What is a TCM?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a tried and proven medical system that has evolved over thousands of years. TCM practitioners use various physical methods to address health problems, including Acupuncture, Tuina, Cupping, Moxibustion and herbal prescriptions.
What is Community Acupuncture?
Community acupuncture is done in a group setting rather than one on one setting. Our treatment beds are separated with curtain dividers to ensure privacy. We conduct all initial assessments, report of findings and reassessments in a one on one private setting.
Why get Community style Acupuncture?
This is the way that acupuncture is traditionally done in Asia. Community-style clinics run on a sliding scale in order to make them more affordable and allow patients to get the amount of treatment they need in a shorter period of time with less cost restrictions.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing is best. We will need access to the legs below the knees and the arms below the elbows, and occasionally the abdomen. Gowns are provided in case you are require one.
Do I have to be referred by a doctor?
No, Dr. Ac, TCMDs can assess and treat without a referral by a doctor. Most health insurers do not require a doctors referral before they authorize coverage.
How many visits will I need?
The number of treatments will vary depending on the individual and the set goals. After a thorough assessment, the Dr. Ac, TCMD will discuss their treatment plan.
What is your therapists specialties?
Our therapists specialize is treating Pain, Mental Wellness, Chronic Illnesses, and Men’s health issues.
How do I know if my insurance covers Acupuncture?
We will check with your health insurance provider to determine if Acupuncture services are covered under your plan. We recommend that you confirm your coverage with your insurance provider.
How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment(s)?
You may call our front desk to speak to our helpful staff at the office: (403)992-5262. You may also log into your account in the portal to make any changes to your booking.
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Acupuncture and Nerves
Acupuncture works very well in conjunction with other therapies. Depending on the location and severity of the pinched nerve, a physical adjustment may be beneficial. Acupuncture for a pinched nerve can help relieve and manage the pain related to it.
Acupuncture from a trained professional Registered Acupuncturist or TCMD will not cause damage to nerves. The needles used are small and gentle and the risk of causing damage is extremely low.
Yes, Acupuncture can help recover nerve damage.
If a needle hits a nerve or blood vessel, you might feel a mild zapping or burning sensation. These sensations are brief and although they can feel alarming, they are not cause for concern.
Yes, nerve cells can regenerate and grow back over time, but recovery is generally slow and nerves may never return to the way they were before being damaged.
Acupuncture can help the body increase the healing of damaged nerves, along with Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12.
Indications that you may have nerve damage include; numbness or tingling in the hands and feet; feeling as though you are wearing a tight glove or sock; muscle weakness; regularly and unexpectedly dropping objects; sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet; or a zapping sensation like a mild electrical shock.
A pinched nerve is caused when too much pressure or compression is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, restricting it and causing it to misfire and send pain signals.
The best treatment is a combination of Acupuncture and massage therapy, along with advice from any physical therapist on exercises or postural/lifestyle changes that could be made to correct the issue. With regular treatment and diligent self care routines, you will likely be able to correct the issue within 1-2 months.
Acupuncture for Emotions
On occasion, Acupuncture may have the effect of releasing emotional pain held in the body. This is not considered a bad thing, in fact it is considered a positive shift as patients are able to release old traumas. However, it is important to inform your acupuncturist of these shifts if and when they occur in order for them to provide the best possible information and care related to the occurrence.
In Chinese Medicine, physical and emotional health are directly related. Occasionally, strong emotions can occur during or after acupuncture treatments. These shifts are temporary and they are nothing to worry about. Shifts in emotion are in fact considered a positive part of the healing process.
Acupuncture is an effective treatment to manage anxiety, and in some cases the patient may not need to continue with Anxiety medications after consulting their family doctor.
Acupuncture treatments for anxiety, much like any other condition, will differ from patient to patient as each treatment is built for the individual patient rather than simply reliant on specific “anxiety points”. Common regions for point selection to treat anxiety include the arms, legs, belly and head.
Yes, Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve emotional regulation and overall mood, and provide a general sense of wellbeing.
Yes. Acupuncture can be a subtle yet potent tool in anger management, as it works to release stress and ease mental function.
Yes, Acupuncture can be extremely effective at helping patients manage and even overcome depression. Although overcoming depression can be a long journey, acupuncture can help by reducing stress and anxiety, improving emotional regulation and overall mood, and providing a general sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture and Hormones
Acupuncture triggers a signal sent from the nervous system to the brain that releases chemicals including endorphins, norepinephrine, and enkephalin. The release of such hormones causes a decrease in chronic pain.
No, acupuncture is a self regulating healing method that simply works to restore balance to the body. Although it affects your hormonal balance, it works towards normalizing it and there is no risk of an undesirable hormonal shift as a result.
