Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a distinct and comprehensive medical system with over 5000 years of history. It addresses the root cause of disease and promotes health and healing using natural modalities. TCM treatments are based on the diagnosis and differentiation of individual conditions for a specific time period. The treatment methods include: acupuncture, Qigong, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, massage, Guasha, etc. TCM and conventional medicine complement each other but differ in their approaches. TCM can be used on its own or in conjunction with conventional medicine.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Generally speaking, it doesn’t. In many cases people can not tell when the needle inserts into the skin. If the pain level of a flu shot is 10 and the pain from a mosquito bite is 1, the pain level of acupuncture is often around 2-3. While some people or some acupoints are more sensitive, the pain is still totally tolerable. An experienced practitioner knows how to reduce the pain to the minimum by making adjustment accordingly.
What is likely to happen during the first visit/treatment?
During your first visit, an initial full history will be taken which will take around 45min-1hour. You are recommended to bring your medication profile (medicines on use, imaging results, etc.) if applicable. You will be asked questions regarding your symptoms, general state of health, lifestyle and emotional status, etc. A typical TCM diagnosis will be performed (including pulse and tongue checking). The above information is then organized to form a more complete picture of cause and effect, leading to a comprehensive diagnosis.
After the consultation, you may receive an acupuncture treatment which takes 30 to 45 minutes. Chinese herbs may also be prescribed.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
First, come with any questions you may have – we are here to help you.
Wear loose clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
Don’t eat large meals before or after your visit.
Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to 3 hours before or after the visit.
Avoid stressful situations. Arrange a time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or change in frequency and type of problems.
Acupuncture treatment aims to restore the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. It has helped so many patients regain their health and wellness, and we are totally confident that we can help you too.
Should I stop my medication before starting treatments?
Never stop taking your medication without the guidance from your primary care physician. There is no need to stop the medication for acupuncture to work.
What can TCM do for you?
- Promote general health and prevent disease
- Provide an effective and long-lasting pain management method
- Reduce stress and anxiety, help sleep, calm the mind and improve energy
- Strengthen and harmonize the functions of internal organs
- Regulate the endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems
- Complement and provide an alternative to conventional medicine
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments may vary depending on the disease and your conditions.
Typically acute disease can recover fast. Many acute back pain patients can be cured during the first treatment. Some people may need a few more times to obtain a satisfactory result.
Chronic illness, on the other hand, will often need more treatments to get significant improvement. However, if there is not any improvement after 5 treatments, that means the treatment needs to be adjusted, or you need to find another doctor.
For many people a 3-stage plan is often a good choice:
Stage I: One-hour treatment, 2 times/week over the first 1-3 weeks. Once the symptoms have obviously improved, then go to stage II.
Stage II: 1 treatment/week for 1 month.
Stage III: 1 treatment /1-2months as maintenance.
Some patients choose to stop the treatment once they feel significant improvement. However, some of them may suffer the recurring of the disease because the root of the disease is not completely eliminated. Therefore many patients choose to do 10 times treatment to ensure the best result. A good TCM practitioner should provide an individualized plan to the patient.
Are the herbs safe?
The Chinese herbs that I recommend are GMP certified (Good Manufacturing Process). The vast majority of them have licenses issued by Health Canada and have been found to be safe, effective and of high quality under their recommended conditions of use. You can identify licensed natural health products by looking for the eight-digit Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/applications-submissions/product-licensing/licensed-natural-health-products-database.html)
I have been thoroughly trained in the use of Chinese herbs and I keep my expertise current by attending seminars and studying with teachers long distance. In the past years I have applied the herbs on myself, my family members, friends, and patients with a lot of exciting results. I am fully aware of the possible interactions between western medications and Chinese herbs. The proper usage of Chinese herbs can greatly enhance the treatments.
Is it OK for children?
I have two young sons and have treated them both with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I have successfully treated other children, specifically for muscle pain, asthma, anxiety, ADHD, headaches, and insomnia, and am happy to report that children often take very well to the treatments. If fear of needles is a problem, cupping, acupressure, herbs, and massages of specific body areas can be used.