F.A.Q.  

(What kinds of diseases can be treated by acupuncture?)

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( Acupuncture introduction-Youtube video))

What is acupuncture ?

 

 

 

 

 

 Acupuncture (the insertion of very fine needles to promote the flow of energy within the body) is a balancing technique purported to restore the body to optimal health. The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues, blood flow and nervous pulses also follow meridians to run through the body to various parts, structures and organs. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers are like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. Any obstruction and blockages or deficiencies of energy, blood and nervous pulses would eventually lead to disease. Needling the acupuncture points can influence the meridians: the acupuncture needles unblock the obstruction at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. Modern science explain the functions of acupuncture as following: Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
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What is acutherapy ?

 

 

 Acutherapy is a special word we created a few years ago, representing alternative medical method. In our clinic, we treat our clients with the unique way, which includes acupuncture, Qigong massage and other techniques depending on differentiation of the syndromes. Our methods are different from ordinary acupuncture and massage, therefore, most of our clients who came to see us may have already tried different healing approaches, but some of them had not been satisfied with their results. After being treated a few times with the acutherapy, they felt much better than before, and most of the conditions were eliminated afterwards.
  

Does acupuncture hurt ?

 

 

 Acupuncture is not only painful but also sanitary. The most commonly used acupuncture needle is only about 0.2 millimeters in diameter that is as thin as a hair. It hardly ever hurts because expert acupuncturists can "pat" needles into the skin as quickly as possible without giving no or little pain to their patients. In addition, nowadays all the acupuncture needles are disposable ones and acupuncturists take every precaution to sterilize their hands before they treat their patients so as to avoid contagion through needles or acupuncturists' own hands.
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What is moxibustion ?

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy where an herb, moxa in the herbal form, or artemesia vulgaris, is burned and used to indirectly heat specific acupuncture points or regions of the body. Moxibustion and acupuncture are considered complementary forms of treatment, and are commonly used together. Moxibustion is used for ailments such as cold type pain, asthma, certain types of paralysis and arthritic disorders.
  

What is cupping ?

Cupping is a modality that uses a partial vacuum in a specially designed metal, wood, glass or plastic cup. When applied to the surface of the skin the underlying soft-tissue is drawn to the cup. The cups may be moved to provide a form of massage. Cupping is unique in its ability to provide a negative pressure to the soft-tissue. It is used for low backache, sprains, and soft-tissue injuries.
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What is T.C.M. ?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) is one type of Oriental Medicine. T.C.M. possesses two outstanding features: holistic point of view and application of treatment according to the differentiation, including herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage (TuiNa), remedial exercises and diet. It has been used in China to restore health and treat disease for over 3000 years. Sometimes, T.C.M. stands for Traditional Chinese herbal Medicine, which consists mostly of nature herbal plants and mineral substances. The herbal medicine can be used to treat diseases by oral taking or external application. Herbal formulas can be oral taken in a variety of ways. The patient may be prescribed raw herbs. He/she will take home, and following simple instruction, steep these herbs into a tea to be drunk at home. Although we call it "tea," some patients find the taste to be a little less than "delicious." For this reason, many practitioners also offer herbal supplements in pill and capsule form. Herbal formulas tend to be created for a single patient and their specific pattern of disharmony.
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What are the differences between T.C.M. and Western Medicine ?

  In short, Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been viewed as two distinct and divergent medicines. Their approaches to physiology and healing appear quite different in perspective. While Western medicine separates the various systems and organs of the body and delves deeper and deeper into the particles that comprise matter. Chinese medicine views the body and further, the whole person, as a unified organic whole. Spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects are all seen as interrelated and interdependent.
The diagnosis of Western Medicine is based on evidence found in the body and the principle of treatment is almost similar to the same disease. However, the diagnosis of TCM and the approach of treatment are based on each individualized practitioner's experience and knowledge. Therefore, the therapeutic effect is different quite often. So, it is more important for clients to find a good TCM practitioner.
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Is acupuncture a "one shot deal" or are multiple visits required ?

  Generally a series of treatments is required. After an initial evaluation the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment plan that includes the modalities to be used as well as the frequency and duration of treatment.

  

What kinds of needles are used? Safe? Painful?

  Extremely fine stainless steel needles are used. To avoid the risk of transmission of contagious disease, all needles are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged and disposable. In the majority of cases, patients barely feel anything at all, but only a small percentage experience some discomfort during treatment.
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Does MSP cover acupuncture treatment?

  As of April 1st, 2008, the BC government will officially allow registered acupuncturists to be covered under Medical Services Plan(MSP) premium-assistance program. Those who make less than $28,000 per year are eligible to have $23 covered for 10 visits, to be shared between chiropractors, naturopaths, physiotherapists, massage therapists, non-surgical podiatrists and now acupuncturists.

Our acupuncture practice is covered by most extended health plans, and now, MSP Premium-Assistance program partially covers acupuncture visits for an annual total of $230. In another word, the patient only pays $25 for each treatment if they are eligible (Maximum 10 visits per year). and the BC government will pay us $23 for each treatment. On initial visit, we will find out by patient's care card if they are qualified for assistance or not.

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Hycroft Medical Centre
Suite 112, 3195 Granville Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3K2
Tel: (604)-733-3358

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