Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as a Registered Acupuncturist in Victoria, British Columbia, I provide Acupuncture Services. Please note: I am not a TCM practitioner, therefore I do not provide traditional herbal therapies. 

Typically, after treatment, patients feel calm and sleep deeply. Sometimes, when we are treating orthopedic style Acupuncture, working on muscle tension, a patient might feel sore or achey. This will typically pass by the next day. Patients can also feel dizzy upon getting up after treatment. This is quite normal and will pass within a few minutes.

Acupuncture can treat a multitude of things, which you will see a list of when completing your intake form. This form is a thorough list used to determine symptoms in the varying body systems such as, respiratory, circulatory, integumentary, and reproductive, among others. Any and all of these systems can be treated at varying levels of effectiveness. Some are more siple, and others complex. This will be determined at the time of your appointment. Some of the most common issues we treat include: 

Infertility, Migraines / Headaches, Menstrual Disorders, Night Sweating, Pain and Discomfort of any kind, Blood Pressure issues, Anxiety / Depression, Irritability, Insomnia, Nightmares, Addictions, and much more.

Yes, as a Registered Acupuncturist in Victoria, British Columbia, I provide Cupping Therapy. Please note: I am not a TCM practitioner, therefore I do not provide traditional herbal therapies. 

As a Registered Acupuncturist, I have studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Acupuncture connected to its own medical framework. However, I do Orthopedic needling wherein I needle muscles to relieve tension. Please note, we do not use the title IMS or Dry Needling as this is a specific treatment modality of some Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Naturopaths. 

I currently work at Equilibrium Therapeutics at unit 101, 3645 Tillicum Road, at the junction of Tillicum Road and Douglas. The clinic can be contacted for booking directly via www.bookatreatment.ca or calling (250) 590-7888.

Yes, I direct bill to extended benefits, however patients are expected to pay at the time of their appointment whether their insurance accepts the direct billing request or not. It is your responsibility to look into your coverage ahead of time. Please come prepared to pay, either way.

The following are treatment costs by hour: 

45 Minutes: $95.00

60 Minutes: $120.00

75 Minutes: $130.00

90 Minutes: $150.00

120 Minutes: $200.00

We can absolutely treat infertility in women and also in men, though the treatment is quite different between each. For a female patient, the treatment surrounds the menstrual cycle and will be dependent upon the deficiencies impeding pregnancy. Sometimes, diet therapy and other changes might need to be used.

Acupuncture needles are quite dissimilar to hypodermic needles, or needles used in taking blood or injecting vaccinations. The needles, in diameter, vary in size though I prefer to use the most slim needles available. These needles are not hollow and are coated in silicone which increases the ease in which they are inserted. In my personal practice, a gentle approach is my preferred method of treatment. It is my opinion that needling should limit stimulation to the nervous system and that it should cause little discomfort. However, depending on existing nervous tension, as well as the patient's fear of needling, can influence discomfort. Methods are employed to decrease pain at all times.

There are some risks included in Acupuncture treatment. These will be laid out in your intake form and must be consented to prior to treatment. Minor risks include bruising, slight bleeding and increased pain. More serious risks include, nerve damage, pneumothorax, and others, though these are thoroughly avoided and our training is rigorous in avoiding serious complications.

There are many contraindications to Acupuncture which will be established on your intake form. These include, but are not limited to: Hemophilia, Cancer, and certain forms of treatment in Pregnancy. At this time, I prefer not to treat pregnant patients, though aftercare is available.

Needling depth depends on the area of insertion and the risk involved. Needling involves insertion into muscles, particular points depending on indication, and areas of fascial tension which are obstruction the free flow of Qi and Blood. 

Some points are in far more sensitive areas than others, which I will usually point out prior to needling. However, as nervousness can increase your pain, I typically avoid it. However, the pain will most often diminish after a few minutes. Should the discomfort persist, I encourage patients to inform me.