North
York Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to email any additional questions to mymedicalconcern@yahoo.com
What Sets Our Clinic Apart From Other Chinese Medical Practitioners?
- Unlike many health care practitioners, such as Chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists who practice acupuncture only as adjunct therapy to their primary therapies. Most of these health care professionals have taken only weekend or intense acupuncture courses (220 hours), Dr. Huang received 5 years (5400 hours) of formal acupuncture training at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. She has been practising acupuncture for 23 years both in China and in Canada. Acupuncture is our primary form of treatment for various health conditions. We take pride in making tremendous changes in our patients' life.
- A comprehensive diagnosis is clearly communicated to you
- We take our time with you: 1.5 hours in the first visit and 60 minute follow-ups.
- We educate you about what's wrong, why and how it can be healed according to Chinese medical principles.
- When you get acupuncture treatments, at no extra charge, we give nutritional counselling, herbal consulting, cupping and shiatsu as needed.
- All of our herbs are GMP certified, safe and effective.
- Your treatment is personally tailored to your needs. Many acupuncturists use the same protocols on all of their patients. At North York Acupuncture, your treatment specifically reflects your unique individual dynamics.
- Evening and Saturday appointments are available.
Is acupuncture painful?
Some people may assume that acupuncture is very painful. That's a misconception. The needles used for acupuncture are solid and extremely fine - much thinner than those used for injections and blood drawing. When the needles reach the acupuncture points, there is a sensation that could be described as tingling or numbing, rather than "painful." Sometimes the sensation may transfer to other parts of the body.
Is acupuncture safe?
One of the striking advantages of acupuncture is that there are rarely any side effects. Only sterile needles are used for treatments. The needles are used only once and then are disposed of. Therefore, there is no risk infection, such as AIDS, strains of hepatitis, etc.
What if I'm afraid of acupuncture?
We can provide acupressure and herbs instead of needles. However, a longer treatment period is usually expected.
What has the World Health Organization stated about acupuncture?
WHO has stated: "Generally speaking, acupuncture treatment is safe if it is performed properly by well-trained practitioner. Unlike many drugs, it is non-toxic, and adverse reaction is minimal."
WHO also states that numerous laboratory studies have provided further evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture. Many acupuncture patients utilize this method of treatment because "its theraeutic actions are achieved by mobilization of [an] organism's own potential; acupuncture does not produce adverse effects, as do many drug
therapies."
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my appointment?
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Tongue diagnosis is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Please refrain from brushing your tongue before an appointment.
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Bring a list of any medications/supplements/herbs, etc. that you are currently taking.
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Wear loose-fitting clothes that is convenience for accessing to areas (such as arms, legs, abdomen, and back) of the body for treatments.
Are there any adverse side effects?
Occasionally the original symptoms of your condition may worsen for the first few days following your initial treatment, this is not uncommon. However, it is important for you to inform your
practitioner of this reaction at your next visit. Appetite, sleep, bowel, or emotional patterns may also change. This should not be a cause for concern, a change in patterns are a sign that the treatment is working. The most common side effect is deep relaxation during and after your treatment.
How Many Treatments are expected?
The total number of treatments required depends upon the conditions of the symptoms. For acute conditions, 80% of patients can see some improvement after 1-2 treatments; after 4-6 treatments, they will notice significant changes in their conditions.
For complex or prolonged conditions, more treatments may be recommended. It usually takes 4-6 sessions to see the improvements, and It may take 2-3 months for a chronic condition to be completely cured.
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