Q. What happens during a typical acupuncture session?
You might feel a slight prick (like a mosquito bite) when the needle is inserted, or no sensation at all. Once the needle is in place you may feel a deep heaviness, numbness, warmth, movement or opening, called “Deqi” which means the treatment is working. You may also feel a sense of well-being and relaxation. The needles are retained for approximately 20 minutes.
Q. What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and are not painful like hypodermic needles. There can be a slight sensation when the needle is inserted, or no sensation. Once the needle has been inserted there may be a sensation of heaviness, warmth, movement or opening at the insertion point but most individuals find that there is no discomfort. The needles are retained for 20-30 minutes.
Q. Is acupuncture safe?
Yes acupuncture is safe when it is performed by a competently trained, licenced professional. Silvia is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and licenced by College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturist of British Columbia (CTCMA). All licensed acupuncturists (3 year training) & Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (5 year training) use sterile, disposable needles and are trained in safe needle technique.
Q. I really do not like needles, is there any other way you can help me?
Yes, for those individual who do not like needles, acupressure (finger pressure) and/or Acutonics® Tuning forks are offered. Both are non-invasive approaches that are found to be very effective. Dr. Silvia believes that there is more than one way to assist an individual in their healing, thus she offers multiple approaches, as needed..
Q. What can I expect from an acupressure (finger pressure) session?
You will remain fully clothed, lying on your back on a massage table. Typically two acupressure points will be held at the same time. One will be a point of tension and the other a related point that will be located away from the point of tension to assist in opening that channel and releasing the tension. The amount of pressure that is applied will be determined by you. Acupressure is non-invasive. During the session you may share feelings or emotions that surface as the tension is released, or you may choose to just relax and enjoy the experience. Some individuals fall asleep during the session and wake up feeling refreshed.
Q. How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the duration, severity and nature of your condition. You may only need one or two treatments for an acute condition. For a chronic condition, a series of 5-10 treatments may be needed to resolve the issue (symptom) and balance the body (address the underlying root). To maintain health and to prevent disease, it is beneficial to have regular treatments (i.e., one treatment per month or at least one treatment every change of season). To help reduce the number of treatments, suggestions on dietary modifications, relaxation techniques, self-acupressure and/Chinese herbal medicine may be discussed, all of which help increase the effectiveness of acupuncture.
Q. How can I prepare for my acupuncture session?
Wear loose clothing: most of the needles will be placed in the arms and legs below the elbows and knees. However, we may need to reach your shoulders, thighs, back or abdomen for certain conditions. Women should avoid wearing tight stockings.
Eat before your arrive: Make sure that you have had some food to eat 1-2 hours prior to your appointment.
Q. How will I feel after the treatment?
Acupuncture has a very calming effect. Most people feel very relaxed and sometimes energized or euphoric after a session. Many people report the positive side-effect of improved sleep and a general sense of well-being. Occasionally, there may be a temporary worsening of symptoms. However, if this occurs it generally happens early in the course of treatment and is often followed by overall improvement. You should take it easy after the treatment and refrain from vigorous activities for approximately 1-2 hours.
Q. Can acupuncture help me even if I feel healthy?
Yes, absolutely. Many patients come in for regular maintenance treatments (i.e., monthly or quarterly visits) to stay in optimal health condition so they can fully enjoy life. Acupuncture is a powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year. Doctors of TCM see subtle signs of disease processes and can address these issues in a few number of treatments, thus avoiding the development of more serious health problems that require a longer treatment course. Because acupuncture treatments are so deeply relaxing, many patients find regular, maintenance treatments beneficial for stress relief.
Q. What conditions is acupuncture beneficial for?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a number of conditions that Acupuncture can be useful for. Here are some of the conditions they have listed:
- Enhancing immune system
- Depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, palpitations
- Arthritis, sciatica, bursitis, tendonitis, carpel tunnel syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Neck & back pain
- Headaches, migraines
- Post stroke recovery
- Bell’s Palsy, trigeminal neuralgia
- Women’s conditions: PMS, infertility, painful periods, irregular menstruation, menopause syndrome
- Men’s conditions: impotence, seminal emissions, dripping of urine, frequent urination
- Colds & flus, sore throat, fay fever
- Sinus infections, asthma, bronchitis,
- Constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion
- Tinnitus, deafness, toothache
- Weight loss
- Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia
- Smoking cessation, withdrawal form addictions
- Skin problems
Q. Why are services other than acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offered at your clinic?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (which includes acupuncture/acupressure) is at the core of Silvia’s services and is extremely effective. However, since everyone is different, and since we continue to evolve, newer approaches to healing may be extremely effective. Examples include individuals who remains stuck despite having explored different treatment options, those who notice improvements after treatment but over time return to the original problem state; or for those who are simply interested in exploring the possibilities. Additional modalities may include and are not limited to: Reconnective Healing®, Lifespan Integration, Matrix Energetics®, PSYCH-K®, and Intentional/Energetic Medicine.
If these services have peaked your interest, feel free to ask Silvia more about them as she is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others.