Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture uses very fine needles placed at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, improve circulation and influence pain signalling and other regulatory processes in the body.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture helps restore balance and encourages the healthy movement of Qi and Blood throughout the body.

Acupuncture can be used to address a wide range of health concerns, including menstrual and reproductive health, fertility, pain, digestive concerns, stress and overall wellbeing.

Acupuncture is generally a gentle and comfortable treatment. The needles are extremely fine, and most people experience little to no discomfort with insertion.

Once the needles are in place, treatment is typically very relaxing, and patients are able to rest comfortably for the remainder of the session.

Yes. Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Sterile, single-use disposable needles are used for every treatment.

Registered Acupuncturists in Ontario complete extensive education and clinical training and must meet the professional and safety standards of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).

Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your health history, current concerns and what you would like support with. A Chinese medicine assessment, which may include looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse, helps guide your treatment.

Once the needles are placed, you will have time to rest comfortably and relax while they are retained.

Follow-up appointments include a shorter check-in so we can assess how you are responding and make adjustments as needed.

This varies from person to person. Acute or more recent concerns may respond within fewer treatments, while chronic or longstanding concerns often benefit from a longer course of care.

Your health history, the nature of your concern and how you respond to treatment are all taken into consideration. After your initial assessment, we will discuss a treatment plan and recommended frequency of care.

Yes! Acupuncture is very safe and is beneficial during pregnancy when performed by a Registered Acupuncturist.

Treatment is safely adapted throughout each stage of pregnancy and may help support common pregnancy-related concerns and overall wellbeing, and can also be used to help prepare the body for labour later in pregnancy.

Cosmetic acupuncture uses very fine needles on the face and body to naturally support the appearance and health of the skin. Facial acupuncture stimulates local circulation and the underlying tissues, supports collagen production and can help release areas of facial muscle tension.

Treatment is individualized based on your skin, overall health and cosmetic goals, with the aim of supporting a refreshed and naturally rejuvenated appearance.

Acupuncture is covered by many extended health insurance plans when treatment is provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac).

Coverage varies between plans, so it is best to check directly with your insurance provider.

Chinese herbal medicine uses carefully selected combinations of herbs based on symptoms, health history and Chinese medicine diagnosis. When taken orally, naturally occurring compounds in the herbs are absorbed into the body, where they can influence how different organs and systems function. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, treatment aims to restore balance, address underlying patterns contributing to your symptoms and support long-term improvements in health.

Chinese herbal medicine can be used on its own or alongside acupuncture.

Prescribing and dispensing Chinese herbal medicine is a regulated act in Ontario. Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (R.TCMPs) are required to complete a four-year program in traditional Chinese medicine at an accredited educational institution, pass national registration examinations, and maintain good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).

Maintaining good standing means meeting the College’s ongoing professional, ethical and safety standards for regulated practice in Ontario.

This training helps ensure Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed and dispensed safely and appropriately, with consideration given to your health history, medications, supplements and other relevant factors.

The herbal products I dispense are sourced through professional Canadian suppliers and meet Health Canada requirements for Natural Health Products.

I carefully select the herbal products I dispense and prioritize reputable manufacturers with strong standards for quality, safety, sourcing and consistency.

Yes. One of the key principles of Chinese herbal medicine is individualized treatment. Two people with the same Western medical diagnosis may receive different herbal formulas based on their symptoms and overall presentation.

Your formula may also be adjusted over time as your symptoms improve or your needs change throughout treatment.

I use professional-grade Chinese herbal medicine in concentrated granule form. These granules are made from medicinal botanical ingredients, which may include roots, stems, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, mushrooms, etc.

The botanical ingredients are processed into concentrated extracts and granules, providing the benefits of traditional herbal medicine without the need to boil or prepare raw herbs at home.

Your prescribed granules can simply be mixed with a small amount of warm water and taken as a drink, or placed directly in the mouth and swallowed with water.

Granules allow your formula to be easily customized and adjusted throughout treatment while making herbal medicine more convenient to incorporate into your daily routine.

This depends on the medications, supplements and herbs involved. This is one of the reasons we begin with a free 15-minute consultation, where we can review your individual circumstances, discuss any medications or supplements you are taking and determine whether Chinese herbal medicine is appropriate for you.