Thankfully, more and more extended health plans offer coverage for acupuncture treatments by a Registered Acupuncturist. Contact your insurance provider directly to learn more about your plan’s specific amounts and maximums. WorkSafe BC may also cover up to 8 acupuncture treatments if you sustained a workplace injury or were injured in a motor vehicle accident.

I offer direct billing for the most common insurance providers through eClaims and Pacific Blue Cross.

According to a 2010 bulletin published by the WHO, acupuncture is considered inherently safe in the hands of well trained practitioners. In Canada, we have stringent health & safety protocols to ensure patients safety and to minimize the risk of adverse effects. On occasion, mild side effects may include light bruising and/or bleeding at the point of insertion and feelings of light headedness or nausea.

Most patients find the treatments very relaxing. I use Japanese-style, coated, ultra-fine needles to insure the most comfortable experience possible.

Everyone’s experience is different, however most people barely feel the needles when they are inserted and, following this, is sometimes a mild zing, aching sensation, heaviness or warmth.

If you have any concerns, let me know and I promise to walk you through the whole process before we start our session and will be with you every step of the way.

In Canada, it is mandatory to use sterile disposable needles. We are also required to use stringent sanitation protocols in keeping with Health Canada standards.

This depends on what you are hoping to work on. Chronic issues tend to take longer to resolve, while a new injury may be resolved in a couple sessions. We will discuss a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and means during our first session.

I recommend eating a light meal an hour or two before your treatment to mitigate any risks of dizziness.

Afterwards, be kind to your body and drink plenty of water.