Are there different types of acupuncture?
Yes! There are various styles and methods within the tradition of acupuncture. Due to the cross-cultural knowledge exchange between many countries, variations of acupuncture have evolved including Korean Hand Acupuncture, Japanese Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, French Acupuncture and so on.
Traditional Chinese Medicine style Acupuncture programs involve a variety of biomedical, philosophical and practical training (more than 2000 hours). Part of this training includes experience with motor point/trigger point acupuncture, as well as with a variety of other techniques and methods. Some physiotherapists and doctors have taken a medical acupuncture training program (300 hours) that specifically teaches how to use acupuncture needles to activate motor points and stimulate muscles (please see below). While this can be a very effective method of needling, some people find this technique to be quite intense in the sensations provoked.
Motor-point acupuncture aka Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), Dry Needling, Trigger Point Acupuncture - Motor-point acupuncture plays a pivotal role in the success of sports medicine acupuncture treatments through various techniques. The motor point is defined as the most electrically excitable area of the muscle and represents the greatest concentration of nerve endings. Acupuncture to the motor-point "resets” the dysfunctional muscle that is causing abnormal function and spasm.
The acupuncture needle is one of the modalities that can be used to effectively releases muscle shortening swiftly when inserted into the motor-point. This method of needling can be more intense in the sensations that are provoked. The treatment, which utilizes acupuncture needles because they are the thinnest implements available that are designed to penetrate deep within muscle tissue, specifically targets injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened from distress.
What is Tui-Na massage?
Tui-Na, which dates back to 1700 B.C., is the parent of most modern Asian bodywork forms. Tui-Na can be thought of as a therapeutic extension of western massage, with an emphasis on restoring and balancing energy. To those who’ve experienced both acupressure and Shiatsu, a Tui-Na session may seem like a cross
between the two. Like Shiatsu, Tui-Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tui-Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.
I’ve heard that after an appointment, some people are energized and some people are fatigued. Why is that?
Some people, sensitive to acupuncture and energy-based therapies can find such treatments to be a little draining. Also, people who are quite depleted and dealing with chronic or serious illness may feel the affects of treatment more strongly. For these reasons, it is very important to have a practitioner who will adjust the intensity and duration of your treatment accordingly. Contributing factors to feeling fatigued after a treatment can include not having eaten before-hand or not having gotten adequate rest. Also, consider that if a person is not operating from their true energy (ie. running on adrenaline), they may feel tired after a session because it is what their true state of being is at the moment. Ideally, one should feel relaxed after a treatment. Sometimes, as a result of moving energy in one's system there may be a sense of being re-energized.
Are there risks from receiving acupuncture during pregnancy, either to the mother or baby?
As with all complementary therapies in pregnancy, ensure that the therapist you consult with is fully qualified. As no substance is ingested into the body, acupuncture is generally safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, although certain points must be avoided during pregnancy. In order to prevent the risk of infection of any form, only sterile disposable needles are used during acupuncture treatments. All registered Acupuncturists have received foundational knowledge in obstetrics, although some practitioners pursue training in this field more deeply. Consult with your practitioner to determine the extent of their knowledge, comfort and experience in this area.
Is Acupuncture covered by MSP or extended medical?
Acupuncture, while not fully covered by MSP, it does qualify for reimbursement for those eligible for premium assistance support. As with massage and physiotherapy, MSP premium assistance will cover up to $23 per treatment (up to 10 treatments total per year) for qualifying individuals.
Most extended medical companies offer coverage for acupuncture. Check with your individual insurance provider for details.
Are acupuncture and Chinese medicine regulated?
The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (CTCMA) is an official professional licensing authority established in 1996 by the Government of British Columbia. CTCMA’s purpose is to regulate the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in the Province. The College is a self regulatory body that operates under the auspices of the provincial government and through the Health Professions Act, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists Regulation and Bylaws. CTCMA is an expansion of the original College of Acupuncturists of British Columbia, which was created in 1996 by the government. The College began designating professional acupuncturists as "Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.)" in 1999. Effective April 12, 2003, a valid registered professional license issued by CTCMA is required in order to practice TCM and acupuncture in British Columbia.
How do I find a licensed practitioner?
