How thick are acupuncture needles?
Many people are afraid of needles from their experiences with hypodermic or IV needles. For this reason, many won’t try acupuncture treatments. It is important to know that the acupuncture needle is very thin and flexible, with an average diameter of one hundredth of an inch (0.01 in) or a quarter of a millimeter (0.25 mm) being about 10 times smaller than the average diameter of a hypodermic needle and only about two times larger than the average diameter of the human hair. Most often many patients won’t feel the insertion or felt very minimally.
Patients who earn $28,000, or under, per annum, are entitled to $23.00 treatment for up to 10 treatments per year under the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Patients pay the fee at the onset of their visit and a statement can be sent on-line. Most Extended Health Insurance plans cover the cost of acupuncture treatments. Patients are advised to enquire with his or her company to determine eligibility. Members of the RCMP and Veterans also qualify for insurance coverage.
An initial session begins with a review of the Patients intake form. Time is spent discussing medical history and relevant health concerns. After a diagnosis is determined, Patients receive a treatment that is appropriate for his or her healing and well-being. Needles are inserted and Patients are supported o relax for 30-40 minutes. Other modalities such as, but not restricted to, cupping, moxibustion, electro stimulation, gua-sha, tui’na, or massage may be included; this process is discussed beforehand.
Acupuncture needles are unlike conventional hypodermic needles. They are sterile, single-use disposable needles made of surgical grade steel, needles are not much thicker than an eyebrow hair. They are solid (rather than hollow), and flexible (i.e, can be bent and curled with the fingers); most often insertion is barely noticed.
The Acupuncture experience is different for each Patient. Most Patients feel the initial insertion of needles with minimal sensation, some do not feel anything. Once all the needles are inserted, treatment is typically painless. You may be aware of some sensations around the needles or reactions elsewhere in the body, or you may not feel them at all. Everyone’s experience and sensations are different, but the general overall feeling should be one of deep relaxation. The practitioner may manipulate the needles gently to enhance desired effects, but please note none of this is meant to be painful. If a Patient is feeling hesitant in trying out Acupuncture, a trial insertion can help determine how gentle it can be. Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine. Our goal is to minimize the discomfort and help in the journey to optimal health.
Community Acupuncture is a style of working where a comfortable open space is created with either comfortable chairs or massage tables or both, where patients are being treated together. Each patient is given some personal time for assessment and insertions of needles and then left to relax and let the treatment do its work. In this method of working different techniques of Distal Needling are used, where patients remain in a safe, comfortable space and fully clothed, and needle insertions are restricted to the upper and lower extremities’ and or the head and face.
Acupuncture treatments work best as a succession of several treatments. Acute health issues may be resolved in 1-3 treatments. However, chronic conditions may take a few months before optimal health is realized. When focused on a particular concern, a one treatment a week regime may be optimal. The earlier you begin treatment, the more likely you are to prevent a short-term issue from turning into a long-term issue. Many Patients find they benefit from Acupuncture as an integral part of their health and wellness regime, and partake in regular treatments. Acupuncture treatments are focused on health maintenance or symptom prevention, as well as providing general relaxation and stress relief. The importance of minimizing stress in our lives is an integral health benefit; therefore if Acupuncture is enjoyable and relaxing to a Patient, integrating Acupuncture into a regular routine might be something you want to try!
Dry needling is focused on inserting needles in trigger points to assist with myofascial pain. Acupuncture addresses physical pain, where within the scope of training techniques to also stimulate and release trigger points is utilized when required, as well as emotional well-being and other illnesses. Just under two thousand hours of class and clinic time are amassed within a three-year acupuncture program and over thirty-two thousand hours within the Dr. of Traditional Chinese Medicine programme where Eastern and Western medicine is focused upon.
Appointments cancelled or changed with less than 24 hours’ notice, or are missed altogether without notice, will be charged the full session rate. 48-hour notice is required for changes to all mobile services. If you find that you are running late, please call to avoid making an unnecessary trip. We will make every effort to accommodate your circumstances. We recognize that real emergencies do occur and are happy to consider these on an individual basis.
We don’t do direct billing but we do provide you with all the necessary information on your receipt that can be remitted directly to your insurance company, usually done online or in whatever manner it has been set up by you or your work place.
Filling out the first intake form before you come for the treatment will reduce the intake time and allow us to spend more with our patients in treatment. The form can be filled online or downloaded, which can be found on the contact page. If you choose to download it please email it back prior to your first appointment to help reduce the intake time to allow more treatment time.
What are the primary methods of booking a session
To book an appointment via the online booking option, please click the Book Online button, choose the treatment, the date and time, and fill out the short form and then click the send button. As well there is a first intake form to fill prior to your visit.
You can book an appointment by calling or emailing us directly. The information can be found on our contact page with both the number and email. You can also use the “Contact Us” form found on the same page or at the bottom of the website. There is also a first intake form that would be sent to you or can be found on our website.
Your name and contact information will be kept in our files and used to send you reminders, changes or treatment related messages. It will also be a way you can book, change or cancel future appointments. Please read our cancellation policy prior to making, changing or canceling any appointment. We do not and will not share your information with any marketing or third-party organizations.