Yes, Acupuncture stimulates the release of serotonin.
Acupuncture for Weight Loss
There is no weight loss point. Weight loss through Acupuncture is a complex journey that requires regular treatments, herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Acupuncture is not a quick fix for long term health situations.
Acupuncture for weight loss can help by regulating the digestive system and reducing inflammation. On its own it is not generally a strong enough method for substantial weight loss and should be considered an aid to your efforts to lose weight and not an answer in and of itself. It can help the process by regulating hormone production, metabolism, and appetite, while managing water retention. Herbal prescriptions and in depth dietary/lifestyle discussions with your acupuncturist can help in the process.
Men often lose belly fat before anywhere else, while women tend to lose weight all over, but often hold onto weight in their thighs and hips. For both men and women, fat that surrounds organs such as the liver and the kidneys will go first.
MISC Acupuncture Questions
Acupuncture can be used to alleviate discomfort and reduce pain associated with many diseases and conditions including but not limited to - Headaches and migraines, back pain, neck pain, leg pain, arm pain, shoulder pain, high blood pressure, nasal congestion, asthma, erectile dysfunction, infertility, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, and more.
Research shows that Acupuncture can help with many pain conditions including osteoarthritis, headaches and migraines, digestive pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many others. There is a great deal of supporting evidence that Acupuncture is a useful tool in managing most digestive disorders, stress and anxiety, and infertility.
Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment often used to manage chronic pain, stress, and digestive issues, and many more. Anyone can benefit from acupuncture. There are no side effects.
Anyone can benefit from Acupuncture, you do not have to “believe” in it in order for it to work. You may benefit from it if you have tried other forms of treatments without success or you are looking for non-invasive treatments in order to avoid side-effects commonly experienced with conventional medicine.
Do not consume drugs or alcohol before going for Acupuncture. Although it can be hard to avoid, better results are achieved if patients have not recently consumed caffeine. Avoid heavy, greasy meals before Acupuncture.
If possible, it is best to avoid consuming caffeine, junk food, or drugs and alcohol after Acupuncture. Strenuous exercise, cold temperatures, extended time using screens, and high stress situations or environments are also to be avoided if able. Avoid driving for a short period of time after Acupuncture to be sure you are not feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
Acupuncture should be used with caution in patients with active skin infections, bleeding disorders, severe neuropathy, and for those taking anticoagulants (blood thinners). Speak with your doctor if you have concerns relating to any of these issues, and be sure to inform your acupuncturist of any of these conditions if they apply to you.
Although many patients will notice improvement within 1 to 2 treatments, acupuncture is at its best when received regularly for a longer period of time, so the best and most lasting results are typically seen after 5 or 6 treatments.
Although many patients will notice improvement within 1 to 2 treatments, Acupuncture is at its best when received regularly for a longer period of time, so the best and most lasting results are typically seen after 5 or 6 treatments.
Strenuous activities such as going to the gym or going hiking, consuming caffeine, junk food or alcohol, exposure to cold temperatures, extended time on screens, and high stress situations or environments should all be avoided after getting acupuncture.
Do not consume drugs or alcohol before going for acupuncture. Although it is hard to avoid, better results are achieved if patients have not recently consumed caffeine.
First treatments typically take an hour with intake and treatment combined, follow ups are typically about 45 minutes. Needles are left in for around half an hour.
Acupuncture needles are typically left in for just under 30 minutes.
Some conditions take longer to shift than others, although each treatment generally has a notable effect felt by the patient. Acute pain conditions often resolve more quickly than chronic ones. After a few treatments, you will likely notice an overall shift in wellbeing.
Acupuncture for weight loss can help by regulating the digestive system and reducing inflammation. On its own it is not generally a strong enough method for substantial weight loss and should be considered an aid to your efforts to lose weight and not an answer in and of itself. It can help the process by regulating hormone production, metabolism, and appetite, while managing water retention. Herbal prescriptions and in depth dietary/lifestyle discussions with your acupuncturist can help in the process.
Acupuncture is excellent at reducing inflammation all throughout the body and managing immune and allergic reactions.
Although the results of Acupuncture are often subtle, most patients will note that they have more energy after Acupuncture and that the symptoms that brought them into the clinic will be less evident than they were when they first arrived.
If a needle hits a nerve or blood vessel, you might feel a mild zapping or burning sensation. These sensations are brief and although they can feel alarming, they are not cause for concern.
You are likely to feel relaxed after an Acupuncture treatment. You may find that your sleep, digestion, energy, focus, and an overall sense of well-being are improved.
The tongue in Chinese Medicine is seen as a map of the internal body, showing useful diagnostic information to the practitioner and helping them better understand the health of each patient's body.
