The York Acupuncture Safety Study, a prospective study of 34407 acupuncture treatments found acupuncture to be safe when trained practitioners use sterile, proper equipment. Less than 1% were found to have minor adverse effects (especially when compared to drug regimens or surgical techniques), the most common where a small bruise or drop of blood when the needle is removed, nausea or fainting. All Revivelife professionals that provide acupuncture are licensed, well trained and use only single-use sterile disposable needles and have been well trained in the precautions and contraindications to acupuncture.

Although most people associate needles with pain, acupuncture needles are normally as thin as a human hair and are much smaller than the needles used in the familiar hypodermic injections. They are virtually painless when inserted.  Once the practitioner inserts the needle to the appropriate depth you may feel a sense of warmth, tingling, heaviness which is an indication of Qi (energy) moving or nothing at all. Many people look forward to their sessions and find them very relaxing. You will be provided with a bell to communicate with your practitioner if anything is uncomfortable and/or you need attention.

Acupuncture may be covered by your extended health care insurance provider under the designated practitioner that you receive your treatment by i.e. naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist. In some cases, injuries sustained while on the job or in a motor vehicle accident may be covered for acupuncture care under worker’s compensation or automobile insurance policies.

It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes before your schedules appointment to allow for relaxation before the treatment. Eat lightly a few hours before, hydrate well and wear loose comfortable clothing. The duration of the treatment is usually 30 minutes long. It is best to practice slow and relaxed abdominal breathing during the sessions and avoid moving where possible. After treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of well-being.

Prior to the treatment, a proper traditional Chinese medicine assessment will be performed. This is based on one’s history, health concerns, lab work, and Chinese physical exam. The Chinese physical portion of the exam will take look at an individual’s tongue and wrist pulses. These represent different areas organ systems in the body that can be invaded by different external environmental factors such as cold, wind, damp and heat, creating imbalance. Based on your unique Chinese medical diagnosis, proper point selection is determined.

The number of treatments required and reassessment visits vary depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms to be addressed. Treatments are often once to three times weekly and when there is sustained improvement reduced in frequency.

Acupuncture is offered at Revivelife in a private room setting or community room setting. Community acupuncture is therapy in a group setting. Chairs are set up in a large room where multiple patients can receive acupuncture at the same time in a quiet peaceful atmosphere. You are encouraged to bring friends or family members with you, but keep in mind that a quiet, soothing environment is maintained always. Group therapies are available to help reduce the cost of the service allowing the cumulative effects of acupuncture be more readily accessible. 

Since we treat in an open space, we ask that speaking to be done in a low tone of voice or whisper. Feel free to use earplugs or an iPod, bring your favourite pillow, eye mask, and dress is comfy un-restrictive clothing.

Like private acupuncture, an appointment is required for community acupuncture. For those who have not had an initial Naturopathic consultation or an ND visit in greater than 3 months an initial acupuncture visit is required prior to therapy. Community acupuncture visits are designed for therapy only and reassessments are recommended periodically during the treatment plan to allow a more detailed review of your progress and next steps.

For latest schedule for community acupuncture with our Naturopathic Doctors please contact info@revivelife.ca or 613-829-7100