Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture & TCM

1. How many acupuncture sessions do I need?
2. Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Alberta?
3. Does acupuncture hurt?
4. How deep do the needles go?
5. Are the needles sterilized or one-time use?
6. What are the needles made from?
7. How quickly does acupuncture & TCM work?
8. What will my first appointment include?
9. How will I feel after treatment?

The number of acupuncture treatments you receive will depend on your specific condition, its severity, and how your body responds to the sessions. Acupuncturists develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s medical history, needs, and overall health. In some cases one treatment session is sufficient to fix an acute pain, while in other cases the patient may need 10 or more sessions. 

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.

Most people who receive acupuncture do not report pain or other complaints, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). But, you may experience some sensations during your treatment. What you feel may vary depending on your pain tolerance and overall sensitivity.

Sometimes, your first acupuncture treatment may seem more painful than the following treatments. This may be because you are anxious or nervous about the treatment. The needling may also affect certain energy points or nerves in your body for the first time. As you get used to it and learn what to expect, your body will likely become more relaxed in future sessions, so it may hurt less or not at all.

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

Acupuncture needles are both sterile and one-time use. In modern, regulated practices, acupuncture needles are treated as single-use medical devices, sterilized during manufacturing, and disposed of immediately after a single treatment.

Modern acupuncture needles are predominantly made from high-quality, surgical-grade stainless steel, designed to be thin, flexible, and strong. They are sterile, single-use, solid, and hair-thin, featuring handles made of stainless steel, copper, or plastic, sometimes with a silicone coating for smoother insertion.

Acupuncture & TCM typically take 1–2 sessions to show improvement for acute conditions, while chronic issues may require 2–3 sessions to show significant results. While some feel relief immediately, others may require a series of treatments to achieve lasting benefits.

Your first appointment typically lasts 50 minutes, featuring a comprehensive, holistic intake history, a "pattern" diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan. Expect detailed questions on your health history, diet, and emotions, followed by  acupuncture and herbal treatments.

After a treatment, you may feel a deep sense of relaxation. However, some individuals might experience mild soreness at the acupuncture needle sites or feel fatigued. These side effects are typically short-lived and should subside within a day.  Any mild discolouration or bruising that appears after treatment will usually clear up within a few days.

Practitioners may recommend a few steps to take care of yourself after your treatment, especially during the first 24 hours.

• Rest and take it easy, even if you feel energized. Avoid any strenuous activities.
• Eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water. 
• Avoid using ice packs, as they may inhibit your body’s energy flow. However, you can use heat packs.
• You can usually receive a massage. This may enhance the benefits of acupuncture for some conditions, like cervical spondylosis.

Contact your doctor or acupuncturist if you experience any unusual symptoms after your treatment.

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