What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture (針灸) is, on its surface, a regulated health practice that uses needles to heal people. But it's so much more.

While we do use fine (single-use, diposable) stainless steel needles, we also use a variety of other techniques such as moxibustion (burning of the mugwort herb), tui na (massage), cupping, electroacupuncure, and other techniques to complete your treatment. Each one has its own role to play to promote a therapeutic response.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

For the most part, no.

Many new patients expect a similar experience to those you had as a child receiving a hypodermic injection, but those are much thicker needles, and we do everything we can during a treatment to make sure you are comfortable. While you may in rare cases feel a sharpness (which we immediately adjust to make you comfortable), what you usually experience is a heavy, aching pressure or spreading/traveling feeling known in acupuncture as de qi. It can be quite an adventure in self-awareness and sensation, and usually resolves to an overall sensation of calm and relaxation.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

One of our favourite questions, but one that has many answers, depending on your perspective or context.

From a modern perspective, acupuncture has been proven to have neuromodulatory effects and, more importantly, it has been clinically proven using evidence-based medical techniques for centuries. So its main claims to fame are that it regulates the nervous system, and it is clinically effective.

From a traditional perspective, acupuncture balances yin and yang in your body and provides harmony to the qi that flows through it along the acupuncture channels known as meridians.

What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

We currently accept the following forms of payment and can direct bill your insurance (see below).

  • Interac Debit
  • Visa
  • Visa Debit
  • MasterCard
  • Debit Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Diners Club
  • UnionPay
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Do You Provide Direct Billing?

Yes! We can direct bill your insurance benefits at any of the following providers. If you have questions about your coverage, please reach out to your provider for more information.

  • Alberta Blue Cross
  • Beneva
  • BPA
  • Canada Life
  • Canada Life - PSHCP
  • Canadian Construction Workers Union
  • Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance
  • CINUP
  • ClaimSecure
  • Coughlin & Associates
  • Cowan
  • D.A. Townley
  • Desjardins Insurance
  • Empire Life
  • Equitable
  • First Canadian
  • GMS Carrier 49 & 50
  • Green Shield Canada
  • GroupHEALTH
  • GroupSource
  • Industrial Alliance
  • Johnson
  • Johnston Group
  • LiUNA Local 183 & 506
  • Manion
  • Manulife
  • Maximum Benefit
  • MDM Insurance Services
  • People Corporation
  • RWAM Insurance Administrators
  • Simply Benefits
  • SSQ Insurance
  • Sun Life
  • TELUS AdjudiCare
  • Union Benefits
  • UV Insurance