FAQ's

What happens during an acupuncture treatement?

The basic technique consists in inserting very fine needles into precise points in the body in order to redirect the vital energy to maintain or restore balance. These points are located along pathways in both halves of the body, called meridians, and correspond to the energy channels that run throughout the body. The selection and method of stimulation of these points are determined by the acupuncturist, based on the energy diagnosis. All of the points selected, as well as their combinations, have an effect on a determined bodily organ, area or function, and therefore act on a set of varied symptoms and/or on the initial cause of the imbalance.

Are the treatments painful?

The insertion of the acupuncture needles feels like a mosquito bite; it lasts only a fraction of a second and leaves no mark. Once the needles are in place, the patient generally feels a sense of well-being and relaxation.

How deep are the needles inserted?

With a few exceptions, most acupuncture points can be stimulated on the surface, so there is no need to insert the needles deeply. Moreover, there are precise indications as to the needle depth and angle of insertion for each point. These instructions have been passed down to acupuncturists for thousands of years, ensuring they practice their craft safely and effectively.

Besides needles, what other techniques can be used to stimulate acupuncture points?

An acupuncture treatment can also comprise other methods, such as:

• Moxibustion, which involves burning an herb called mugwort on the end of a needle or near an acupuncture point;
• Ba Guan Zi, which are suction cups that are applied to an acupuncture point or moved along a meridian;
• Pi Fu Zhen, also called plum blossom, which is a small long handled hammer inlaid with seven needles that is lightly tapped on the skin;
• Contemporary methods such as
   - the use of mild electric stimulation to the needles to complement the acupuncture treatment
   - the use of laser as a replacement for the needles.
• Tui Na: a TCM modality of treatment that uses specific massage techniques to stimulate points, meridians or regions of the body based on the inherent principles of Traditionnal Chinese Medicine. Acupressure is one of the techniques, amongst many others, used in Tuina.

Can diseases be spread by the needles?

The measures taken in 2003 by the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec have all but eliminated the risk of diseases being spread by acupuncture needles. In fact, the Ordre requires that all acupuncturists practicing in Québec must use only sterile, single-use needles.

Are there risks or side effects related to acupuncture?

The National Institutes of Health (Consensus 1997) reports that acupuncture causes very few or no side effects, representing a significant advantage over certain conventional treatments.

Although minimal and occasional, some side effects are possible. Normally, these reactions disappear on their own or are corrected during the treatment, and rarely pose a problem for the patient. These include but are not limited to: slight bleeding, small bruises and/or sensitivity at the needle insertion sites.

How many treatments are needed?

The number of treatments depends on the severity of the disease, its progression and how long it has been present, and, above all, the patient's vitality. In acute cases, frequent sessions are needed. In chronic cases, treatments are more spaced out and are administered until the disease improves or stabilizes. The acupuncturist will be able to provide more details at the first consultation.

Is acupuncture covered by the RAMQ?

Treatments are not covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). However, more and more insurance companies are reimbursing a portion of the treatment costs. Check with your insurance company and request that they add acupuncture to your insurance policy if it not already there.