Acupuncture

During an acupuncture session, the naturopathic doctor will insert fine needles into specific points on your body, which may cause minimal discomfort for a few seconds. Needles are left in place for ~30 minutes. Some sessions may also include additional therapies such as cupping or moxibustion and electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture is typically not painful. The needles used are very thin, and most people feel only a brief, slight pinch or tingling sensation during insertion. Many find the experience relaxing and far less uncomfortable than other medical procedures involving needles.

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the person and the condition being treated. Some individuals experience relief after just one session, while others may require multiple treatments for optimal results. Ideally, sessions are once per week for 4 weeks to start and frequency is reassessed after that. For cosmetic facial acupuncture and fertility acupuncture, treatment should be done every 1-2 weeks for 8 sessions.

Side effects are generally minimal and may include temporary soreness at the needle insertion sites, slight bruising, or mild dizziness. Serious side effects are rare. Most patients report leaving calm, relaxed and in good spirits.

Acupuncture can often complement other forms of healthcare, including conventional medical treatments, naturopathic medicine, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.

Yes, however please note, all services are billed under naturopath, not acupuncture, as the service is performed by a naturopathic doctor. Please speak to your insurance provider prior to your appointment to ensure you meet coverage requirements. Please note, we do not direct bill to your ensure but we are happy to send you with a receipt to send into your insurance provider.

Acupuncture aids in stress management by promoting physical and mental relaxation. Specific acupuncture needles are selected to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and mood enhancers, which can reduce stress and induce a sense of calm. Additionally, acupuncture can regulate the autonomic nervous system and brain wave states, balancing the body's response to stressors. It may also improve sleep quality, alleviate muscle tension, and enhance emotional well-being. The acupuncture for stress session combines a guided meditation and a full acupuncture treatment- It is a form of self-care, giving you some time during the day to focus on you!

Acupuncture works for pain management by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers, which can reduce pain and discomfort. It also regulates the nervous system, helping to alleviate pain signals sent to the brain. By promoting improved blood circulation and reducing inflammation, acupuncture can target the root causes of pain, providing relief from a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and headaches. As always, during each session, specific acupuncture points are selected to both your concerns and your body’s needs!

Acupuncture enhances skin health and appearance in a variety of ways. It improves blood circulation, promotes nutrient delivery to skin cells, relaxes facial muscles to reduce wrinkles and sagging, stimulates collagen production for elasticity and facilitates lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness. It can also help with scarring and pigmentation. A number of small needles are inserted into the face based on your desired outcomes, which usually takes about 10 minutes to insert. A number of body points are used as well to help to balance the body's energy flow for a glowing complexion. After the acupuncture needles are removed, a gua sha massage is performed with face oil to further facilitate results. The session is 1 hour in total and can be very relaxing!