We hope you find our “Common questions about Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, and Osteopathy helpful. Let’s get started! 

What are the benefits of Acupuncture?

The benefits of Acupuncture are vast.

A few well known benefits of Acupuncture are:

• Improved blood circulation
• Pain relief
• A general sense of well being and an increase in energy
• A calm mind, lessened anxiety
• Better range of motion in joints
• Increased muscle performance
• Quicker muscle recovery
• Improved organ and bodily functions

How does Acupuncture work? 

You may have heard the term “Meridians” before, but perhaps, the Meridians were explained on a more energetic level – which is important to note. And… Meridians are quite simply, a pathway.  It could be an organ,nerve, muscle, blood, lymph, or skin pathway. Along these pathways, there are collection areas, called Acupoints. These are places where needles are inserted, in order to make positive changes to the body systems. Quite simply, Acupuncture improves circulation in these pathways. Where there is flow, there is harmony. Where this is blockage, there is disease. This is the simplified version of a very complex and effective medicine. 

Another aspect of Chinese Medicine, is to acknowledge that humans are spiritual, physical, and emotional beings. Needling acupoints works on all three of these aspects. In Chinese Medicine, the emotions are seen as a cause for the large majority of illnesses. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to work with the “relax and digest” aspect of the nervous system.  It is profoundly helpful for emotional distress, as well as physical pain. In ancient times (and today perhaps still used by some), Acupuncture was even used as an exorcism practice. 

Chinese Medicine theory relies heavily on balancing yin and yang. To learn more about yin and yang, watch our educational video here

What does Acupuncture feel like?

The initial insertion of an Acupuncture needle can be painless, or, a light pin prick. Once the Acupuncture needle is in, your practitioner may manipulate the needle so you can receive maximum benefit. The normal sensations of Acupuncture can feel like:

• Warmth
• Tingling
• Dull ache
• Twitching
• Electrical sensation
• Muscle contraction
• Referred sensation elsewhere in the body

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture should not hurt. The sensations may originally be perceived as pain, however, focusing on the breath and relaxing the body can help your brain to invite the healing powers of the Acupuncture into your body.

How will I feel after Acupuncture?

Most patients feel incredibly calm, and perhaps lightheaded or whoozy (in a good way).  Some patients feel immediate improvement for their condition, while others may feel mild post treatment discomfort for a few days.  Acupuncture is not an immediate fix, and will require a course of treatments in order to see improvement in your condition. A common treatment prescription of Acupuncture is around 6-10 weekly sessions. 

Is it ok to exercise after a treatment?

Vigorous exercise is not advised after an Acupuncture treatment.  Gentle exercising is recommended. Resting and relaxing is ideal. 

Is Osteopathy the same as Chiropractic?

Osteopathy and Chiropractic have similar goals – to increase range of motion and joint function. Our methods, however, have large differences. 

A chiropractor will use a “high velocity adjustment”.

A manual osteopath may use similar maneuvers, however, the velocity we use is mild to moderate. Generally, the movements we use are much slower.

We work with the bones and joints like Chiropractors, and, also deal with other body structures such as:

• Organs
• Fascia
• Cranial bones
• Lymphatic system
• Nervous system

Do you reuse Acupuncture needles?

Every Acupuncture needle we use is a single, sterile, single use Acupuncture needle.  It is discarded into a sharps container immediately after use.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: which is better? 

Dry needling (IMS) and Acupuncture, both have their benefits. 

Dry needling involves placing a needle into a trigger point, eliciting a twitch response, then removing the needle. This is great for muscle tissue release.  Usually with dry needling, a muscle group is targeted, hence it is very specific. 

In Acupuncture, the needles are placed local to a muscle group, AND, in supporting Acupoints. This style of Acupuncture encourages flow through the body as a whole. Additionally, retaining the needles for 15-20 minutes has the additional advantage of releasing fascia tissue. 

I usually utilize dry needling and Acupuncture techniques in the same treatment (only if the patient can tolerate it).

Is Acupuncture  covered by MSP and extended health?

Acupuncture is covered by most extended health insurance companies, and partially covered by MSP (for low income individuals). Monica is a registered Acupuncturist and can issue receipts after your treatment is completed.

What should I bring to my appointments?

Bring yourself! Wear comfy unrestricted and loose fitting clothing to your Acupuncture treatment. In the winter, it’s important to bring warm clothes, scarfs, and beanies to dress into after your treatment. It’s important to stay warm after Acupuncture!

Want to learn more? Visit our Education Corner here

Monica Ander, RTCMP, R.Ac

Unit 2, 385 Baker Street, Nelson, BC