Acupuncture

The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on your specific condition, its severity, and how your body responds. Treatment plans are personalized to your medical history, needs, and overall health. In some cases one treatment is enough to address acute pain; in others, you may benefit from 10 or more sessions over a course of treatment.

Acupuncture is generally not covered by Alberta Health Care (provincial insurance). However, it is commonly covered under private extended health benefits or company group insurance plans, often listed under paramedical services. Coverage typically requires the practitioner to be a registered, licensed acupuncturist in Alberta, which we are.

Most people don’t report pain during acupuncture, though you may feel some sensations. What you feel depends on your pain tolerance and overall sensitivity. Your first treatment may seem more intense than the ones that follow — partly nerves, partly the body responding to needling for the first time. Most patients become more relaxed and comfortable with each subsequent session.

Acupuncture needles generally penetrate from 1/16 of an inch to 1.5 inches (roughly 2mm to 40mm), depending on body area, muscle density, and treatment goals. Delicate areas like the scalp or face receive shallow insertions (1–5 mm), while fleshier areas like the hips or glutes can be treated more deeply.

Both. In modern, regulated practices, acupuncture needles are treated as single-use medical devices: sterilized during manufacturing, opened from sealed packaging in front of you, and disposed of immediately after a single treatment.

Modern acupuncture needles are made from high-quality, surgical-grade stainless steel — thin, flexible, hair-thin, and sterile. Handles are typically stainless steel, copper, or plastic, sometimes with a silicone coating for smoother insertion.

Most patients see improvement within 1–2 sessions for acute conditions, and 2–3 sessions for chronic issues. Some feel relief immediately; others need a series of treatments to achieve lasting results. We’ll talk through realistic expectations during your first appointment.

Your first appointment typically lasts 50 minutes. It includes a comprehensive intake of your health history, a TCM-based pattern diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan. Expect detailed questions about your sleep, diet, stress, and overall patterns — followed by acupuncture and, if appropriate, an herbal recommendation.

Most patients feel a deep sense of relaxation after treatment. Some experience mild soreness at the needle sites or feel a bit tired — both subside within a day. Any mild bruising or discolouration usually clears within a few days. For the first 24 hours, rest, drink plenty of water, eat well, and avoid strenuous activity. Use heat packs rather than ice.