needles, the kind used by your doctor to withdraw blood, and administer vaccinations. Hypodermic needles and acupuncture needles are very different.
Hypodermic needles are thick and hollow, since they must remove fluid (example: blood) or inject fluid (example: vaccination) from or into the body. Their function is to transfer fluid, and so they are designed to cut into the skin and veins in order to so.
Hair-thin acupuncture needles are solid, and are not designed to cut into the skin. They are not inserted as deeply as a hypodermic needle. Generally acupuncture needles are inserted no more than 15 mm to 25 mm into the body, deeper on fleshy areas or depending on the type of treatment being delivered. Acupuncture needles are of a very thin; usually .14 mm to .30 mm in diameter. It would take ten to fit inside a hypodermic needle.
Many people with a fear of needles successfully obtain acupuncture treatments. There are ways to work around needle phobias, such as shortening the length of treatment slightly, and breathing exercises. Having an open discussion about your fear will make it possible for you to overcome it, and enjoy the benefits of acupuncture. We are very understanding about the misconception that needles equal pain, and will work with you to obtain positive results with acupuncture. If you have questions regarding this, please contact us by phone or email to discuss it further.
Q: Are the needles sterile?
A: We always use sterilized, one-use disposable, surgical-grade stainless steel needles. These needles come in a pre-sterilized sealed package and are discarded after the first use.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Most people do not find acupuncture painful, as the needles are very thin. Many describe it as relaxing and fall asleep during treatment. People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; most feel no pain at all. Any discomfort is usually minimal and brief. After the needle is inserted you may feel various sensations ranging from: a vague numbness, heaviness, dull ache, slight tingling or nothing at all. These feelings are all desirable and normal.
Q: Will I need to get undressed during treatment?
A: Many conditions can be treated by rolling up pant legs and shirt sleeves, etc as long as the clothes are loose fitting. There are some instances when it is necessary to remove clothing (example: when treating back pain) but I am respectful of patients privacy and will leave the room when you are undressing / re-dressing.
Q: Do I have to believe in acupuncture to see positive results?
A: No. Acupuncture is also used successfully on young children and animals (dogs, horses, etc) and they do not "believe" in it. A positive attitude will help any healing process, but you do not have to believe in acupuncture in order for the treatment to be successful. In fact, many of my previously skeptical patients have found acupuncture to be extremely beneficial, and have referred their friends and family to come to my office for treatment.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: The number of treatments varies from person to person. Most health conditions take more than one treatment to be resolved. It depends on many factors including duration and severity of the complaint. For example, if you're condition is acute, 2-5 treatments may completely resolve symptoms, however if you have been dealing with your symptoms for many years addressing them effectively will take longer. As a guide, it takes one month of treatment for every year you have been experiencing your complaint or ailment. As your health improves, visits can be reduced.
Q: How will I feel after a treatment?
A: Many people describe the feeling as being deeply relaxed. Although the majority of people feel relaxed and a bit sleepy after treatment, some people feel an energy surge. I do have patients who come in for acupuncture before work or during their lunch hour. It is common for people to return to work after a treatment. People often find that in addition to their symptoms improving, functions that were not part of the main complaint will improve, for example you may have less anxiety, improved digestion, circulations, and sleep. Much like beginning a course of exercise, some people experience an achy feeling for up to 24 hours after the first acupuncture session. It is important to note that not everyone will experience this feeling, but it is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Q: Will you work with my Doctor?
A: Acupuncture can help people who have not been successfully treated using conventional western medicine. With your consent, I will share information regarding your care with your doctor or health professionals.
Q: Can I get acupuncture while I am pregnant?
A: Absolutely. Acupuncture is a great drug-free way to provide relief from many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as: nausea, severe vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, stress, insomnia, bleeding, heartburn, hemorrhoids, pain (back, joint, and pelvic girdle pain), edema/swelling, sciatica, elevated blood pressure, urinary incontinence, headaches/migraines, constipation, and itching. Acupuncture is an excellent way to prepare the mother and baby for labour and can be used to correct breech position (up to 34 weeks).
Acupuncture treatments are also very beneficial after pregnancy, for postpartum issues such as fatigue, depression and anxiety, vaginal discharge, lactation issues (insufficient or excessive lactation, engorged breasts).
Q: What problems can be treated using TCM / Acupuncture?
A: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is commonly used for fertility, preventing disease, strengthening the immune system, controlling pain, alleviating anxiety and depression, reducing stress, regulating endocrine and digestive function, optimizing women's health and treating childhood illness. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions regarding treatment.
Q: Is acupuncture covered by OHIP?
A: OHIP does not cover acupuncture; however many extended health insurance benefits do cover acupuncture treatments. Contact your insurance provider to obtain details on the extent and conditions of coverage.
Q: What is the fee for the initial consultation and follow up visits?
A: The initial consultation (including an acupuncture treatment) is $136.50. Follow up visits are $84.00. Herbal medicines are individually priced, and may be given along with acupuncture. We accept cash, cheque, visa, mastercard and debit. Cheques can be made payable to ALIVE Holistic Health Clinic.
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