Basically, acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote its own healing. The ideal is to balance one's overall energy, in order to establish or re-establish well-being. Research has shown that the body responds by releasing endorphins (neurotransmitters that stop pain), increasing blood cell counts, and heightening the immune system.

Patients find that the treatments are relaxing and usually involve little or no discomfort. Occasionally one may feel a slight pinch that quickly diminishes.

TCM's strength is in working with the whole person. After a thorough review of personal and familial health history, time is spent on learning about the person's background, lifestyle and habits as these pertain to overall health. This information, in conjunction with pulses and tongue conditions and physical signs and symptoms, provides the basis for a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan. Patients usually start off with once-a-week treatments, which are tapered in frequency as their condition improves. Some conditions such as acute pain require frequent treatments. Chronic conditions may need long-term treatments. Generally, acupuncture has a cumulative effect, with treatments building upon each other. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their own healing process through dietary recommendations, stress reduction techniques and medical Qi Gong.

Acupuncture patients range in age from children to seniors. Some seek treatment as an alternative to or as an enhancement of Western medicine, while others seek treatment for a chronic condition. TCM is not only used for treating ailments as they arise, but also in preventing disease. Many individuals find acupuncture and herbal medicine great ways to maintain healthy and balanced lives. Seasonal "tune-ups" and acupuncture for stress reduction are highly recommended.

Acupuncture is used worldwide both as a primary and complementary form of medical treatment. The list of conditions that acupuncture may help is essentially endless. The healing effects of acupuncture come in large part from the way that the body and mind are viewed and treated in Chinese medicine. While there are basic treatment protocols for many conditions, every treatment is tailored to your specific set of signs and symptoms. Treating you as an individual with a unique set of signs and symptoms, rather than a person with a specific condition, is the advantage that acupuncture offers.

This depends greatly on what type of condition you have. Most people will begin to see results from acupuncture in approximately 4-10 treatments. Treatments are generally administered once per week until your issues improve and then follow-up appointments may range from a few times per year to monthly to bi-weekly. Most people find acupuncture treatments extremely relaxing and effective and may decide to come in for treatments after their initial conditions improve. Acupuncture is an important aspect of an overall health improvement and disease prevention program.

Acupuncture needles are sterile, single use and very thin. People are surprised to see how thin acupuncture needles are and any hesitation about the treatment disappears after the first needle is inserted. Nothing more than a mild pinch is felt upon insertion of the needles. After the needles are inserted most patients feel relaxed and comfortable and often fall asleep until their treatment is finished.

We accept most extended medical plans and WCB, ICBC claims. If you have a car accident or job-related injury, you just get an acupuncture prescription from your family doctor.