What illnesses can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is best known, and most widely used, in western cultures as a treatment for pain.   However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified many diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture has been proven, through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment.  Acupuncture has been shown be successful in treating disorders of gynecology, gastroenterology, neurology, lower back pain, and arthritis, to name just a few.  Please click here for more information about acupuncture & WHO research.

What should I expect during an acupuncture treatment?

During the initial consultation, many questions about your general state of health will be asked, and there will be an examination of your tongue and pulse.  This is done to determine which acupoints on the body will best complement your constitution.  Acupuncture treatments are only mildly painful for most people as the needle pierces the skin layer (comparable to a mosquito bite), however you will probably experience sensations such as tingling, numbness, heaviness, an electric "jolt", heat, or distension as your Qi and Blood circulation becomes activated.  Acupuncture needles usually remain in the body for 15-20 minutes, during which time you are encouraged to relax as deeply as possible (you can even take a nap!).  An acupuncture treatment will take up to 80 minutes for the initial consultation and treatment, and around 45 minutes for each additional treatment. 

How many treatments will I need?

Everybody responds to acupuncture differently.  Some people see marked improvements after only 1 or 2 treatments, others may need 5 or 6 before any benefits are realized. Chronic conditions may require a 10 or 15 treatment course.   It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a single event, but rather a process which involves the activation of your body’s own ability to optimize its circulation of Qi and Blood.  After completion of the initial treatment sessions we can establish how your body has responded, and how best for us to proceed.  Many people decide to come back for “tune-up” treatments every few weeks, or every change of season, to maintain or regain their sense of health and well being.

Will my extended health insurance cover acupuncture?

Many of the extended health insurance plans available in British Columbia do indeed cover acupuncture.  Those that do  will reimburse a predetermined value for treatments per year.  Payments for treatments are to be made to Erin directly, then you can use the receipt she gives you to claim your reimbursement from your insurance company.  Please check with your extended health insurance company for more information.  Erin is a registered Pacific Blue Cross acupuncture provider (#A02572).