Drinking lots of water helps flush out toxins released by rebalancing from your body during Acupuncture. It is for this same reason that it is recommended to avoid drinking coffee and alcohol after Acupuncture.
Acupuncture should be done with caution if patients have a bleeding disorder or a pacemaker, or are taking blood thinners. Acupuncture should under no circumstances be performed on patients who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In most cases, there is no need to remove clothing for Acupuncture treatment. Most of the points used will likely be on the arms and legs below the elbows and knees.
Your acupuncturist most likely will ask to see your tongue for diagnostic purposes, if your tongue has been brushed recently, it may be harder for them to read with certainty.
There is some evidence that caffeine could potentially reduce the efficacy of Acupuncture, although the extent of said reduction is unclear.
Research shows that Acupuncture can help with many pain conditions including osteoarthritis, headaches and migraines, digestive pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many others. There is a great deal of supporting evidence that Acupuncture is a useful tool in managing most digestive disorders, stress and anxiety, and infertility.
No. Acupuncture is generally a painless treatment. Rarely, Patients may feel a brief and slight pinchingl sensation on the insertion of the needle which passes shortly after.
Acupuncture needles are typically left in from 25-45 minutes..
Acupuncture is an effective treatment to manage anxiety, and in some cases the patient may not need to continue with Anxiety medications after consulting their family doctor.
Acupuncture from a trained professional Registered Acupuncturist or TCMD will not cause damage to nerves. The needles used are small and gentle and the risk of causing damage is extremely low.
Yes, Acupuncture can help recover nerve damage.
Occasionally, you may feel tired after Acupuncture. This is not a cause for concern. Acupuncture strives to rebalance the body. Some may feel energized afterwards, others may feel tired and want to rest. It is important to listen to your body, especially after Acupuncture. If you feel tired, it is your body asking that you rest and recuperate.
There is no weight loss point. Weight loss through Acupuncture is a complex journey that requires regular treatments, herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Acupuncture is not a quick fix for long term health situations.
With proper diagnosis, Acupuncture can be an extremely effective treatment for fatigue and depression with no side effects or dependence on invasive drugs.
Although Acupuncture can help a very large number of health conditions, it is at its best when used at the early stages of issues to stop the progression of illness rather than correct long established patterns. Don’t wait until doctors recommend corrective procedures, it is best to go for acupuncture before health conditions become a daily issue.
Yes, Acupuncture can help manage pain and discomfort resulting from arthritis.
In Chinese Medicine, physical and emotional health are directly related. Occasionally, strong emotions can occur during or after acupuncture treatments. These shifts are temporary and they are nothing to worry about. Shifts in emotion are in fact considered a positive part of the healing process.
Acupuncture works very well in conjunction with other therapies. Depending on the location and severity of the pinched nerve, a physical adjustment may be beneficial.
In the unlikely event that a needle hits a vein, you may feel a small amount of pain. Your therapist will apply pressure when removing the needle. You may have a bruise after, but it is nothing to worry about.
On occasion, Acupuncture may have the effect of releasing emotional pain held in the body. This is not considered a bad thing, in fact it is considered a positive shift as patients are able to release old traumas. However, it is important to inform your acupuncturist of these shifts if and when they occur in order for them to provide the best possible information and care related to the occurrence.
Wear loose fitting clothing that can comfortably be rolled up above the knees and above the elbows without restricting your circulation.
It is important to be well fed and properly hydrated before Acupuncture. Avoid cramming Acupuncture into a tight schedule to avoid undue stress. It is best if you do not brush your tongue before treatment.
Although Acupuncture will not make you dehydrated, you may find you feel thirsty after the session due to the nature of Acupuncture working to help the body restore balance. Be sure to listen to your body and rehydrate appropriately.
Acupuncture works to help the body restore balance. Proper hydration increases your body’s circulation and allows for optimal results after treatment.
No, you don't need to tip medical professionals. However, leaving a positive review for them is an excellent way to show your appreciation for their services.
Yes, it is only before and after acupuncture that caffeine intake should be limited in order to get the best possible results from your treatment.
Yes you can shower after Acupuncture. There is no risk of undoing progress or causing negative reactions if you shower after Acupuncture.
After Acupuncture it is recommended that you eat healthy foods. Depending on what patterns your acupuncturist is working to help resolve, they may have specific dietary suggestions that can help reinforce the work being done in the sessions.
This varies from patient to patient. Some people feel sleepy and relaxed after acupuncture, while others may feel energized and invigorated. Both are natural and considered indications that the body has rebalanced to the state that it is currently most suited to. It is best to observe your energy levels after treatment and accommodate it wherever possible.
Ask us a Question
Feel free to ask any physical therapy related questions over the phone, or send your question via the form below. Your message will be dispatched directly to our staff who will answer as soon as they can.