FAQ

How does acupuncture Work?

The ancient Chinese made a link between specific hypersensitive points on the skin and specific illnesses or organ dysfunctions. When these points were stimulated, they discovered that the illness or problem corresponding to the hypersensitive pattern would be relieved. From these correlations between the inner and outer states of man emerged the external treatments of massage and needle stimulation and the growth of a comprehensive medical science.

The art of acupuncture rests on the understanding of the human being as a complex organization of energy that forms and sustains our physical, mental, and emotional bodies. This life energy, identified and measured today as bio-electromagnetism, flows along well delineated pathways. Some individuals perceive the pathways (also called meridians or channels) during acupuncture treatment.

We experience optimal health when our energy flow is ample and freely flowing, thus enlivening all organs and tissues. At certain points along the pathways, there is less electrical resistance, where it is possible to adjust this flow. These points are known as acupuncture points. Needles, heat, finger pressure, and electrical micro-current are the most common methods of stimulating these points.

Acupuncture points have very specific functions: They improve digestion, increase white or red blood cell productions, release pain, relax tension, increase energy and circulation, to name a few. When the energy within an organ or an associated pathway is blocked, insufficient or excessive, pain or dysfunction is the result. Stimulating the correct points with the appropriate technique balances the energy flow so that health is restored.

What is the difference between acupuncture & acupressure?

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture.

Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices on different acupoints on the surface of the body, non-invasive, not painful, and well tolerated by children.

Unlike acupressure, acupuncture provides a different therapeutic benefit. Acupuncture inserts beneath the skin, into muscle and tissue, can only be performed by a trained specialist: an acupuncturist. There are 361 acupuncture points on the classical meridians and hundreds of additional acupuncture points. In general, since acupuncture needle is so thin, it requires greater accuracy. The acupuncturist’s level of skill, precision, and technique makes for a big difference in the patient’s experience of needle treatment.

Apply both acupuncture and acupressure can achieve best results—Special package available in our clinic.

Does acupuncture hurt?

People experience differing sensations with acupuncture. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted, some feel no pain at all. Acupuncture needles are as fine as one or two strands of hair and cannot deliver the same sensation as a shot you would get at your doctor’s office, it is much less than the prick you feel during an injection.

What takes place during an acupuncture session?

As each needle is inserted, the acupuncturist will rotate or otherwise manipulate the needle in order to elicit one of these responses: numbness, soreness, pressure, heaviness, or tightness around the point or a darting, electrical-like impulse from the point extending along the energy pathway. This acupuncture sensation is directly related to the healing result. If no response is achieved, it means that the energy has not yet moved to the point or to its pathway. Therefore, the desired result will not take place.

Once each point has achieved sensation, the patient is asked to rest for a period with the needles in place. During this quiet phase, patients often fall asleep, and then awaken feeling deeply relaxed and refreshed. Acupuncture relaxes the nervous system, which is why most people enjoy receiving treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes, acupuncture therapy is safe as long as you are consulting a qualified practitioner.

Make sure, you visit a skillful & registered acupuncturist. The reason is he would know the human anatomy clearly.

Acupuncture is safe as long as the instruments like hair-thin sterilized and disposable needles.

Acupuncture generally does not cause bleeding. If a small capillary is punctured—and capillaries are everywhere—it may cause a tiny spot of blood to emerge. Similarly, slight bruising may occur, particularly in those who blood vessels are fragile. These are mild reactions and no cause for concern.

How many treatments will be required?

The number of treatments will vary with each individual and the condition being treated. For acute problems, only a few treatments may be required. In some case, one treatment will be sufficient.

For complex or longstanding conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks may be recommended with less frequent treatment as improvement occurs. Treatment sessions usually last between 20-60 minutes. Relief may be immediate or occur within a few hours, or after a few days.In some conditions several sessions may be required before improvement is noticed.

Most of patients respond well to acupuncture with noticeable improvement.

Acupuncture can be used as the only form of therapy or it may be combined successfully with other forms of medical or physical therapy.

How long does it take for aupuncture to work?

Acupuncture is a technique that opens up the qi (a sort of energy) of the body. The result of acupuncture on the qi of the body is instant. As the qi is unblocked and starts to flow freely, the body will start to heal itself. Depending on the problem, you can find relief instantly or it may take several sessions.

Why select Wu Tong Health Centre?

1. We have skillful & registered acupuncturists and practitioners.

2. We use single-use, sterile disposable needles

3. We apply both acupuncture and acupressure to achieve best results

4. Free consultation & diagnoses

5. No medical referral required

6. Covered by most extended health insurance

7. MSP, ICBC, WCB accepted