1. What is Acupuncture?
2. How does it work? 
3. How does scientific research explain how acupuncture work?
4. How deep do needles go?
5. Does it hurt?
6. Are the needles clean?
7. How many treatments shall I need?
8. Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
9. Do you accept health insurance?
1. What is Acupuncture?
An ancient Chinese method of healing. It aims to prevent and cure specific diseases and conditions by inserting very fine needles into specific points along the energy pathways running the throughout the body. Acupuncture stimulates the body's own natural healing ability to correct imbalances and restore it to a healthy equilibrium. A Heat therapy called "Moxibustion" may be applied in conjunction with acupuncture needles to enhance efficacy of treatment.
2. How does it work?
Chinese Medicine views all life to possess vital energy called Qi (pronounced CHEE). Qi flows through specific pathways along the entire body called meridians. Qi serves to nourish, warm and protect your body. An obstruction to the flow of Qi will disrupt normal physiological activities of the body, and if free flow cannot be restored, illness will ensue. Stimulation of acupuncture points along the meridians can help unblock and restore the flow of Qi, relieving illness.
3. How does scientific research explain how acupuncture works?
Scientific studies have revealed that acupuncture stimulates the release of chemicals in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord) and muscles. These chemicals alter the perception of pain and trigger chemicals / hormone release which influence the body's own internal regulatory mechanism.
4. How deep do needles go?
Depth depends on the location of the acupuncture points used, nature of your condition, your constitution and size. For example, needling of acupuncture points on the head, fingers and toes are relatively shallow compared to those on the back, abdomen or the legs.
5. Does it hurt?
Normal sensations elicited by acupuncture include heaviness, tingling or sensation around or radiating up / down from the area of needle insertion.
6. Are the needles clean?
Yes. All needles that are used are sterile and disposable for single-use only. They are disposed of immediately after use.
7. How many treatments shall I need?
This depends on the nature, severity and duration of your condition. In general, for acute conditions: 1-3 treatments; chronic conditions: 5 treatments or more; degenerative conditions: regular treatments over the long term. Mika will suggest a treatment plan and timeline at the first consultation.
8. Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
The best thing to do is to relax and refrain from movement while the needles are in. If there is any discomfort, please bring it to the attention of the acupuncturist.
9. Do you accept health insurance?
You will be responsible for full payment of services rendered. If your insurance policy covers acupuncture services, we will be happy to provide you with a super bill, which is an invoice, that you can submit to your insurance company for partial or full reimbursement, depending on your policy.
