FAQs

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It aims to restore balance and promote well-being by regulating the flow of energy (qi) along meridians. Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system and promoting natural painkillers and blood flow.

Acupuncture is generally considered to be a low-pain or relatively painless procedure. However, individual experiences may vary. The sensation felt during acupuncture can range from no sensation at all to a mild tingling or a temporary prick or pinch as the needles are inserted. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, much thinner than needles used for injections or blood draws. They are typically inserted quickly through the skin into the underlying muscles and tissue, with the depth varying depending on the specific points being targeted. Most people find the process to be comfortable and even relaxing.

Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions. In fact, the World Health Organization released a 2019 report that lists over 100 medical conditions that acupuncture has been effective in treating. These include many types of pain and injuries, stress and anxiety, infertility and digestive issues. Please call our office to discuss whether your specific health concern can be treated using acupuncture.

Determining if acupuncture is working can be subjective, but a few indicators can suggest its effectiveness. If pain relief was the goal, you should see a reduction in pain intensity, frequency, or duration. You should see improvements in the targeted symptoms or conditions, such as better digestion, reduced anxiety, or improved sleep. You should notice improvements in your overall well-being, including relaxation, enhanced mood, increased energy levels, or a sense of balance. Lastly, most people notice changes in bodily functions related to the condition being treated, like regular menstrual cycles or improved digestion. Some conditions take more time than others to be impacted by acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will make recommendations on a treatment plan based on their experience treating your particular condition(s).

Yes, acupuncture has been recognized as an effective treatment by various medical organizations and is widely practiced worldwide. In fact, in 1997, the National Institute of Health released a statement that acupuncture can be effective in treating certain conditions. The acupuncturists at Shoreside have been providing positive results over thousands of acupuncture treatments for various health concerns.

While acupuncture is generally safe, there are some individuals who should exercise caution or avoid acupuncture. People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising from needle insertion. Although needles are never used more than once, individuals with compromised immune systems should approach acupuncture with caution due to the risk of infection. If you are in this situation, please discuss your condition with your acupuncturist prior to treatment.

Yes, all our acupuncturists are licensed by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). The CTCMPAO sets standards for education, professional conduct, and ethical practice, ensuring that registered acupuncturists meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to professional standards.

Generally, the answer is no. If our acupuncturists are licensed by College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO), it does not mean they are also licensed to provide registered massage therapy services. In order to provide registered massage therapy services, the practitioner would need to hold a dual license, in that they would also need to be licensed by the The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Several of our practitioners at Shoreside do have dual licenses. When making an appointment with our office, please indicate the services you require, so that our reception staff can match you with the right practitioner for your needs.

No, we do not charge extra for cupping therapy like many other acupuncture clinics do. During the treatment time that you have scheduled and for one fee, we will provide a combination of the most effective treatment modalities, which may include acupuncture in isolation, or acupuncture in combination with cupping therapy, electric stimulation or Tui Na therapy.

Yes, we do utilize electric stimulation techniques. This technique involves attaching electrodes to the inserted acupuncture needles and delivering a small electric current to stimulate the acupuncture points. The electrical stimulation can enhance the effects of acupuncture and is often used for pain management and certain conditions like paralysis or muscle weakness. However, it's important to note that not all acupuncture treatments involve electric stimulation, and it depends on the specific approach used by our practitioners.