Did you know?
Acupuncture is covered by most extended health plans in BC. Please contact your employer or extended health provider to find out about your coverage.
Students!! UVic Student Health Plan and Camosun College student plan also cover acupuncture fees.
B.C. residents who qualify for premium assistance (an income of $28,000 or less) Medical Services Plan will cover $23 per visit to a maximum of 10 visits per calendar year. Find our about our DIRECT BILLING TO MSP SERVICE!
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles (as thick as a human hair) into the body for therapeutic effect. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on theories of Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) flow through distinct channels or meridians. At Heart & Hands, we practice a unique distal balancing system using points mainly on the arms and legs.
If you have any additional questions about acupuncture or what it is like getting treated, considering reading, “Why did you put that needle there?“, published free, online by Manchester Acupuncture Studio.
The role of an acupuncturist is to assist the body to shift back into a balance.
The body inherently knows balance, but will periodically stray off the path. We believe health and wellness is a PROCESS that will wax and wane with the seasons, illness or injury, aging and life changes. By committing to consistent treatments, it will allow you to weather life’s ups and downs (read about treatment frequency).
Acupuncture is safe and effective
Acupuncture works quickly, is versatile and can be used frequently. It is extremely safe with mild side effects, which may include minor bruising, bleeding or light-headedness. It does not interfere with medications and has been safely used on elderly, pregnant women and children (yes, we treat kids, ask us for details!). ONLY single-use, disposable, sterile needles are used and are shallowly inserted into through the skin.
Can I receive acupuncture if I am pregnant?
Modified treatments are extremely helpful for supporting pre and post-natal conditions. Midwives common recommend acupuncture for a variety of issues including:
- Fatigue & body pain
- Morning sickness & other digestive issues
- Breech or posterior babies
- Labour preparation & induction (an effective alternative to medical induction)
- We sometimes recommend acupressure for further support at home.
Click HERE for some resources. - New mommy? Check out our Mom & babe acupuncture! Acupuncture is ideal for post-partum recovery!
So needles…does it hurt?
Sensitivity will vary from person to person. Insertion of the needle may generate a split second prick, this is followed by an unusual sensation of either aching, heaviness, warmth or tingling. Patients often become accustomed to sensations with regular treatments and most leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Benefits of Community Acupuncture
A strong therapeutic effect
All living things GENERATE and EXCHANGE magnetic and electrical energy. Acupuncture increases the flow of these energies, which aid in healing. When people receive acupuncture together, these energies are collectively magnified and the therapeutic value of the treatment increases.
Less isolation
Being treated in a group is a powerful social experience. To be in the quiet presence of others during a treatment reminds us that we are not alone. Reducing isolation can strengthen a person’s resistant to disease.
Acupuncture is a process
We recommend regular and frequent treatments. In Asia, a typical treatment plan for a chronic condition can be 2-3 treatments a week for a couple months. Most of our patients do not need that much acupuncture, and most people require a course of treatments, not just a single session. Community acupuncture is set up to facilitate this process so that you may come in as often as needed to get better and stay better.
Affordability & Accessibility
Generally, acupuncturists see only one patient per hour and charge $60 to $120 per session. At Heart & Hands, we don’t. We believe that acupuncture does not need to be expensive to be effective. Our sliding scale ($20-40) allows more people to access acupuncture and to use it as a preventative, long-term health practice. It becomes affordable to come as often as needed to GET well and STAY well!
What can acupuncture treat?
Common colds/flu, allergies & asthma
Digestive complaints- indigestion, acid reflux, IBS, etc.
Insomnia, restless leg syndrome
Hypertension, diabetes
Stress, anxiety, depression
Neck, shoulder and back tension
Tendonitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder
Chronic pain & arthritis
Smoking cessation & withdrawal support
Headaches, migranes & TMJ
Menstrual irregularities & menopause
Fertility & pregnancy support
Morning sickness & labour induction
Side effects of radiation, chemotherapy & other medications
Immune boosting
…wondering if acupuncture can help ______________? Don’t hesitate to ask!