It is mandatory in BC that all acupuncturists and TCM practitioners are licensed. A listing of licensed therapists can be found at http://www.ctcma.bc.ca
Yes! There are various styles and methods within the tradition of acupuncture. Due to the cross-cultural knowledge exchange between many countries, variations of acupuncture have evolved including Korean Hand Acupuncture, Japanese Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, French Acupuncture and so on.
Traditional Chinese Medicine style Acupuncture programs involve a variety of biomedical, philosophical and practical training (more than 2000 hours). Part of this training includes experience with motor point/trigger point acupuncture, as well as with a variety of other techniques and methods. Some physiotherapists and doctors have taken a medical acupuncture training program (300 hours) that specifically teaches how to use acupuncture needles to activate motor points and stimulate muscles (please see below). While this can be a very effective method of needling, some people find this technique to be quite intense in the sensations provoked.
Motor-point acupuncture aka Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), Dry Needling, Trigger Point Acupuncture - Motor-point acupuncture plays a pivotal role in the success of sports medicine acupuncture treatments through various techniques. The motor point is defined as the most electrically excitable area of the muscle and represents the greatest concentration of nerve endings. Acupuncture to the motor-point "resets” the dysfunctional muscle that is causing abnormal function and spasm.
The acupuncture needle is one of the modalities that can be used to effectively releases muscle shortening swiftly when inserted into the motor-point. This method of needling can be more intense in the sensations that are provoked. The treatment, which utilizes acupuncture needles because they are the thinnest implements available that are designed to penetrate deep within muscle tissue, specifically targets injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened from distress.
What is Tui-Na massage?
Tui-Na, which dates back to 1700 B.C., is the parent of most modern Asian bodywork forms. Tui-Na can be thought of as a therapeutic extension of western massage, with an emphasis on restoring and balancing energy. To those who’ve experienced both acupressure and Shiatsu, a Tui-Na session may seem like a cross
between the two. Like Shiatsu, Tui-Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tui-Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.
I’ve heard that after an appointment, some people are energized and some people are fatigued. Why is that?
Some people, sensitive to acupuncture and energy-based therapies can find such treatments to be a little draining. Also, people who are quite depleted and dealing with chronic or serious illness may feel the affects of treatment more strongly. For these reasons, it is very important to have a practitioner who will adjust the intensity and duration of your treatment accordingly. Contributing factors to feeling fatigued after a treatment can include not having eaten before-hand or not having gotten adequate rest. Also, consider that if a person is not operating from their true energy (ie. running on adrenaline), they may feel tired after a session because it is what their true state of being is at the moment. Ideally, one should feel relaxed after a treatment. Sometimes, as a result of moving energy in one's system there may be a sense of being re-energized.
Are there risks from receiving acupuncture during pregnancy, either to the mother or baby?
As with all complementary therapies in pregnancy, ensure that the therapist you consult with is fully qualified. As no substance is ingested into the body, acupuncture is generally safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, although certain points must be avoided during pregnancy. In order to prevent the risk of infection of any form, only sterile disposable needles are used during acupuncture treatments. All registered Acupuncturists have received foundational knowledge in obstetrics, although some practitioners pursue training in this field more deeply. Consult with your practitioner to determine the extent of their knowledge, comfort and experience in this area.
Is Acupuncture covered by MSP or extended medical?
Acupuncture, while not fully covered by MSP, it does qualify for reimbursement for those eligible for premium assistance support. As with massage and physiotherapy, MSP premium assistance will cover up to $23 per treatment (up to 10 treatments total per year) for qualifying individuals.
Most extended medical companies offer coverage for acupuncture. Check with your individual insurance provider for details.
Are acupuncture and Chinese medicine regulated?
The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (CTCMA) is an official professional licensing authority established in 1996 by the Government of British Columbia. CTCMA’s purpose is to regulate the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in the Province. The College is a self regulatory body that operates under the auspices of the provincial government and through the Health Professions Act, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists Regulation and Bylaws. CTCMA is an expansion of the original College of Acupuncturists of British Columbia, which was created in 1996 by the government. The College began designating professional acupuncturists as "Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.)" in 1999. Effective April 12, 2003, a valid registered professional license issued by CTCMA is required in order to practice TCM and acupuncture in British Columbia.
How do I find a licensed practitioner?
It is mandatory in BC that all acupuncturists and TCM practitioners are licensed. A listing of licensed therapists can be found at http://www.ctcma.bc.ca